Sixth Form Information 2019/20

1

Our aim in the Sixth Form is to open up your horizons, to

broaden and deepen your skill-set and to offer you challenges

and experiences that will develop you intellectually and socially,

helping you to find the right pathway for your future. St Mary’s

girls benefit from the school’s strong ethos, which develops

confidence, integrity, resilience and empathy alongside increasingly

independent academic skills.

We welcome girls from other schools into the Sixth Form although

places are limited. In the UVI, girls look forward to their time

in the exclusive Mary Ward boarding house, which provides

independent accommodation, for the UVI only. With cooking

facilities, attractive communal spaces, a distinct programme of

social and academic events and a real sense of community, you

begin to have more of an undergraduate experience, which offers

outstanding preparation for university and beyond. Friendships

made at this time continue on beyond St Mary’s and our alumnae

often remark that these lifelong relationships are cemented in the

Sixth Form.

Relationships with teachers and tutors take on a new, very

rewarding and personal dimension. A Level study necessitates

a more independent approach to learning and this process is

carefully managed to ensure success. Small classes, workshops,

seminars, debates, trips and lectures: all contribute to a vibrant

experience of academic life in the sixth form. St Mary’s girls excel

in their undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and they tell

us that the Sixth Form experience here gave them the very best

preparation they could have had.

Sixth Form life offers many leadership opportunities. The school

has an exceptionally strong service ethic and you can enjoy a

diversity of leadership roles within the school community. Good

leaders make outstanding university applicants and they go on to

be women who are responsible global citizens.

The huge range of co-curricular activities at St Mary’s means that

you will take part in an enriching programme alongside academic

studies, which encompasses sporting, artistic, creative, intellectual,

cultural, spiritual activities, community service and much more.

Living and working in our beautiful school in the heart of a small

country estate within easy reach of Bath, Salisbury and London

gives you the best possible conditions to flourish and make the

most of your Sixth Form years at St Mary’s.

Susie Cochrane-Dyet

Head of Sixth Form

ContentsForeword 1

Introduction 2

From the Head Girl 6

University Destinations 7

Art 8

Biology 9

Business 10

Chemistry 11

Classical Civilisation 12

Drama and Theatre 13

Economics 14

English Literature 15

French 16

Geography 17

History 18

History of Art 19

Latin 20

Maths and Further Maths 21

Music 22

Philosophy, Theology and Ethics 23

Photography 24

Physical Education 25

Physics 26

Psychology 27

Spanish 28

Textiles 29

Sixth Form life is the most exciting part of the St Mary’s

journey. It is a time of transition, where the challenges of

A level study make significant new demands but bring great

rewards. We offer an excellent range of subject options

and, being a small school, our Sixth Formers benefit from

genuine one-to-one support, guidance and mentoring.

2 3

The Sixth Form is about finding the subjects that will inspire you to go further, to read more widely, to discuss your ideas and to develop as learners. Trying to pick just three subjects after having such a wide and varied range of courses at GCSE is no easy task, but it is a decision that will be worth thinking about very carefully in order to make the best possible choice. Ask yourself:

Which subjects do I enjoy the most?

Where do my strengths lie?

Are there particular subject combinations that might work well together?

Are there any new subjects that sound particularly appealing?

Which subjects would I really miss if I had to give them up?

You will have lessons in all of your subjects, as well as around four to six hours of self-directed study, each week. This is an opportunity to go into real depth in your chosen subject areas and to explore beyond the confines of the curriculum. The step-up in expectations and work can seem daunting to begin with, but it is also a really exciting opportunity.

Although your career aspirations or university choices might help inform your decision, do not forget that these might change during your time in the Sixth Form. You are most likely to enjoy your Sixth Form life and make the strongest progress if you are pursuing the subjects you most enjoy.

Throughout the autumn term of UV, you will be encouraged to talk to your teachers and form tutors about possible A Level subjects. Following your mock examinations in November, further discussions will take place and you will need to make your final choices at the end of February. At this point, the option blocks will be written for the academic timetable.

Introduction

Choosing your A Level Subjects

Timetable for Choosing Subjects

Subjects Available

Art • Biology • Business • Chemistry • Classical Civilisation • Drama and Theatre • EconomicsEnglish Literature • French • Geography • History • History of Art • Italian (chargeable extra) • Latin Maths and Further Maths • Music • Philosophy, Theology & Ethics • Photography • Physical Education

Physics • Psychology • Spanish • Textiles

Number of Subjects

In an increasingly crowded marketplace, the top A Level grades will continue to allow our students to challenge successfully for the most competitive courses at the most prestigious universities and to access the best further training

and careers. Year after year, outstanding A Level results ensure that the overwhelming majority of our students gain entry to their first-choice university. This is testament to the hard work and skill of students and teachers alike.

Students at St Mary’s will typically take three full A Levels. In addition to this, we will encourage you to consider taking an extra activity to complement your academic studies. This could be doing an Extended Project Qualification, Gold Duke of Edinburgh, or a fourth academic subject.

We are sometimes asked to comment on the appropriateness of some A Level subjects as far as they are viewed by leading Russell Group and research-based universities in the UK. The Russell Group recognises that there are a wide variety of

highly respected A Levels and, to help students to choose appropriate subjects for a specific degree course, they have produced a website called Informed Choices - www.informedchoices.ac.uk

Subject Combinations

4 5

General Studies and General RE

Beyond the Classroom

We offer a General Studies programme of Friday afternoon lectures, designed to stimulate, inform and challenge your thinking. We have speakers from all walks of life and professions, who come to talk on a wide range of topics. Girls often come away moved and hugely inspired.

General Religious Education is a key part of the Sixth Form education experience. It is

enrichment - based on discussion but with no final examination. It gives you an opportunity to explore additional and highly relevant topics pertaining to faith and religion, engaging in lively, thought-provoking discussion.

This is a well-respected part of the curriculum that draws on the expertise of teachers and of external speakers.

Life in the Sixth Form is not just about academic opportunities; it is about taking advantage of the wider range of activities that will allow you to try new things and develop new skills. Whether it is being involved with sport, debating, taking the lead in a school production or participating in one of the many exciting and varied co-curricular clubs available, we want you to experience a vibrant and exciting life outside the classroom.

There are opportunities in the Sixth Form to exercise leadership and take responsibility for others, through the Prefect and Head Girl systems, as well as by leading committees and societies or mentoring the younger girls in the school. Sixth Formers develop supportive, friendly relationships with staff and are much-valued by the school community as well as being our best ambassadors.

Social events run throughout the year exclusively for Sixth Formers. These include the Charity Ball, a Burns Night Supper with reeling and the Walled Garden Festival. In addition, there is an Epicurean Supper and Rock Soc at Sherborne, regular socials with local schools and the opportunity to enjoy

local British culture and learn about modern etiquette.

As part of the weekend Enrichment Programme, Sixth Form girls are given the opportunity to run sessions to develop leadership, planning and presentation skills. You can get involved with debating, critical thinking, Oxbridge Discussion Groups, Medical Ethics, Foreign Film Soc, the Rock Band and Shutterbabes.

Girls also get involved in running events and learn about budgeting and event management through being Events and Charities’ prefects. They all benefit from our bespoke ‘Life Skills’ programme which includes things like basic car maintenance and driving theory, citizenship issues like politics, managing finances and presentation skills.

Those who are involved in Chaplaincy can engage with the St Vincent de Paul Society and many go on to join volunteering trips to Lourdes with the Order of Malta, along with young men and women from Catholic schools across the country.

The world of work is constantly evolving and at St Mary’s we ensure our pupils are fully equipped to seize the opportunities available to them. Whilst university remains the most popular post-school choice, there is growing uptake of the hugely beneficial In-House Training Schemes and Advanced Apprenticeships being offered throughout industry and commerce.

In the Sixth Form, you are personally guided by the school’s experienced Head of Sixth Form as well as your tutor as they develop your thoughts about post-A Level options.

Opportunities to meet and network with business professionals are made available throughout the Sixth Form. This is done via Careers Fairs, talks by experts in diverse fields, helping you to set up work experience placements (increasingly a key feature of successful university application) and facilitating your networking with St Mary’s alumnae across

many different careers.

Preparation for applying to university starts early in LVI when we take pupils to the South West UCAS convention attended by most universities in the UK. Here you can talk first-hand to students about their courses and life at university. At the same time, you are encouraged to do extra-curricular reading based around courses of interest and link it to any relevant Extended Project Qualification being undertaken.

We encourage you to complete your UCAS application early in the UVI and regular sessions are held to help finalise your choices and draft your supporting personal statement.

You are given individual advice and support by your subject teachers, tutors and the Director of HE & Careers. Girls report that they find the process highly rewarding and motivating.

Careers and UCAS Guidance Extended Project Qualification

The EPQ is a highly-regarded and flexible qualification, worth half an A Level, where students manage their own time to answer a research question of their choosing. Recent projects on using DNA editing to cure HIV, and

the relevance of the pipe organ in the present day, have allowed girls to show off their academic curiosity to admissions tutors at competitive universities.

6 7

From the Head GirlCassia Thackray

Throughout my time at St Mary’s, I have boarded and loved it but in the Sixth Form

it is a truly different experience. As a year group you become much closer, with

stronger friendships and a more focused dynamic. Everyone is motivated by taking

subjects they are deeply interested in, working in a wonderful environment which

they make the most of; naturally you all help each other to achieve the best.

Your relationship with teachers changes having chosen their subject – one they

are passionate about. Being in smaller classes means they know you better, and

understand how you work best, giving them the flexibility to use different teaching

styles. You also feel as though you are very well known by your subject teachers,

tutors and Head of Sixth Form, who all care about you.

In the Sixth Form we are treated more like adults and given responsibilities which are

an excellent preparation for life beyond St. Mary’s. In LVI taking opportunities such

as becoming a House Captain allows you to practise and master crucial leadership

skills such as time management, planning, delegation and public speaking. There

are also many opportunities to get more deeply involved with your subjects, which

helps to demonstrate your commitment when applying to universities. Weekend

enrichment sessions teach us life skills from changing a car tyre to managing finances

and organising student loans.

I am part of the 1st Netball Team, Chapel Choir, the Debating Society, the Leiths

Cookery course and the lifeguarding team. I am also currently completing my Gold

Speech & Drama Award.

Cassia hopes to study Geography at Durham University

University Destinations

University of the Arts, London Graphic Design

Fordham, USA Dance

Oxford English

Plymouth Art Foundation

Falmouth Fine Art

Cambridge Philosophy

Cardiff Biomedical Science

Birmingham Neuroscience

Coventry Photography

Cambridge (Girton) Modern Languages

Warwick Linguistics with French

Oxford Brookes History

Exeter History of Art

Newcastle History

Oxford Brookes History of Art

UCL Economics with Business

Edinburgh Economics

Edinburgh Architecture

Reading Agricultural Business

Bristol History

Newcastle History

Liverpool History & Hispanic Studies

Queen Mary UoL History & Politics

UCL Applied Medical Sciences

Bath Architecture

Leeds Art Foundation

Edge Hotel School Hotel Management

Lancaster Business & Analytics

Plymouth Human Biosciences

Edinburgh Illustration

King’s College International Development

We are very proud of the diverse range of degrees Sixth Form girls

go on to study at university. A selection of the most popular destinations

and degrees for 2017, 2018 and 2019 are below:

St Andrew’s International Relations & Italian

UWE International Relations & Politics

Sheffield Business & Marketing

Edinburgh Italian & History of Art

Sheffield Jewellery & Metalwork

Cardiff Business Management (Marketing)

Bournemouth Law

USA Chemical Engineering

Swansea Law

Exeter Classical Studies & English

UWE Marketing Communications

Newcastle Classics

Nottingham Classics

St George’s Medicine

Durham Social Sciences

Durham Modern Languages & Cultures

Roehampton Criminology

Spain Dentistry

Edinburgh Persian & English Literature

LSE Economics

Cardiff Pharmacy

Edinburgh Economics & History

Warwick Philosophy

Exeter English

Swansea Physics

UCL Physics

Oxford English

Winchester Primary Education with QTS

UCL English

Royal Holloway English & Creative Writing

Kingston Product & Furniture Design

Bristol Veterinary Science

8 9

Course RequirementsA GCSE in Art or Textiles

OR

A portfolio to show evidence of a high level of drawing skills,

creative use of media and techniques, and an understanding of

artists’ works and, above all, a passion for the subject.

Course Details and AssessmentThe first year of the A Level course focuses on the ‘process’ and

you will experiment broadly with ideas, techniques and media. It

is a teaching and learning year, during which you will build up new

skills in preparation for the second year including life drawing,

screen printing, etching, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography,

mixed media, installation art, conceptual art, and many more.

You will have the opportunity to make your own sketchbooks,

stretch paper and canvasses, mount and display work, present

and discuss ideas. You will be given short projects to encourage an

independent and creative approach in which you will be expected

to take risks and think creatively. Our trips include visits to London,

St Ives and a location abroad which will help to further inform your

work.

The A level coursework is an in-depth Personal Investigation in

which you will explore, experiment, record and develop ideas

through the use of media, techniques, artists’ research and critical

thinking, leading towards a 15 hour outcome.

Alongside this you will write a 1,000 to 3,000 word Related Study

that runs alongside your own personal visual journey. This will

count towards 60% of your final mark.

Between February and May you will prepare for your 15 hour exam

which will be 40%.

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesPhotography, English Literature, Psychology, History of Art, Maths

and Physics are all A Level subjects which complement the study of

Fine Art.

An Art Foundation after A Level will give you the opportunity

to experience working in a range of areas before you choose a

specialist subject to study on a three year degree course at an art

school/university.

If you are certain of your preferred specialism during the A Level

course you can apply directly for degree courses. Students wishing

to pursue architecture will also need Maths and/or Physics at A

Level to be accepted onto the degree course.

Degree Courses – Fine Art, Set design, Interior Design,

Architecture, Advertising, Graphics, Cinematography, Animation,

Fashion and Costume design, Tailoring, Textiles, Jewellery design, to

name a few.

* Please note that there is a termly charge of £50.

A Level Fine Art will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the subject and to find areas you

wish to pursue within the context of the creative process. You will develop, refine and record ideas

through to realisation, whilst demonstrating critical and contextual understanding.

ArtExamining Body AQA Biology

Examining Body OCR

Course RequirementsA minimum of a grade 6 in either GCSE biology or combined

science is essential. Also, as the assessment of quantitative skills

will include at least 10% of the written examinations at level 2

and above, we would expect that a grade 6 at GCSE Maths (or

equivalent) would be required for students to be able to cope with

this.

Course Details and AssessmentThe A Level content is divided into 6 modules:

MODULE 1 – Skills of planning, implementing, analysis and

evaluation.

MODULE 2 – Cell structure; Biological molecules; Nucleotides and

nucleic acids; Enzymes; Biological membranes; Cell division, cell

diversity and cellular organisation.

MODULE 3 – Exchange surfaces, transport in plants and animals.

MODULE 4 - Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the

immune system; Biodiversity; Classification and evolution.

MODULE 5 - Communication and homeostasis; Excretion as

an example of homeostatic control; Neuronal communication;

Hormonal communication; Plant and animal responses;

Photosynthesis and Respiration.

MODULE 6 - Cellular control; Patterns of inheritance; Manipulating

genomes; Cloning and biotechnology; Ecosystems; Populations and

sustainability.

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesBiology is a required subject for any biological degree course,

including Biochemistry, Psychology or Microbiology. It is also highly

recommended for those going on to Medical or Veterinary School.

The list of potential careers within Biology is almost infinite. Here

are some popular areas:

Medical Field – Physician, Pharmacist, Nutritionist, Pathologist,

Forensic Scientist

Animal science – Veterinarian, Marine Biologist, Zoologist

Education – in schools or universities

Research – Humans continue to learn new things about how life

forms interact, develop and degrade. If you are the inquisitive type

who wants to be on the cutting edge of scientific discoveries, you

may want to pursue a career in biological research. Research is

typically conducted at universities and requires an advanced degree

within a more specialised field, like nutrition, medicine and animal

science.

A level Biology is a great choice if you want a career in health and clinical professions, including

medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, nursing and forensic science. We also hope that

you will want to study Biology because you love the subject and find the natural world and physiological

processes fascinating and inspiring.

10 11

Course RequirementsYou do not need to have studied Business at GCSE to study

Business A Level as you will be introduced to all core content. The

course does require an ability to undertake successful mathematical

calculations and the best candidates are those with an interest

in business and an ability to put themselves in the shoes of real

business people. Crucially, you must be willing to make decisions

and explain your reasoning in extended pieces of writing. It is,

however, a highly accessible course and it rewards hard work with

good results.

Course Details and Assessment The Pearson Edexcel Advanced GCE in Business (A Level) is

structured into four themes and consists of three externally

examined papers.

Pupils are introduced to business in Themes One and Two

(Marketing and People and Managing Business Activities) during

the LVI year through building knowledge of core business concepts

and applying them to business contexts to develop a broad

understanding of how businesses work.

Themes Three and Four are studied during the UVI; Business

Decisions and Strategy and Global Business. Breadth and depth of

knowledge and understanding, with applications to a wider range

of contexts and more complex business information are developed,

leading to a more strategic view of business opportunities and

issues.

You will sit three exams at the end of the course:

Paper One: Marketing, people and global businesses (Theme One

and Theme Four) - 35%

Paper Two: Business activities, decisions and strategy (Theme Two

and Theme Three) - 35%

Paper Three: Investigating business in a competitive environment .

This exam paper has a pre-released context. You will investigate an

industry or market in which businesses operate before your exam.

The data response and essay questions in the exam are linked to

the context. The paper lasts 2 hours and represents 30% of the

total qualification. The pre-released context is made available in

November allowing significant research and in-class discussion.

Your are not able to take any of your research or investigation data

into the examination.

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesBusiness A Level provides excellent preparation for a career in

business and opens up a wide range of opportunities in higher

education. Business can be studied with a variety of other subjects,

such as languages, sciences and the arts. You will be well equipped

to study a degree in business management, accountancy, tourism

or international business. Future careers could be in banking, sales,

marketing or entrepreneurship.

Business A level is an excellent subject if you enjoy communicating and explaining ideas, and exploring

and presenting alternative courses of action. Throughout the two years, you will develop the ability to

think strategically and make decisions. An interest in current affairs is useful as the course necessitates

learning about the world of business and trade through research and investigation.

BusinessExamining Body EDEXCEL Chemistry

Examining Body OCR

Course RequirementsIn order to study A Level Chemistry, you must achieve a minimum

of a grade 6 in your GCSE, although experience has shown us

that grade 6 candidates usually struggle with the rigour of this

demanding subject. It should also be noted that there is a fairly

large mathematical component in both the course and the

examination, so a natural aptitude in Maths is expected.

Course Details and Assessment A summary of the content for the A Level course is as follows:

MODULE 1 - Development of practical skills in chemistry; practical

skills assessed in a written examination; practical skills assessed in

the practical endorsement.

MODULE 2 - Foundations in chemistry; atoms, compounds,

molecules and equations; amounts of substance, acid-base and

redox reactions, electrons, bonding and structure.

MODULE 3 - Periodic table and energy; the periodic table and

periodicity; group 2 and the halogens; Qualitative analysis; Enthalpy

changes; reaction rates and equilibrium (qualitative)

MODULE 4 - Core organic chemistry; basic concepts;

Hydrocarbons; alcohols and haloalkanes; organic synthesis; analytical

techniques (IR and MS)

MODULE 5 - Physical chemistry and transition elements; reaction

rates and equilibrium (quantitative); pH and buffers; Enthalpy,

entropy and free energy; Redox and electrode potentials; transition

elements

MODULE 6 - Organic chemistry and analysis; aromatic compounds;

Carbonyl compounds; carboxylic acids and esters; Nitrogen

compounds; Polymers; organic synthesis; Chromatography and

spectroscopy (NMR)

ASSESSMENT

Paper 1: 2hrs 15 mins - Periodic table, elements and physical

chemistry (100 marks)

Paper 2: 2hrs 15mins - Synthesis and analytical techniques (100

marks)

Paper 3: 1hr 30 mins - Unified chemistry (70 marks)

In addition to the three externally-assessed examinations, the A

Level assessment includes the Practical Endorsement, which is

internally assessed by St Mary’s and externally moderated. The

Practical Endorsement is reported separately from the overall grade

issued for the A Level, which is determined by performance in the

examinations.

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesThe most common combinations of subjects studied with A Level

Chemistry are Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Psychology

and Economics, but there is no reason why it cannot be studied

in conjunction with History, English, Art or Modern Languages. A

good grade in A Level Chemistry can lead to University courses

such as Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Land Management,

Genetics, Life Sciences, Cosmetic Sciences, Archaeological Sciences,

Environmental Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Food Sciences,

Medicine, Natural Sciences, Nutritional Science and Analytical

Chemistry, amongst many others.

The OCR specification allows us to adopt a flexible approach to the delivery of this content-led A Level

Chemistry. Practical work done to support teaching of the content will serve to cover the requirements

of the practical skills module (Module 1) which is assessed in written examinations and through the

Practical Endorsement.

12 13

Course RequirementsYou can study Classical Civilisation at A level with any combination

of GCSEs and no prior study is required. As an essay-based subject

with an emphasis on factual knowledge and interpretative/analytical

skills, a good performance in GCSE humanities subjects would be

advised.

Course Details and AssessmentFor all of the three components which make up the course, there

are Latin or Greek texts to read in English; for Greek Theatre and

Greek Religion, there are also some visual sources, these essentially

being photographs either of buildings or of paintings on Greek

vases. The three components are each examined by one exam at

the end of Upper VI; this will contain both over-arching essays and

shorter questions on extracts from the set texts or on the visual

sources.

COMPONENT 1 – 40%

The World of the Hero. We start with Homer’s Odyssey, where

Odysseus swims for days on end, cleverly blinds and outsmarts the

one-eyed cyclops, escapes when all around him are killed by Zeus’

thunderbolt or by rock-throwing giants, dangles from a branch to

avoid being sucked into an massive whirlpool and finally takes on

70-odd suitors in battle, disguised as a tramp.

Then we move on to Vigil’s Aeneid, who does get through all sorts

of scrapes too. He has a liaison with a queen, but there is more to

this hero, who has the job of laying the foundations for the future

Roman race as instructed by the gods and whose sense of service is

being held up as an example for the Romans of Virgil’s day.

COMPONENT 2 – 30%

Greek Theatre. Forget Mathilda; forget Harry Potter and the

Cursed Child; and get back instead to where it all began - Athens.

Study the theatres themselves - open air and dish-shaped, and read

three of the very best plays. Sophocles’ famous tragedy about King

Oedipus, who belatedly realises that he and his wife Jocasta are

actually mother and son… !?! He gorily blinds himself out of shame.

A tragedy by Euripides, The Bacchae, where king Pentheus learns a

lesson about the terrifying power of the gods, and a comedy, The

Frogs by Aristophanes, where an effeminate and timid Dionysus

doesn’t seem quite so impressive as he relies on his much smarter

slave to get him to the underworld so that he can invite back the

recently dead Euripides, so depressed is he by the falling standards

in Greek Tragedy.

COMPONENT 3 – 30%

Greek Religion. If you thought that acting in masks was strange,

wait until you learn about Greek religion, with its impenetrable

oracles and its mystery cults. Find out about the temples, the

different gods, blood sacrifices, the pouring of wine as a libation

and the Olympic Games.

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesAs a good essay-oriented subject, which is primarily literature-based

but does also involve some visual sources, Classical Civilisation

serves as useful preparation for a wide range of degree courses in

English, History, Geography, Sociology, Politics, etc. Most universities

offer courses in Classical Studies too.

“Class Civ” takes you on a varied and engaging trip through the Ancient Roman and Greek cultures with

their colourful extremes. At St Mary’s we use the new OCR H048 specification.

Examining Body OCRClassical Civilisation Drama and Theatre

Examining Body AQA

Course Requirements There is no formal requirement to have studied Drama at GCSE.

However, all the practical skills required for performance or design

and the associated practice of collaborative working need to be

considered alongside a strong desire to create and appreciate

Drama and Theatre at a high level. The academic skills of thoughtful

reflection expressed through a vivid written style are also needed

for exam success in this enjoyable and rewarding subject.

Drama and Theatre A level naturally combines well with English,

as many of the skills required for analysing characters and their

motivations can be applied to both subjects. English set works

may also include plays and other dramatic texts. There are often

behavioural links between characters and themes in Drama

and Theatre which can be appreciated by those who also study

Psychology, together with links to philosophical, metaphysical and

spiritual ideas where those who study Philosophy and Ethics can

also make useful connections.

As a visually creative subject, Art and Photography are also

compatible A levels as well as Music, which Brecht rightly called ‘the

Sister-Art’.

Course Details and AssessmentDrama and Theatre A level has elements of both practical and

academic work

COMPONENT 1: Drama and Theatre - 40%

This assesses your knowledge and understanding through the

study of 2 set plays, one from a list of drama from Greek Tragedy

onwards and the other focusing on 20th and 21st century plays.

This component also includes the analysis and evaluation of live

theatre productions. Written exam: 3 hours

COMPONENT 2: Creating Original Drama (practical) - 30%

A devised group piece of original drama is researched, developed

rehearsed and performed. Your contribution in performance is

assessed according to the role that you have nominated; you can

opt to be assessed as either a performer, lighting designer, sound

designer, set designer costume designer, puppet designer or

director. As well as the 20 performance marks, you are also given a

mark out of 40 for your Working Notebook, in which you will have

detailed your devising process and the influence of one influential

theatrical practitioner on the style of your group’s work.

This is marked internally and moderated by AQA.

COMPONENT 3: Making Theatre (practical) - 30%

This time choosing to be assessed from up to three specialisms

from the previous list of skills, you practically explore and interpret

three extracts taken from three plays. The third extract is

performed as a final assessed piece together with a written report,

both of which are marked by a visiting examiner from AQA.

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesAs well as being the obvious choice for anyone interested in the

performing arts or the media, the benefits of taking this course

extend well beyond the world of drama and theatre. You will grow

in confidence, not only in your presentation and communication

skills but also in problem solving and in working with others –

excellent transferable skills of great value at university and beyond,

as independent and confident individuals.

This highly creative course helps you to get a real understanding of the skills required to take a written

play or a theme, and produce it in an appropriate theatrical style. You will be taken to a range of

productions (at some extra cost) so that you can experience the rich diversity of theatrical styles in which

you might wish to work.

14 15

Course RequirementsThere is no need to have studied Economics before and there are

no specific subject skills required. The exam skills needed include

basic mathematics (in particular, calculating percentage changes and

totals derived from percentages) and those who are good at Maths

tend to do very well in Economics. The ability to write concise

and coherent arguments is also essential. Economics is a subject

that uses logic to both understand and assess economic ideas.

We work on all these skills throughout the course. Many other

subjects supplement the study of Economics, which fits well with

humanities, social sciences and Mathematics in a course of A level

study.

Course Details and AssessmentThe Specification consists of two components:

COMPONENT 1: Microeconomics

COMPONENT 2: Macroeconomics.

There is a further Component 3 that is examined and not

taught, which marries together the topics from the previous two

Components into synoptic questions. Each Component is examined

in a 2-hour paper, comprising one third of the total grade.

Microeconomics is the study of individual markets and how

they work. You will learn how prices are formed and why the

government may or may not intervene where the price does not

reflect the true costs and benefits to society, for example by looking

at how petrol is taxed to compensate for the user’s contribution

to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Deeper microeconomics

study centres on the labour market, how it can fail and what tools

the government can use, such as the National Minimum Wage, to

benefit the wider economy.

Macroeconomics is the study of wider economy; inflation,

unemployment, economic growth and the current account. In

this course we also assess the impact and relevance of the budget

deficit that has dominated media and politicians’ discussions, as

well as a wide variety of other policies governments can use to

oil the wheels of the economy, such as taxes, education spending,

interest rates and infrastructure development. Development of this

course focuses on the role of economic and political integration,

such as the EU and globalisation, on development and sustainable

economic growth.

The course is a wonderful one to teach and our focus is on

ensuring that even the most abstract theoretical ideas are conveyed

in a relevant way to you by using real-world issues and events.

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesThere is no doubt that Economics is valued greatly in higher

education and as a consequence, a good A Level grade opens doors

to many courses at the very best universities.

Economics is a fascinating subject and is the ultimate exercise in democracy, giving you the skills to

assess and criticise the seemingly confusing noise, often on the news, of politicians discussing economic

policy. It is a dynamic subject that covers recent but crucial events such as the “credit crunch” and

“Brexit.” The areas of less developed countries and international trade are also now coming to the fore in

economics since Donald Trump announced his “wall between the US and Mexico.”

Examining Body OCREconomics English Literature

Examining Body OCR

Course RequirementsIf you are considering taking English Literature for A Level,

you should enjoy reading. We recommend a grade 6 at English

Literature as a minimum course requirement; however, anyone

would benefit from this subject as learning about the world in

which we live and how it has changed over time helps us to find

our own place in society. Pupils also studying History, Theatre

Studies, Classical Civilisation, Psychology, Philosophy & Ethics and

History of Art benefit from further understanding and background

to close textual analysis.

Course Details and AssessmentThere are three components: two examined units of 2 hours, 30

minutes (closed text) and one coursework component. Students

are required to study a minimum of eight texts for the complete

A Level, including at least two examples of each of the genres of

prose, poetry and drama across the course as a whole. This must

include at least three texts published before 1900 (including at least

one text by Shakespeare); at least one work first published after

2000 and an unseen extract.

We often find that coursework is the most popular component,

and you should find out from the Upper Sixth the range of topics

that they are investigating. A brief outline of the course is as

follows:

• the texts must have been first published or performed in

1900 or later

• at least one of these texts must have been published or

performed in 2000 or later

• one of the texts may be a significant or influential text in

translation

Task 1: close reading (of 1000 words) or re-creative (350-400

words) and commentary (600-650 words); this task is worth 15

marks

Task 2: an essay which explores contrasts and comparisons

between two texts. No more than 2000 words; this task is worth

25 marks

The total contributes 20% towards the final grade.

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesEnglish Literature at A Level is recognised as a highly academic

qualification and so it is a passport to any university and course.

Likewise, we have known students who having embarked on a

degree in English (or some combination), have gone on to study

divergent disciplines such as Law and even Medicine.

We build on what pupils know already from GCSE to help develop valuable transferable skills

of sustained research and composition. You are encouraged to develop critical awareness and

understanding of individual works of literature, of relationships between texts and of the significance of

cultural and contextual influences on readers and writers.

16 17

Course RequirementsGCSE results are important if you are considering French A Level.

Realistically you may find it hard work to achieve the top grades if

you have not achieved a 7 at GCSE, nevertheless our policy is to

accept all enthusiastic students. There have been occasions when

pupils with low grades at GCSE have achieved A and B grades –

though this is rare. Some pupils who have not done French GCSE

but have come to us from Francophone cultures or educational

backgrounds will of course be most welcome.

Course Details and AssessmentThis is a fascinating and engaging course which encompasses many

different disciplines. It also complements other A Levels (like

History, Classics or English Literature) extremely well by deepening

your ability to analyse a broad range of issues all in the Target

Language. You will study technological and social change, looking

at the multicultural nature of French society. You will also study

highlights of French artistic culture, including a focus on regional

identity and the cultural heritage of past civilisations. They will learn

about aspects of the diverse political landscape of the Francophone

world. As well as exploring the influence of the past on present day

French communities, you will study art, poetry, texts and film and

will have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an

area of their choice.

Assessment tasks are varied and cover listening, speaking, reading

and writing skills. Across the two-year course you will be assessed

regularly in all four skill areas, and receive twice-weekly speaking

sessions with our dedicated language assistant to truly perfect their

oral French.

Year 1 will focus on the key topic areas and your ability to discuss

these and decode both written texts and listening passages that

draw from said areas. You will learn to propose and defend your

points of view on these matters in order to increase spoken

confidence.

Year 2 is an excellent preparation for university study as it is

devoted more to the literature and film of French culture, and essay

writing. The Independent Research Project is a self-driven research

task that can be tailored to your personal passions, and proves a

fascinating and engaging way to further develop language skills and

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesAn A Level in French, or any language, is a passport to any chosen

career. Linguists have excellent communication skills, confidence

borne of challenging study and an A Level that all employers and

universities consider a marker of academic ability. Russell Group

Universities respect the challenge of a language, and Cambridge

and Oxford certainly look upon a language favourably. With an A

Level in a language, multiple pathways open up to you.

If you want to work towards a feeling of true fluency and understanding in French, then carrying on to

A Level is most certainly for you. The course is made up of stimulating content which develops linguistic

skills alongside an understanding of the culture and society of the countries where French is spoken. A

Level gives passionate linguists the chance to really learn to express themselves in French whilst debating

some of the most topical and up-to-date issues.

Examining Body AQAFrench

Examining Body AQA Geography

Course RequirementsTo study Geography, ideally you will have an interest in the world

around you, current affairs and world travel. You should have good

written language skills and an interest in fieldwork. Examiners are

always pleased when pupils demonstrate an understanding of what

is going on in the world, outside the classroom.

Course Details and Assessment• Paper 1 – Physical Geography: Water and carbon cycles,

Coastal systems and landscapes, Hazards

• Paper 2 – Human Geography: Global systems and global

governance, Changing Places, Population and the environment

EXAMINATIONS

There are two written papers. Each paper is 2 hours 30 minutes

long and will consist of a mixture of multiple choice, short answer

and extended answer questions. Each paper will be worth 40% of

the A Level.

NON-EXAMINED ASSESSEMENT (NEA). This is a piece of

independently written coursework consisting of 3,000 – 4,000

words, based around a geographical investigation. It is based

upon part of the syllabus (likely to focus on the Changing Places

topic) and should be developed by the student. This component

may involve a four day residential trip at the start of the UVI

year to Nettlecombe Court, a Field Studies Council centre in

North Somerset. Here the girls will undertake a wide variety of

geography fieldwork and collect the data that they will use for

their coursework write up. There will be an additional charge of

approximately £250 for this compulsory fieldwork course.

The investigation is marked by teachers in school, moderated by

AQA examiners and is worth 20% of the A Level.

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesGeography can be combined with any other subject as it links with

the sciences and the arts. Within Geography there are elements

of Economics, Biology, Chemistry, History and Mathematics

(specifically, Statistics).

Geography can lead to a wide range of degree options including:

Geography, Law, Environmental Science, Geology, African/

Asian Studies, Land Management, Travel, Leisure Management.

Career choices that are specifically related include surveying,

town planning, climate change and natural disaster management,

environmental science, meteorology, travel industry, teaching, GIS,

cartography etc. In addition, skills obtained from Geography lend

themselves to a diverse range of career options. Geographers are

very employable.

Geography A Level will give you an understanding of the complexities of human and physical

environments. It addresses contemporary issues and enables you to become an informed global citizen.

The aim of the course is to study the inter-relationships between people and their varied environments,

and the questions, issues and problems which arise from these connections.

18 19

Course RequirementsGCSE results are important if you are considering History A-Level.

Realistically, you may find it hard work to achieve the top grades

if you have not achieved a 7 at GCSE, nevertheless our policy is to

accept all enthusiastic students. There have been occasions when

pupils with low grades at GCSE have achieved A and B grades –

though this is rare. Some pupils who have not done History GCSE

take the subject up at A Level and have often achieved excellent

grades.

Course Details and AssessmentWe follow the OCR A specification. In the first year we study two

diverse periods. Our first module considers whether or not events

during the reigns of Edward VI and Mary I constituted a crisis for

the Tudor dynasty, followed by an in depth study of Elizabethan

England. We look at the challenges Elizabeth I faced, her Religious

Settlement, the nature of her Government and her management

of domestic problems. This is tested by a 90 minute examination

which challenges students to analyse sources from the period as

well as put forward their own conclusions and arguments in an

essay. It is worth 25% of the A Level. The second module charts

the development of Germany as a country – from the democratic

Weimar Republic, through the rise and fall of the Nazi Dictatorship

and eventually the post-war division of the country into West and

East Germany. This is tested by a 60 minute examination and is

worth 15% of the total A Level.

The second year is an excellent preparation for university, as one

part of it is a personal investigation of 3000-4000 words, worth 20%

of the total A Level. Unlike the great majority of other schools,

St Mary’s allows pupils to base this coursework on any major

historical issue that they wish to study. Over the past two years

investigations have included: the Aztecs; the French Revolution;

the English Reformation; the Suffragettes; the Indian ‘Mutiny’; the

Vietnam War; the Israel-Palestine crisis, the Fall of the Roman

Empire; the rise of Islam; and the Slave Trade. The final module is a

fascinating study of China and its Rulers, 1839-1989. This focuses on

the nature of the Chinese government and its impact on Chinese

society and the wider world, as it transformed from Imperial

dynasty to Mao’s Communist dictatorship and beyond. This will be

tested by an examination of 150 minutes, where students will be

required to analyse a theme over the entire time period, as well as

critique historical interpretations of events. It is worth 40% of the

total A Level.

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesIn recent years, St Mary’s Historians have been offered places to

study History at Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol, Durham, Edinburgh,

St Andrews, York, Leeds, Exeter, Oxford Brookes and SOAS. Many

others have done joint courses incorporating History, or closely

linked other subjects such as Politics or Anthropology.

History at university opens the way to a rich variety of careers,

including Law (where History is widely seen as a critical

requirement), Journalism, Media and Marketing, Public Relations,

Politics, Government work - especially in the Civil Service,

International Development, Research and Teaching. A large number

of History graduates also go into the City and Banking.

History A level provides you with a core of hard fact that you must learn to master, but also requires you to be

deductive, perceptive and imaginative in the way you use facts and frame arguments. Studying History teaches

you to compress large quantities of information into clear arguments, to think and write analytically, and to

approach a very wide range of important issues with an informed, enquiring and open mind.

Examining Body AQAHistory History of Art

Examining Body Cambridge International Examinations

Course RequirementsThe course requires no previous knowledge of the subject nor

any practical ability and experience in Art. It is assessed by written

examination. An ability to write both descriptively and analytically is

an advantage. Learning to construct a successful argument forms an

integral part of the course.

Course Details and AssessmentCambridge Pre-U reports achievement on a scale of nine grades:

Distinction 1, Distinction 2, Distinction 3, Merit 1, Merit 2, Merit 3,

Pass 1, Pass 2 and Pass 3. These are equated to A level grades and

UCAS tariff points. Pupils take all four components, which a are

assessed at the end of a two-year programme of study.

COMPONENT 1: Analytical Studies

For this component you study 36 works of art and architecture in

great depth addressing the formal/visual analysis, subject matter,

materials and processes, style, patronage, reception and matters

relating to the political and historical context.

Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes comprising of three 30-minute

answers.

COMPONENT 2: Historical Topics

An in-depth study of two historical topics.

Topic 1. The art and architecture of antiquity: The topics cover

Classical art and architecture of the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic

periods.

Topic 2. Man, the measure of all things: the Italian Renaissance

1400-1600: The topic investigates the development of the Italian

Renaissance through the study of the Renaissance art and

architecture in the context of its time and society. Examination: 2

hours 15 minutes comprising of three 45minute answers each.

COMPONENT 3: Thematic topic

The Nude: The topics addresses the representation of the nude

or naked human form which lies at the heart of the visual culture

across time and space. It includes themes such as the ‘classical’

Greek nude and its inheritance, religion and the nude and the

history of the representation of the female nude in the Western

tradition. Examination: 2 hours 15 minutes comprising of three

45-minute answers.

COMPONENT 4: Personal Investigation

This is a written assignment of 3000 words on your chosen topic.

It is designed to allow you to engage in independent research and

gives you an opportunity to investigate an artist, art-work or a

movement you are interested in personally and apply skills and

knowledge acquired through the study of other units to the new

topic. You submit a 500-word proposal by October of the UVI year.

The finished personal investigation is then submitted for external

marking in February.

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesHistory of Art provides a firm base for undergraduate study

at universities and art colleges and the subject is offered by

universities. St Mary’s girls have studied History of Art at major

universities such as Exeter, the Courtauld Institute, St Andrew’s,

Manchester, Edinburgh and Oxford Brookes. Those who continue

with History of Art beyond A Level apply their skills in a wide

range of careers including work in art administration, auction

houses, publishing and journalism, art conservation and valuing,

teaching, tourism industries and real estate.

Cambridge Pre-U is a qualification launched by Cambridge University and is an exciting academic

qualification for Sixth Formers at St Mary’s. The subject provides an opportunity to learn about all the major

steps in the cultural and social development of western art and civilisation. You are offered an opportunity to

attend trips to Florence, Rome, Paris, Oxford and London to see the works of art in situ and face-to-face in

support of your studies.

20 21

LatinExamining Body OCR

Course RequirementsPupils choosing Latin should have a good pass at GCSE.

Course Details and AssessmentThe language and literature components account for 50% each of

the total marks available, examined in four papers at the end of the

two year course.

In the Language component, you will increase your repertoire of

vocabulary and cover new areas of grammar. From the language

course, you not only learn to translate harder passages of Latin, but

also continue to develop more generally as linguist. There is also

the challenge of translating Latin verse into English and a particular

focus on rendering the Latin into natural English. In addition, you

will learn to scan Latin hexameter, which will help you both to

appreciate the rhythm of the poetry studied and can also serve as a

useful tool when translating unseen verse.

In the Literature component of the course, the primary emphasis is

on understanding the Latin with perfect accuracy and analysing the

writing in great detail to assess how authors exploit technical so as

to put points across, generate moods or draw characters.

The texts are, of course, longer than at GCSE as are some of the

written exam answers; over-arching essays are included, though

the titles are generally straightforward in nature. Options include

the idealistic and verbose speech maker Cicero, the concise,

penetrating historian Tacitus, the lofty and patriotic epic poet Virgil

the tongue-in cheek, self-deprecating and insincere love poet Ovid,

and timeless Horace.

Through the selection of literature studied, which is predominantly

from the golden era of Rome, you will gain an insight into a period

of Roman history that has been an enduringly powerful influence

on western civilisation, the period when the Roman Republic

became the Roman Empire.

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesSkills learned in the Language component are highly transferable

to other areas. They can help you to write with greater clarity

in English and to unpick foreign language translations more

systematically. Also, a very logical mind-set comes from consistently

applying the extensive tables of verb, noun, adjective and pronoun

endings to translation, and from getting to grips with the literal

meanings of Latin’s more unusual quirks; Latin is said to be a highly

regarded qualification in computer programming.

The skills gained from working on Latin Literature are significant.

The focus on very close commentary, at the level of paragraphs,

sentences and individual words, gives you strong skills in the

reading, comprehension and appreciation of any text. Latin A Level

pupils learn to spot the methods writers are using, categorise the

words chosen and so evaluate the intended effect of a piece of

writing or a sspeech; these skills are of great use in journalism,

politics, and many other fields requiring skilled manipulation of

language, notably Law.

St Mary’s has a strong record in the Classics. Over the last ten years or so, pupils have gone on from St

Mary’s to study Classical subjects at excellent universities, including both Oxford and Cambridge.

Mathematics and Further Mathematics Examining Body

EDEXCEL

Course RequirementsWithout a good understanding of the work covered at GCSE,

students find A Level Maths very difficult so any student wishing

to study this subject must have, at least, a grade 7 GCSE pass. The

main reason for studying Mathematics to an advanced level is that

it is interesting and enjoyable. People like its challenge, its clarity,

and the fact that you know when you are right. The solution of a

problem has an excitement and a satisfaction. If you enjoy tackling a

problem, you will enjoy the course.

Course Details and AssessmentThe board we use for A Level Mathematics is Edexcel. The

previous modular structure is no longer available and AS level

qualifications will not count towards any element of the A level

examination. Both A level and AS level Mathematics have a simple

2:1 ratio of pure to applied content.

A level Further Mathematics has a simple 50:50 split between

compulsory and optional elements, with familiar option choices and

defined content.

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesMathematics is obviously a natural choice to support the Sciences

and Economics, but it is also very useful to support almost every

area of the curriculum. Material from the statistics module is used

in Geography and Psychology as well as being useful whenever

there is the requirement to analyse data.

Mathematics is an A Level entry requirement at University for all

sorts of subjects. Geography, Psychology and Sociology degrees will

definitely have modules where mathematical techniques are vital

to your understanding of the subject. All sciences such as Biology,

Chemistry and Physics use so much mathematical technique as they

progress that an A Level in Mathematics will vastly enhance your

ability to succeed. Even in essay-based subjects such as History, A

Level Mathematics can be useful. It teaches you to think in a logical

way, something which is vital when putting across your argument.

A qualification in Mathematics can open an infinite number of

doors to numerous different careers. There are opportunities

in the obvious ones such as finance and business, science and

engineering, the environment, but also in sport, health and society

as well as entertainment.

The Government has produced an excellent website to promote

careers which require a Mathematics qualification http://www.

mathscareers.org.uk/ and it is well worth having a look at it before

making any decisions.

If you enjoy a challenge, like problem solving and are prepared to persevere, Mathematics and/or Further

Mathematics are for you.

22 23

Course RequirementsIf you wish to take A Level Music, you do not necessarily need to

have taken it at GCSE, though this would be a distinct advantage.

You should possess a knowledge of musical theory to at least Grade

V (ABRSM) and be performing at a level equivalent to at least

Grade VI (ABRSM).

Course Details and AssessmentThe Eduqas course provides not only exciting content and a well-

balanced framework, but also the scope to explore and indulge in

a wealth of musical interests beyond the set course. Candidates

must choose either Option A in both Components 1 and 2 or

Option B in both Components 1 and 2. All candidates must study

Component 3.

COMPONENT 1

Option A: Performing (35%)

A performance consisting of a minimum of three pieces.

Option B: Performing (25%)

A performance consisting of a minimum of two pieces either as a

soloist or part of an

ensemble or both.

COMPONENT 2

Option A: Composing (25%)

Two compositions, one of which must be in response to a set brief,

and must reflect the Western Classical Tradition. The second is a

free composition.

Option B: Composing (35%)

Three compositions, one of which must be in response to a set

brief, and must reflect the Western Classical Tradition. The second

composition must reflect a different area of study. The third is a

free composition.

COMPONENT 3 Three areas of study:

Area of study A: The Western Classical Tradition, which includes

two set works. Choose one for detailed analysis and the other for

general study:

Symphony No. 104 in D major, ‘London’: Haydn

Symphony No. 4 in A major, ‘Italian’: Mendelssohn

A choice of one area of study from:

Area of study B: Rock and Pop

Area of study C: Musical Theatre

Area of study D: Jazz

A choice of one area of study from:

Area of study E: Into the Twentieth Century

Area of study F: Into the Twenty-first Century

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesMusic taken as an A Level will enhance any subject and can work

equally as an adjunct to the sciences as the arts. There is a strong

correlation, for example, between Maths and Music as well as a

high instance of musicians within the medical world.

For those who wish to take the subject further there are two main

options: conservatoire training or a more traditional course at

one of the many universities that offer excellent music education.

These institutions offer a wide variety of courses where you can

focus on your playing, the academic and the technological, or a

mixture of all three. The organisation and multi-faceted aspects of

a music degree not only gives access to jobs in the music industry

(performance, production, management, charity, education) but is

also seen as an important aspect of your CV when you come to

pursue a non-musical career.

The A Level Music specification is an exciting and vibrant one, combining all the elements of performance,

listening, analysis and composing. Study of the widest possible range of music is encouraged. The course

is designed to be accessible to all musicians, whether you want to pursue it post-18 or involve it as part of

your overall education.

Examining Body WJEC EduqasMusic

Fascinating and enlightening, A level Religious Studies puts to work your powers of logic and reason as

you learn and analyse 3 millennia of fierce debate about humans, the world they live in, and the creator

that may or may not have made it all. Critical thinking, close reading, clear writing, and logical analysis

all get a thorough workout as you dive into the brains of the world’s greatest thinkers of all time.

Course RequirementsYou can study Religious Studies at A level with any combination

of GCSEs and no prior study is required. As an essay-based

subject with an emphasis on factual knowledge and interpretative/

analytical skills, a good performance in GCSE humanities subjects

would be advised.

Course Details and AssessmentThe course is divided into three components: Philosophy of

Religion, Ethics, and Developments in Christian Thought. Each has

equal weight and all three are each examined by a 2 hour exam at

the end of UVI.

COMPONENT 1: Philosophy of Religion

In the Philosophy of Religion component you will be taken on a

journey from the 5th Century BC in Greece where Heraclitus was

wondering if he could step in the same river twice, to Canterbury

in the 11th Century AD where a monk by the name of Anselm

was thinking about ‘that than which nothing greater can be

thought’, to the 20th century cafés in Vienna where Wittgenstein

was smoking cigarettes and musing, “the limits of my language are

the limits of my world’. All along the way you will be discovering

questions and theories concerning the nature of the soul, mind

and body, the existence and nature of God (what is ‘God’ anyway?)

and the nature of language – how it is used, and whether it can be

used to talk about God.

COMPONENT 2: Religion and Ethics

Leaving the mind blowing Philosophy discussions in one

classroom, you will walk into another room debating a range of

ethical theories that are being applied to all sorts of hair raising

contemporary issues – nothing will be safe from analysis – you

will be dealing with sexual ethics, business ethics, questions of

conscience, abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, and even

embryonic research.

COMPONENT 3: Developments in religious thought

As St Mary’s we naturally choose Christianity for our ‘one study

of a major world religion’. But do not stifle a yawn thinking this

will all be woolly talk about how to be nice to your neighbour!

Brace yourself for questions and developments of thought on

some seriously eyewatering issues such as the role of gender and

sexuality in religion – does a woman really need a man to save

her?!

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesRS is not the reserve of a future nun. Plenty of good atheists have

made it through the course. The Russell Group of top universities

asserts that A Level RS provides, “excellent preparation for

university” and both Oxford and Cambridge Universities include

RS in the top-level list of suitable A Levels. One in five students

admitted to Oxford to study Maths recently had A Level RS, more

than those with Economics and Physics! In 2019 here at St Mary’s,

two of the three successful Oxbridge candidates took RS A Level

(going on to read English at Oxford and Philosophy at Cambridge).

Given the content and need for logical critical thinking, this subject

is very well suited to careers in Law and Politics.

Philosophy, Theology and EthicsExamining Body

OCR

24 25

PhotographyExamining Body AQA

Course RequirementsA genuine interest and enjoyment of photography or the arts is

essential, combined with a willingness to experiment with a variety

of processes. You do not have to have studied GCSE Photography

to apply for the A Level Photography Course. However, a GCSE in

Photography or an Art & Design subject is an advantage.

Course Details and AssessmentCOMPONENT 1: Personal Investigation 60%

The Personal Investigation derives from initial starting points

determined by the pupil. It has two integrated elements: a portfolio

of practical work and a related study (1,000 – 3,000 words) which

explores the context in which your chosen practical area of study

exists.

COMPONENT 2: The Externally Set Task 40%

The paper is released on the 1 February and will provide you

with a number of themes, each with a range of written and visual

starting points, briefs and stimuli. You will have a 15-hour controlled

assessment to produce an outcome.

AS LEVEL

Externally Set Task 100%

The set task paper will be released on 1 February and will provide

learners with a number of themes, a choice of written and

visual starting points. A response will be based on one of these

options. Students have a 10-hour non-exam controlled assessment

(internally assessed and externally moderated).

All work is assessed according to the AQA assessment objectives.

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesSubjects which complement the study of Photography are Fine Art,

History of Art, Psychology, English, Sciences and Business Studies.

* Please note that there is a termly photography course studio

charge of £70

We always have enthusiastic groups of students who produce outstanding work whilst participating in

this lively and thought-provoking course. Your portfolio of work is tailored to your future aspirations

and supports your university application and interview. The A level offers a diverse range of areas of

study: Portraiture, landscape, commercial, still-life, documentary, experimental imagery, editorial,

photographic installation, moving image, animation. You explore a variety of techniques and processes:

Traditional darkroom practices, printing and developing films, digital technology, the use of a digital/

film SLR camera, specialist equipment and lenses, studio lighting techniques, mixed media art based,

and digital darkroom practices and a variety of professional software.

Physical EducationExamining Body

AQA

Course RequirementsYou would normally be expected to have successfully completed a

GCSE in Physical Education but this would not exclude those who

have not done so.

Course Details and AssessmentPaper 1– Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport

- 35%

Paper 2 – Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity

and sport - 35%

Non-assessment exam – Practical performance in physical activity

and sport - 30%

Performance analysis assessment (analysis and evaluation)

Paper 1 (2 hour exam) 105 Marks

Three sections:

Section A = Applied Anatomy & Physiology

Section B = Skill Acquisition

Section C = Sport and Society

Paper 2 (2 hour exam) 105 Marks

Three sections:

Section A = Exercise physiology and biomechanics

Section B = Sport psychology

Section C = Sport and society and technology in sport

Non-exam assessment – Practical performance in Sport.

Pupils are assessed as a performer or coach in the full-sided version

of one activity.

Plus: a written/verbal analysis of performance Internal assessment,

external moderation

• 90 marks

• 30% of A level

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesA Level Physical Education has been established for many years

and is a well-respected qualification recognised by all universities.

Physical Education can lead on to courses at higher education

such as Sport & Exercise Science, Sport, Physical Education and

Coaching Science, Physiotherapy, Sports & Materials Science, Sport

& Recreation Management, Sport and Business Management, Sports

Event Management, Sports Marketing, Sport Photography.

An A level in Physical Education can lead onto a wide range of

career opportunities, whether it is following a sports scientific route

to become the next Olympic Biomechanics Coach or researching

blood doping in the world of swimming, to the participation side of

sport involved in sports development within the community, sports

psychology, physiotherapy, sports commentary or even the next top

sweeper for the GB Hockey squad!

Sport is not just a game. It teaches you about anatomy, physiology, nutrition, mental toughness, team

cohesion and performance form grass roots to elite level. This subject links well with any of the sciences,

psychology, business studies and history.

26 27

Examining Body AQA

Course RequirementsThis course is suitable for everyone who is interested in the

scientific study of human behaviour and has a curiosity, drive and

willingness to learn new things.

All core skills, including psychological essay-writing and the

mathematical skills needed for the final examination, will be

developed during the course through the study of famous and

infamous research throughout the 20th century.

Psychology is an exciting A Level choice and is a popular subject.

If you are planning to study Psychology at university, you need to

keep in mind that high grades in Mathematics, Science, and English

are preferable.

Course Details and AssessmentThis is a linear 2-year course with the final A Level examinations

taking place at the end of the second year covering all materials

covered in both years.

The examination consists of three 2-hour papers. Research

methods are tested within each paper and questions are set in

the context of either real or hypothetical research, which require

the knowledge, understanding and application of methodology in

response to specific scenarios.

The examination also involves the assessment of mathematical

skills - 10% of marks will require the use of mathematical skills at

the standard of higher tier GCSE mathematics.

The topics covered in Year 1 of the A Level course are ‘Social

influence’, ‘Memory’, ‘Attachment’, ‘Psychopathology’ and

‘Research Methods’. In Year 2 of the A Level course, the topics

to be covered are ‘Approaches in Psychology’, ‘ Bio-psychology’, ’

Issues and Debates’, further ‘Research Methods’, ‘Relationships’,

‘Schizophrenia’, and ‘Aggression’.

There is no coursework.

You will be expected to apply knowledge of practical work in the

written exams. Therefore, you will be asked to undertake a range

of practical research activities during the course of the A Level

to gain research experience, learn practical skills, link theory with

practice, and increase your knowledge and understanding.

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesPsychology can be combined with virtually any subject, but typical

A Levels taken by Psychology students include History, Biology,

Mathematics, Economics and Business Studies.

Psychology is of enormous benefit to those going on to any

academic degree and is, more specifically, an excellent support for

anyone going into criminal law or medicine. However, many St

Mary’s pupils do continue to undergraduate and postgraduate level

in Psychology. They most successfully enter fields such as clinical,

forensic, educational, occupational, and developmental psychology,

or go into criminology, neuropsychology, psychopharmacology, art

therapy, counselling, psychotherapy, sport or health.

Psychologists study human behaviour by observing, measuring and testing, then arriving at conclusions

that are rooted in sound scientific methodology.

Course RequirementsIn order to study A Level Physics we would expect you to have

achieved at least a grade 6 or equivalent in your Physics GCSE

(or 6-6 in Combined Science). Physics is a quantitative science

and so it requires a high degree of mathematical competency,

with numerical based questions making up 40% of examination

questions. The key skills required are the manipulation of

equations, standard form and graph drawing. However, it is not

necessary to study A Level Mathematics to achieve a high grade in

A Level Physics.

Course Details and AssessmentMODULE 1 – Development of practical skills in Physics.

Throughout this module you will develop your planning,

implementation, analysis and evaluation of practical work.

MODULE 2 – Foundations of Physics. The aim of this module is to

introduce you to important conventions and ideas that permeate

the fabric of Physics.

MODULE 3 – Forces and motion. You will learn how to

mathematically model the motion of objects, understand the effect

forces have on objects and appreciate the important connection

between force and energy.

MODULE 4 – Electrons, waves and photons. The aim of this

module is ultimately to introduce key ideas of quantum physics.

MODULE 5 – Newtonian world and astrophysics. The aim of

this module is to show the impact Newtonian mechanics has on

Physics.

MODULE 6 – Particle and Medical Physics. The aim of this module

is initially to prepare pupils with a solid grounding in classical field

theory and radioactivity. This then gives you the background to

move into modern Physics, concentrating on the application of

knowledge for Medical Physics and to appreciate how a theory of

Physics is developed.

Modelling Physics 2h 15m 100 marks

Exploring Physics 2h 15m 100 marks

Unified Physics 1h 30m 70 marks

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesPhysics is one of the most highly-regarded A Levels in its own

right, leading to degrees in Physics and Theoretical Physics,

Astronomy and Cosmology, Natural sciences, Biology, Chemistry,

Mechanical and Civil engineering, Aeronautical engineering

(rocket science), Bioengineering, Medicine, Veterinary science,

Mathematics, Economics, Music, and Philosophy, with many pupils

utilising the high value of such a facilitating subject to study Law,

History, Politics and others.

The problem-solving skills, powers of observation and analysis

developed by studying Physics are a valuable commodity in the

job market. Future careers are wide-ranging beyond directly

working within Physics or engineering. A high proportion of

graduates go into the finance industry, although careers ranging

from Architecture and Archeology to Yacht design, are all open to

Physicists.

The OCR A Level specification for Physics contains many fascinating and modern topics including

Quantum mechanics, Cosmology and Medical Physics, and yet provides a thorough grounding in the

fundamental principles of Classical Physics, allowing you to pursue a degree in Physics, or a Physics-

related subject at a Russell Group university.

Examining Body OCRPhysics Psychology

28 29

Course RequirementsGCSE results are important if you are considering Spanish A Level.

Realistically you may find it hard work to achieve the top grades if

you have not achieved a 7 at GCSE, nevertheless our policy is to

accept all enthusiastic students. There have been occasions when

pupils with low grades at GCSE have achieved A and B grades –

though this is rare. Some pupils who have not done Spanish GCSE

but come to us from Hispanic cultures or educational backgrounds

will of course be most welcome.

Course Details and AssessmentThis is a fascinating and engaging course which encompasses many

different disciplines. It also complements other A Levels (like

History, Classics or English Literature) extremely well by deepening

your ability to analyse a broad range of issues all in the Target

Language. You will study technological and social change, looking

at the multicultural nature of Hispanic society. You will study

highlights of Hispanic artistic culture, including a focus on Spanish

regional identity and the cultural heritage of past civilisations. You

will learn about aspects of the diverse political landscape of the

Hispanic world and influence of the past on present-day Hispanic

communities. You will study art, poetry, texts and film and will

have the opportunity to carry out independent research on an

area of your choice.

Assessment tasks will be varied and cover listening, speaking,

reading and writing skills. The skill areas are weighted evenly

between these four disciplines, and essays written are generally

short in length, but rich in content and ideas. Across the two-

year course you will be assessed regularly in all four skill areas,

and receive twice-weekly speaking sessions with our dedicated

language assistant to truly perfect your oral Spanish.

Year 1 will focus on the key topic areas and your ability to discuss

these and decode both written texts and listening passages that

draw from said areas. You will learn to propose and defend your

points of view on these matters in order to increase your spoken

confidence.

Year 2 is an excellent preparation for university study. It is devoted

more to the literature and film of Hispanic culture, and essay

writing on these areas. The Independent Research Project is a self-

driven research task that can be tailored to your personal passions,

and proves a fascinating and engaging way to further develop

language skills and

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesAn A Level in Spanish, or any language, is a passport to any

chosen career. Linguists can confidently pursue any career path

after A Level and university. Employers and universities consider

a language A level a marker of academic ability. Russell Group

Universities respect the challenge of a language, and Cambridge

and Oxford certainly look upon a language as a positive. With an A

Level in a language, multiple pathways open up to you.

If you want to work towards a feeling of true fluency and understanding in Spanish, then carrying on

to A Level is most certainly for you. The A Level course is made up of stimulating content which will

enable you to develop your linguistic skills alongside an understanding of the culture and society of the

countries where Spanish is spoken. A Level gives passionate linguists the chance to really learn to express

themselves in Spanish whilst debating some of the most topical and up-to-date issues.

Examining Body AQASpanish

Course RequirementsA GCSE in Art or Textiles OR

A portfolio to show evidence of excellent design skills, creative

use of media and techniques, an understanding of designers works

and, above all, a passion for the subject.

Course Details and AssessmentThe first year of the A Level course focuses on developing

individual knowledge of the ‘process’ and you will experiment

broadly with ideas, techniques and media. Teaching sessions will

be used to prompt individual and personal responses over a broad

range of textile and fashion techniques and applications such

as printing, weaving, knitting, mixed media, digital applications,

surface design, embroidery and installation. You will also be given

short projects to encourage further independent development of

ideas and techniques in which you will be expected to take risks

and think creatively.

Textiles is a practical course in which you learn by doing, so you

will be able to create imaginative personal work. You will be

encouraged to develop your creativity and independent thought,

learning to express yourself visually and allowing your imagination

to flourish.

You will be expected to visit and explore museums, galleries and

craftspeople whenever possible and you will also be offered trips

during the course that will include a visit to Cornwall and London

or Paris, which will help to further inform your work and is

integral to the development of a successful portfolio of work.

The A Level course work is an in-depth Personal Investigation

in which you will explore, experiment, record and develop ideas

through the use of media, techniques, artists’ research and critical

thinking, leading towards a 15-hour outcome. Alongside this you

will write a 1,000 to 3,000-word Related Study. Together these will

count towards 60% of your final mark. Between February and May,

you will prepare for your 15-hour exam which will count for the

further 40% of your total marks.

Degree Courses and Career ChoicesDuring the second year of your A Level you will be encouraged

and guided with collating a personal portfolio of work that will be

needed to support an application for higher education.

After completing A Levels some students decide to complete

a one year Art Foundation as this offers the opportunity to

experience working in a wider range of creative media before

selecting a specialist area to study on a three year degree course at

an art school/university.

There are many possible degree options that will utilise the A

Level textile design course including printed and constructed

textiles, fashion/textile/costume/footwear/ sportswear design,

digital textiles, theatre design, textile science and technology and

fashion promotion/ merchandising to name just a few.

Studying a textile design related degree at University will give

you all sorts of exciting career opportunities including: Textile

technologist, creative director, retail buyer, designer, fashion stylist

or even fashion illustrator.

You may also consider applying for an apprenticeship if you have

a strong idea of the area of the fashion and textiles industry you

would like to pursue as an option to continuing in to higher

education.

* Please note that there is a termly charge of £30.

A Level Textile Design will give you the opportunity to fully explore and experience an extensive variety

of techniques and media in order to discover which area of this diverse subject that you wish to pursue.

You will hopefully enjoy developing your own understanding of the visual world, learning practical skills

and responding to ideas and stimulus in a way that is personal to you.

Examining Body AQA Textiles

+44 (0)1747 852416www.stmshaftesbury.uk