sixth form subject choices 2021 - 2023

Sixth Form Subject Choices 2021 - 2023

D E N E F I E L D S C H O O L

Index

Art & Design (Fine Art) A Level

Biology A Level

Business Studies A Level

Business Studies BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate

Chemistry A Level

Design & Technology: Product Design A Level

Drama & Theatre Studies A Level

English Literature A Level

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Level 3

Film Studies A Level

Geography A Level

Health & Social Care BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate

History A Level

Hospitality & Catering Principles (Professional Cookery) BTEC Level 3 Certificate

Information Technology BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate

Mathematics and Further Mathematics A Level

Modern Foreign Languages A Level (French, German and Spanish)

Music Performance BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma

Philosophy & Ethics A Level

Photography A Level

Physical Education A Level

Physics A Level

Psychology A Level

Sociology A Level

Sports BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

Sports Coaching and Player Development Programme

Travel & Tourism BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate


Art & Design (Fine Art) A Level

Minimum entry requirements

Please see the entry requirements on the application form.

Personal qualities required

To study Art & Design successfully, students should have an open and creative mind, a critical

eye, and the ability to manage their time well. While Art & Design is both interesting and fun, it is

also hard work and students must be prepared to put in the hours when necessary. Lessons are

mainly workshops where students explore different practical aspects of Art & Design. Students are

encouraged to explore their own ideas and interests and develop individual portfolios of work.

Course structure & assessment

This course is a two-year A Level course, with external assessment at the end of two years of

study.

Component 1 (60% total A Level marks): coursework portfolio. Students produce a portfolio which

exemplifies work carried out throughout the two years of study. This will include drawing and

painting, printmaking, photography and evidence of the study of the works of other artists. This

unit is marked by Denefield staff, and moderated by the exam board.

Component 2 (40% total A Level marks): externally set assignment. From 1 February in Spring

Term of Year 13, students will produce preparation work, which leads onto a fifteen-hour

supervised exam in May. This unit is marked by Denefield staff, and moderated by the exam

board.

Course requirements

It is expected that students will use the art studios outside lesson time as well as keep an excellent

record of attendance in lessons. Students are required to produce further work at home. The

course usually offers students the opportunity to take part in a number of study visits.


Biology A Level




Students will need to be interested in studying biology at a higher level and committed to hard

work. Students should have good practical skills and demonstrate a sound understanding of

biological principles at GCSE. Literacy and numeracy skills are vital due to the extensive subject

specific vocabulary, emphasis on the critical examination of data and the need to research a wide

variety of scientific topics. During lessons students will be expected to take part in a variety of

different activities including practical experiments, class discussions or lectures and formal

presentation of work.

Course structure

Year one covers core biological topic areas: biological molecules, cells, organisms exchanging

substances, genetic information and variation and relationships between organisms.

In year two, students will study some additional topics:

• energy transfers in and between organisms,

• organisms responding to changes in their environment, genetics and populations, evolution

and ecosystems and the control of gene expression.

Assessment

The course is assessed through formal examination.

Year one

Two x 1 hour and 30 minute examinations each worth 50% of the course. Both papers will cover

all of the first year’s units and will include assessment of practical skills.

Year two

Three x 2 hour examinations, two worth 35% each and one worth 30% of the course.

Paper 1 will cover all units (1-4) of the year one biology course and an assessment of practical

skills.

Paper 2 will cover units 5-8 including practical skills.

Paper 3 will be a synoptic paper containing questions on all eight units from years one and two,

including practical units from years one and two, and practical skills.


Business Studies A Level




Students need to be self-motivated, have good organisational and time-keeping skills and be

willing to undertake independent research.


In Year 12, students start with the foundation topic of ‘What is Business?’ and move onto decision

making within the functional areas of marketing, operations, finance and human resources. Within

these topics students will look at a variety of businesses from new start-ups to multinationals. The

topics will also help students to build on their numerical, written communication and verbal

communication skills.

In Year 13, students build on their foundation knowledge by considering strategy and the impact of

technology, environmental and ethical influences on strategic decision-making and functional

areas. Students will also cover how businesses manage change through the strategies used. In

these topics students will be focussing more on worldwide businesses and investigating how they

impact on economies, themselves and competitors. These topics will develop students’ skills from

the Year 12 elements of the course.

For the A Level qualification students sit three examinations all lasting 2 hours. The first

examination focusses on their knowledge of the topics with short answer and essay questions.

The second examination assesses the students’ data response skills. The final examination

comprises an unseen case study with six questions covering all topics based on the case study.

Each examination has an equal weighting of 33.3%

This is a theory-based course that requires students to undertake self-driven research into

companies and involves a high level of independent study. There is an expectation of students to

work both on their own and in groups throughout the course as well as maintain an excellent

record of attendance.


Business Studies BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate




To study BTEC Business Studies, students need to be self-motivated and be willing to work

independently.


The course comprises four units that are either coursework, controlled task or exam based. These

units cover:

• Exploring Business – Students learn about the purposes of different businesses, their structure,

the effect of the external environment, and how they need to be dynamic and innovative to

survive. This unit is an internally assessed piece of coursework.

• Developing a Marketing Campaign – Students gain the skills relating to and an understanding of

how a marketing campaign is developed. This is an externally assessed unit where students

complete a controlled task based on a case study.

• Personal and Business Finance – Students learn the purpose and importance of personal and

business finance. They will develop the skills and knowledge needed to understand, analyse

and prepare financial information. This is an externally assessed unit where students complete

a two hour written examination.

• Recruitment and Selection – Students learn how the recruitment process is carried out in a

business. The unit gives them the opportunity to participate in selection interviews and review

their performance. This is an internally assessed piece of coursework.

Course requirements

Assessment is a combination of coursework, controlled tasks and examinations and will require

students to undertake self-driven research. There is an expectation of students to work both on

their own and in groups as well as maintain an excellent record of attendance.


Chemistry A Level




Chemistry students will need to be confident working with practical apparatus and manipulating scientific data and formulae. A sound grounding in GCSE Science principles is an absolute must. An eye for innovation, openness to learning new high level concepts and excellent personal study skills will, of course, help as well.

Course structure

Lessons are a mix of practical and theory related to real, every day chemistry where students will explore reactions, metals chemistry, organic chemistry, investigation and analysing techniques. Class work will be backed up with significant quantities of extended learning and wider reading. Year one students study:

• Foundations in Chemistry – Students will pick up from their GCSE knowledge and take the model of the atom further. They will look into bonding in more detail and will explore how our current views of the atom and chemical reactions were formed.

• Periodic Table and Energy – Students will use qualitative and quantitative skills to investigate reactions and periodicity. Students will also be able to calculate energy changes and reaction rates.

• Core Organic Chemistry – Students will increase their understanding of hydrocarbons, alcohols and alkanes and will investigate unknowns using spectroscopic techniques.

Year two: Students will then continue to develop skills in physical chemistry, the transition elements and organic analysis. Students will need to demonstrate their practical chemical skills in each lesson to build up a log book for assessment at the end of the course.

Assessment

Year one: Two unit exams, each 1 hour 30 minutes long and each paper is worth 50% of the overall year one qualification.

Paper one will cover content from the inorganic and some physical chemistry topics of the course. Paper two will cover content from the organic and the remaining chemistry topics. Both papers will contain questions testing the understanding of the practical chemistry work completed throughout the year.

Papers will contain both short and long answer questions, and will end with a section of multiple choice questions.

Year two: Students will sit three unit exams, each 2 hours long.

Paper one is worth 35% of the overall A Level and will cover content from the inorganic and some physical chemistry topics of the course.

Paper two is worth 35% of the overall A Level and will cover content from the organic and some physical chemistry topics of the course.

Paper three is worth 30% of the overall A Level and will cover practical chemistry skills, data analysis and topics from the whole A Level course.


Design & Technology: Product Design A Level




Design and Technology is a creative and exciting subject to study at A Level. Students should

have an interest in all aspects of design, and should possess creative and practical making skills,

as well as the ability to study the academic aspects of the course which are challenging. The

course would benefit anyone with career aspirations in design or engineering. Lessons are divided

between the practical and academic aspects of the course. The course includes maths and

science-based activities, as well as the history of design, and practical making workshops. Design

and Technology is hard work, and students will be expected to undertake research and practical

workshop work.


This is a two year A Level course, with external assessment at the end of the course

Paper 1 Technical principles. Written exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes.

120 marks 30% of the A Level

Paper 2 Designing and making principles. Written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

80 marks 20% of the A Level.

Section A: Product Analysis 30 marks. 6 short answer questions based on visual

stimulus of products.

Section B: Commercial manufacture: 50 marks. Mixture of short and extended

response questions.

Non-exam assessment (NEA)

Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles.

Substantial design and make project. 100 marks. 50% of A-level. Written or digital

portfolio and photographic evidence of final prototype.

Course requirements

It is expected that students will need to be creative, innovative and think outside the

box, and use practical skills combined with theoretical knowledge to produce a final

major project related to a brief. Students are required to produce further work at

home related to technical principle and commercial knowledge as well as working

on their own project. The course usually offers students the opportunity to take part

in a number of study visits.


Drama & Theatre Studies A Level




Students will need to be confident working and performing with others, innovative, open to learning

new practical techniques and to have a sense of humour.


In the A Level qualification there is 60% non-exam assessment and 40% exam assessment. This

qualification requires students to study, explore and interpret performance texts to support their

understanding and knowledge, and to aid them in demonstrating their analytical and evaluative

skills.

During the course students will study eight performance texts:

• One full text (chosen by the centre) for the ‘Process to Performance’ component.

• Two further extracts from texts, from a set list to fit a thematic title. These are explored

practically throughout the course and students are assessed in the final exam.

• One full text (chosen by the centre) for ‘Exploring and Performing Texts’ component.

• A second full text (chosen from a selection of eight set texts) which is studied in depth during

the course and tested during the ‘Deconstructing Texts for Performance’ exam assessment.

• An extract from a text, chosen by the centre, to support student understanding for the

‘Practitioners in Practice’ devised performance.

• Two further extracts from texts, from a set list to fit a thematic title. These are explored

practically throughout the course and students are assessed in the exam.

Course requirements

Students must be aware of the importance of the written components as this is not a purely

practical subject. There are essays and written exams to complete, as well as practical

performances.

There is an expectation of students to contribute to group work outside of lesson time as well as

keep an excellent record of attendance in lessons. Students should be aware when applying for

part-time employment that rehearsals will take place after 3.15pm and as the work is collaborative

their peers will suffer when a member of a group is absent.


English Literature A Level


Grade 5 required in GCSE English Language and English Literature.


English Literature students will need to enjoy reading and joining in class discussions.

Lessons are mainly discussion based, responding to prior reading, or skill based, aimed at learning

new terminology or improving writing. Students will sometimes be asked to lead seminar-style

lessons. So, shake your spear at Shakespeare! Go wild for Oscar Wilde! Think you’re hard? Try

Thomas Hardy! Get lost in Jane Austen!


Students study:

• Love Through the Ages (3 hour exam). The unit involves studying one poetry text, one prose

text and a Shakespeare play. In the exam the Shakespeare question is based on an extract

from the play; there is an essay on two unseen poems; and an essay comparing the poetry and

prose texts you have studied.

• Texts in Shared Contexts (2 hours 30 minutes exam). Students will study three texts: one play,

one poetry and one prose. Questions will be about the text plus a question on an unseen

extract.

• Independent Critical Study: Texts across Time (coursework). Students will compare two texts

and write one extended essay and a bibliography.

Course requirements

There is an expectation that students will contribute to group work and make a commitment to

reading widely and learning subject specific terminology. There is an expectation also that

extended learning will be completed every week.


Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Level 3


There is no entry requirement to complete the EPQ as this is an enrichment qualification that sits

alongside three other Level 3 qualifications.


This course requires students to be fully independent as the teaching element is minimal and

serves to support students in the production of their project. Students will need to learn to manage

their time effectively and to enhance their data production and analysis skills. The ability to

construct a scientific report and research the most appropriate and relevant sources will also be

developed.


In both Year 12 and 13 students can embark on an EPQ. The taught element is 30 guided

learning hours with a further 100 hours of independent work to be undertaken. Students will be

assessed on four criteria as follows:

A01 Manage – Identify, design, plan and carry out the project

A02 Use Resources – Select and use a range of appropriate and relevant resources including

analysis of data to make links to existing sources

A03 Develop and Realise – Development of your own research to demonstrate a range of skills

including problem solving and creative thinking

A04 Review – Evaluate all aspects of the extended project including your own learning.

In order to complete this qualification students will be required to submit the following:

• A written report – Either a 5000 word dissertation OR a finished artefact with a 1000 word report

• A completed logbook tracking your journey through the project

• A diary outlining the activities undertaken to plan and complete the project

• Evidence of presenting the findings of your project – eg a PowerPoint presentation.

Important information

The topic you choose to investigate for your project should not be connected with any other course

being studied at Level 3. The subject of your investigation is your own choice. Most students

choose a subject that links with a future career goal and so could be used for interviews for

university, apprenticeships or work to demonstrate your skill base.

As an enrichment qualification it this an additional subject chosen as part of your study programme

and should therefore only be undertaken by students who are able to balance this option with their

other three Level 3 courses.


Film Studies A Level


5 at English Language or 5 in Media Studies GCSE


Film Studies students will need to be open minded and enjoy working with others. Students will

need to show a genuine interest in current film issues and be willing to discuss their ideas in class.

Lessons are mainly discussion and small-task based, where students will explore the key concepts

of film making and learn how to analyse these in a variety of different media texts. Independent

research will be required prior to lessons and occasionally the students themselves will run

seminars on pre-planned topics. For coursework, students will also be using lesson time to

produce moving image and print products.


There are two exam papers at the end of Year 13 (each one worth 35% of the A Level). Students

will explore different genres of film such as Hollywood, British film, global film documentary and

silent film. The exam will involve extended answer (essay) questions linking media texts to the

theoretical framework of film studies.

Students will also explore a range of cross-film issues and debates such as ideology and

spectatorship as well as learning some film theories. These will be applied to pre-set topic areas

and the analysis of texts set by the exam board.

Non-exam assessment (film project 30% of A Level)

Students will produce either a short film or a screenplay for a short film with a written evaluation.

Course requirements

There is an expectation that students will immerse themselves widely in the world of film both

inside and outside of lessons, for example by staying up to date with film news, and that they will

maintain an excellent attendance record. Essay writing is at the heart of the assessments so

students should be prepared for this.


Geography A Level




Students need to be prepared to participate in discussion work and complete the appropriate

reading tasks in preparation for class work. Students will have the opportunity to role play, work in

groups and independently, discuss, debate and investigate. We will also provide students with the

opportunity to study away from the school both locally and further afield.

Students studying A Level Geography are expected to complete a minimum of four days of

fieldwork. Fieldwork must be carried out in relation to processes in physical and human geography.

This is a Department for Education (DfE) requirement. The fieldwork will enable students to

develop skills that they can use in their independent investigation.


Physical and human geography are taught as discrete subjects in the Sixth Form and generally by

two different teachers:

• Paper 1 - Tectonic Processes and Hazards, Coastal Landscape and Change, Water cycle and

Water Insecurity, Carbon Cycle and Energy Security.

• Paper 2 - Globalisation, Diverse Places, Superpowers, Health, Human Rights and Intervention.

• Paper 3 - Is a combination of both Paper 1 and 2 focussing on three synoptic themes within the

compulsory content areas: Players, attitudes and actions, futures and uncertainties.

Coursework - Students are required to undertake an independent investigation that involves

fieldwork. The guidance for word length is 3000-4000 words. The student defines a question or

issue relating to the compulsory or optional content. The student’s investigation will incorporate

fieldwork data (collected individually or as part of a group) and own research and/or secondary

data. The student’s report will evidence independent analysis and evaluation of data, presentation

of data findings and extended writing.


Health & Social Care BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate




Students will need to be confident in their oral and written communication as the qualification is delivered creatively, enabling learning to be as active, practical and work-related as possible. Alongside this, it provides the opportunity for students to gain knowledge and understanding of a wide range of subject areas relating to health and social care.


The extended certificate is equivalent in size to one A Level and includes both coursework and two exams. The mandatory content of the qualification incorporates topics relevant across the health and social care sector:

• Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs • Human Lifespan Development • Working in Health and Social Care

The students will also cover one optional unit that covers the biological and sociological topics relevant to the different parts of the sector to support their progression to specialised degree programmes in the sector: Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs

Course Content

• Exam 1: Human Lifespan Development. Learners cover physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan, and the factors affecting development and the effects of ageing.

• Exam 2: Working in Health and Social Care. Learners explore what it is like to work in the health and social care sector, including the roles and responsibilities of workers and organisations.

• Controlled Assessment: Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs. Learners focus on the principles and practicalities that underpin meeting individuals’ care and support needs, which are the foundation of all the care disciplines.

• Controlled Assessment: Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs. Learners explore the role of health and social care services in providing care and support to individuals with additional needs.

Examinations

Two x 1 hour 30 minutes exams, one in May of Year 12 and one in January of Year 13. These are worth 58% towards the overall grade. The questions are a mixture of short answer and extended writing.


History A Level




Students will be expected to read prior to lessons, take notes, research, present findings and engage in debates. Students need to be prepared to read widely and work hard. In history there is no ‘right’ answer, as such and at this level students will be expected to reach reasoned judgements which they can justify and defend both verbally and on paper. Students will need to be prepared to answer questions on historical documents, through short answers and essays. Students will have opportunities to develop their skills through active debate, extra-curricular trips and engagement with the different career opportunities studying history provides for them.


A combination of assessment techniques will be used. Students will undertake extended writing and essays in all units, in order to present historical explanations, assess the significance of events, individuals, beliefs and movements, and to reach substantiated judgements. Students will evaluate sources in Units 2, 3 and 4 in order to reach judgements and to address historical claims and debates. Students are assessed in three examinations and one piece of coursework in Year 13 which accounts for 20% of the final grade.

Unit 1: In search of the American Dream: the USA, c1917 – 1992. Students will study the concept the ‘American Dream’. Students will study why people wanted to achieve the American Dream and will assess how successful and attainable the notion of the ‘American Dream’ was in reality.

Unit 2: South Africa, 1948 – 1994, from apartheid state to ‘rainbow nation’ Students will study a period of South African history in order to develop an in-depth understanding of attitudes, beliefs and structures of society. They will delve into, challenge misconceptions and gain a full understanding of the development in achieving the ‘rainbow nation’.

Unit 3 : Poverty, public health & the state in Britain, c1789 - 1939 Students will undertake an in-depth study to explore the nature of challenges and conflict relating to the issue of poverty and therefore the impact on public health. They will explore issues such as how the British government supported the development of public health and how the degradation of Britain was due to poverty.

Unit 4: Students will carry out an enquiry and write a 4,000 thesis which will address the Holocaust. Students will study how the Holocaust developed and will assess different historian’s interpretation about whether it was planned or evolved over time. This will involve a lot of individual research which is a crucial skills recognised by employers and universities.


Hospitality & Catering Principles (Professional Cookery) BTEC Level 3 Certificate




Hospitality and Catering Principles (Professional Cookery) BTEC is an exciting course and should interest anyone with a genuine interest in a career in the hospitality and catering industries. The course will develop the skills and knowledge associated with working in a professional kitchen producing complex dishes. The course will also prepare students for further study at catering college or university. Lessons are a combination of practical food preparation sessions in the food rooms, and theoretical learning in the classroom. The course is challenging, and students should be prepared to work independently, and in their own time outside lessons, in order to complete research assignments. Course structure and assessment

The course is a two year Level 3 course, and is the equivalent of one A Level. It will provide students with the same UCAS points as an A Level course.

Students will complete three mandatory units:

Unit 1 Development of Working Relationships in Hospitality

Unit 2 Health, Safety and Security in the Hospitality Working Environment

Unit 9 Food Safety in Catering

Students will complete five additional units for the remaining course credits which could include:

• Preparation, cooking and finishing of meat dishes

• Preparation cooking and finishing of dressings and cold sauces

• Principles of preparing cooking and finishing complex hot desserts

• Preparation, cooking and finishing of fish dishes

• Preparation, cooking and finishing of poultry dishes

• Preparation, cooking and finishing of vegetable dishes

• Preparing, cooking and finishing complex soups

• Principles of preparing, cooking and finishing fresh pasta dishes

• Principles of preparing, cooking and finishing complex cakes, sponges, biscuits and scones

• Principles of preparing, cooking and presenting complex cold products

• Principles of preparing, cooking and finishing complex hot desserts

• Principles of preparing, cooking and finishing complex cold desserts

• Principles of food safety supervision for catering

Course requirements: It is expected that students will use study periods at school, and time at home to complete work outside lessons. We expect students to maintain the professionalism expected in a working kitchen at all times. Students will need to be organised and be able to source the ingredients required for specific dishes.


Information Technology BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate



Course Information

This can be studied as a one-year or two-year course.

Equivalencies

Equivalent in size to one A Level.

General Information

Suitable for learners whose main focus may not be on Information Technology, but for whom an

element of software and computing systems knowledge would be complementary.

This course consists of four units, three mandatory units plus one optional unit.

• Unit 1: Exam – Information Technology Systems Ext, maximum 2 hours, supervised, set and

marked by Pearson.

• Unit 2: Exam – Creating Systems to Manage Information, maximum of 10 hours arranged over

a number of sessions.

• Creating the task: Learners will need to create an online database and record all this in a ‘test

log and evaluation’ document.

• Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business, assignment set and marked internally.

• Unit 4: Data Modelling, assignment set and marked internally.

Mandatory units are:

• Information Technology Systems

• Creating Systems to Manage Information

• Using Social Media in Business


Students are assessed through units of work and two examinations. Students produce written

assignments, and take part in practical and observed activities.

The new BTEC National in Information Technology uses a combination of assessment styles to

give students confidence that they can apply their knowledge to succeed in the workplace and

have the study skills to continue learning on higher education courses and throughout their career.

This range of vocational assessments – both practical and written – means students can showcase

their learning and achievements to best effect when they take their next step, whether that is

supporting applications to higher education courses or potential employers.


Mathematics and Further Mathematics A Level


Please see the entry requirements on the application form. Students must be taking A Level Mathematics as well to consider Further Mathematics – Further Mathematics is not a stand-alone course.


If students enjoy thinking logically and problem solving or are considering a career in engineering, astronomy, electronics, technology, programming, surveying, banking, accountancy, medicine, teaching, operational research or statistical and actuarial work, then mathematics is the course to choose.

Statistics is particularly useful if students are taking Biology, Geography, or Business Studies at A Level. Mechanics can be useful if students wish to study Engineering. Where possible, the mathematics is taught through an investigative approach. Further Mathematics A Level is incredibly useful if students plan to take mathematics at university.

Course structure & assessment for Mathematics

Students are able to take A Level Mathematics at A2 and Further Mathematics at A2. A2 Mathematics contains Pure Maths, Mechanics or Decision or Mechanics, A2 Further Mathematics contains Pure Maths and Mechanics and Statistics.

Course structure & assessment for A Level Mathematics

Year 12 and 13 • Algebra • Exponentials and logarithms • Trigonometry • Proof • Calculus • Vectors • Statistical methods and testing • Kinematics and forces

Course structure & assessment for Further Mathematics

Year 12 and 13 - Compulsory units studied are Core Pure Maths 1 and 2:

• Proof • Complex Numbers • Matrices • Further Algebra and Functions • Further Calculus • Further Vectors • Proof • Complex numbers • Matrices • Further Algebra and Functions • Further Calculus • Further Vectors • Polar Coordinates • Hyperbolic Functions • Differential Equations

Two optional units:

• Statistics • Mechanics • Discrete Mathematics • Further Pure Mathematics


Modern Foreign Languages A Level (French, German and Spanish)

Minimum entry requirement



If students are interested in languages and communication and enjoy learning about other cultures and ways of life, then this course is for them. It opens up many exciting opportunities for future study, employment and travel.

If students are interested in the business world, in travel, in literature or journalism, then they are likely to enjoy languages at A Level. Having language skills shows that they are strong communicators and sets them apart from the hundreds of other applicants who are limited to English. These skills are increasingly in demand for a wide range of roles in a variety of sectors, such as engineering, IT, customer service and sales.

Having a language to A Level significantly improves their employability – and their pay: recent studies show that language skills can earn students an extra £5000 a year. The UK has a shortage not just of specialist linguists, but also of people who can combine language skills with other specialisms, such as law or engineering. Students with an analytical and logical mind and those who are creative do well at A Level in languages. Students will learn how to communicate, present information and problem-solve more effectively – all in another language.

• Reading and discussion on current issues • Using ICT: research & presentation • Working with others: role play & debate • Learning and communication skills for speaking and writing: how to plan and present a logical

argument and demonstrate an ability to analyse information.


This is a two-year course. Core content: • Social issues and trends (changing role of the family, volunteering, the role of technology,

media and fashion, racism, immigration, crime and punishment) • Artistic culture (music, literature, cinema, festivals, architecture, cultural life of a city) • Politics and society (EU, voting, political engagement, young people, history) • Grammar • Literary texts and films (one film and one text)

Assessments

Paper 1: Listening, reading and writing including translation into English and French/German/Spanish of a short passage Written exam – 2 hours and 30 minutes, 100 marks Paper 2: Writing (two questions on a set text or on a set film). Written exam –2 hours, 80 marks Paper 3: Speaking Discussion of a stimulus card, presentation and discussion of individual research project. Oral exam – 21-23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time), 60 marks.


Philosophy & Ethics A Level



Why study Philosophy and Ethics?

By taking Philosophy and Ethics students will examine some of the most profound questions to have been raised over the last 2000 years. Philosophy and Ethics can lead to many exciting career opportunities. Its academic skills are valued in university courses such as journalism, law, history and medicine as well as the more obvious philosophy, politics and social sciences. It is similarly appealing to a wide range of employers, from the world of finance to management and science - anything that involves expressing yourself clearly and articulately.


Students do not need to believe in God; that is not what Philosophy and Ethics is about! They need to be prepared to participate in debate and discussion focussed on current issues, and explain how these relate to different areas of philosophical and ethical theories.

Course structure and assessment

Philosophy of Religion (2 hour exam) • Students will be studying philosophical issues and questions raised by religion and belief as

well as challenges to religious belief such as the problems of evil and suffering philosophical language and thought.

• Students will question the attributes of God - ‘if God knows your future, are you free?’, and study the works of two scholars in the development of philosophical thinking.

Ethics (2 hour exam) Students will study: • Three normative ethical theories such as deontological, teleological or character based ethics

(at least two of which must be religious approaches) • The application of ethical theory to two personal, societal or global issues of importance. • Issues raised by the question of whether humans are truly free, the use of ethical language,

conscience and developments in religious moral codes.

Development of Religious Thoughts (2 hour exam) In relation to Christianity students will study: • Religious beliefs, values and teachings • Sources of wisdom and authority • Practices that shape and express religious identity

Course requirements

Lessons are delivered in a wide range of ways; the nature of the course means that there is a lot of discussion, debate and extended writing, but we also include opportunities for active learning.


Photography A Level




Students should have an open and creative mind, a critical eye, and the ability to manage their

time well. While Photography is both interesting and fun, it is also hard work and students must be

prepared to put in the hours when necessary. Lessons are mainly workshops where students

explore different practical aspects of camera work, digital image manipulation and darkroom

practice. Students are encouraged to explore their own ideas and interests and develop individual

portfolios of work.


This course is a two-year A Level course, with external assessment at the end of two years of

study.

Component 1: (60% total A Level marks): coursework portfolio. Students produce a portfolio which

exemplifies work carried out throughout the two years of study. This will include the exploration

and analysis of the works of other photographers and artists, taking images with 35mm SLR and

DSLR cameras, working with image manipulation software such as Photoshop, and darkroom

practice. This unit is marked by Denefield staff, and moderated by the exam board.

Component 2: (40% total A Level marks): externally set assignment. Students produce

preparation work from 1 February in the Spring Term of Year 13, culminating in a fifteen-hour

supervised exam in May. This unit is marked by Denefield staff, and moderated by the exam

board.

Course requirements

It is expected that students will use the art studios, darkroom and M108 outside lesson time as well

as keep an excellent record of attendance in lessons. Students are required to produce further

work at home. Access to a good quality digital camera would be helpful. The course will offer

students the opportunity to take part in a number of study visits.


Physical Education A Level


Please see the entry requirements on the application form. In addition students must be competing or coaching in their chosen sport regularly outside of school.


Students will need the following to maximise their potential in the practical and theoretical elements of the course: • excellent organisational skills • excellent time management • a high standard of personal fitness • a genuine interest in sport and physical education • involvement in regular competition in at least one sport • the ability to work independently and use their initiative


A Level - linear qualification Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport Written exam: 1.5 hours - 90 marks - 30% of A Level • Applied Anatomy & Physiology • Exercise Physiology • Biomechanics

Paper 2: Psychological factors affecting performance Written exam: 1 hours - 60 marks - 20% of A Level • Skill Acquisition • Sport psychology

Paper 3: Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport Written exam: 1 hours - 60 marks - 20% of A Level • Skill Acquisition • Sport psychology

Non-exam assessment: Practical performance in physical activity and sport, 60 marks, 30% of A Level. • Students will be assessed as a performer or coach in the full-sided version of one activity, plus:

written/verbal analysis of performance. • Internal assessment, external moderation

Course requirements

There is an expectation that students will complete work outside of lesson time as well as keep an excellent record of attendance. Students will also be encouraged to become involved in the extra-curricular sport programme.


Physics A Level




Students need to have a keen interest in fundamental science - the key to understanding the world

around and beyond us. Physicists require an enquiring mind, the ability to enjoy a challenge and

to like solving problems, often using mathematics. Patience, care and attention to detail are

required for the practical aspects of the subject and, a commitment to hard work and a willingness

to devote time to study outside of lessons is essential.

Course Structure

Year one

Year one covers the core physics areas of: measurements and their errors, particles and radiation,

waves and optics, mechanics and materials, and electricity.

Year two

Students will study these additional topics: further mechanics and thermal physics, fields, nuclear

physics plus one option from: astrophysics, medical physics, engineering physics, turning points in

physics or electronics.

Assessment

The A Level is assessed through formal examination at the end of the course and this includes

practical skills.

Year one

Paper 1 and 2

Each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes long and will cover any content from the year one topics. Each

paper is worth 50% of the year one marks. They will include all types of questions in the A Level,

but at a lower level, helping students progress to the more demanding A Level questions.

Additionally, paper 2 will contain questions on practical skills and data analysis and a section of

multiple choice questions.

Year two

Papers 1, 2 and 3

Each paper is 2 hours long and will contain a series of short and long answer questions, as well as

a section of multiple choice questions in papers 1 and 2.

Paper 1 (34%) will cover the year one topics and periodic motion.

Paper 2 (34%) will cover the compulsory A Level topics.

Paper 3 (32%0 will cover the optional topic, practical skills and data analysis.


Psychology A Level




Students must have an organised and structured approach to their learning. Because psychology will be new to them, good listening skills are very important. Additional skills, including effective note taking and good essay writing, will be developed during the course itself.

Course structure and assessment

A Level Psychology is offered as a two-year course with external assessment taking place at the end of Year 13.

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology • Social Influence – conformity, obedience, and how people resist influence from others. • Memory – short and long term memory, explanations of forgetting, and how to improve police

interviews. • Attachment – explanations of attachment, studies of orphanages and how early attachments

affect later adult relationships. • Psychopathology – abnormalities (phobias, depression and OCD) and their treatments.

Paper 2: Psychology in Context • Approaches in Psychology – Learning, Cognitive, Biological, Psychodynamic and Humanistic

approaches. • Biopsychology – nervous system, fight or flight responses, brain and ways of studying it. • Research Methods – scientific processes, data handling and analysis, probability and statistics.

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology • Issues and Debates in Psychology – free will and ethical implications of psychological research. • Relationships – explanations of attraction, relationship satisfaction and breakdown, virtual

relationships. • Schizophrenia – explanations of symptoms, causes and treatments. • Forensic Psychology – offender profiling, including anger management and restorative justice.

Examinations

Three x 2 hour exams in June of Year 13, worth 33.3% of A Level each. The questions require a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing responses.

Course requirements

In lessons students will look at a variety of psychological studies that represent the range of

psychologists’ interests and the methods they use. They then apply psychological knowledge and

skills to deconstruct some of the research and carry out experiments themselves. All lessons are

focussed on exam success and students use different styles of learning to achieve the best they

can. These include presentations, posters, leaflets, essay writing and many others.


Sociology A Level




Students must have an organised and structured approach to their learning. Because sociology

will be new, good listening skills are very important. Effective note taking and good essay writing

skills, amongst others, will be developed during the course itself.


A Level Sociology is offered as a two-year course with external assessment taking place at the end

of Year 13.

Paper1: Education with Theory and Methods

• Education – role and functions of the education system, differences in achievement between

social groups (gender, ethnicity and social class), relationships at school and educational

policies affecting achievement.

• Methods in Context – application of research methods to the study of education.

• Theory and Methods – types of data, research designs, concepts of modernity and post-

modernity, nature of sciences, debates about subjectivity, objectivity and value freedom and

relationship between sociology and social policy.

Paper 2: Topics in Sociology

• Families and Households - relationship of the family to the social structure and social change,

changing patterns of marriage, cohabitation, separation, divorce, childbearing and the life

course, gender roles, domestic labour, nature of childhood and demographic trends in the

United Kingdom

• Beliefs in Society - ideology, science and religion, relationship between social change and

social stability, religious organisations, including cults, sects, denominations, churches and New

Age movements, the significance of religion and religiosity in the contemporary world.

Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

• Crime and Deviance - crime, deviance, social order and social control, social distribution of

crime and deviance by ethnicity, gender and social class, globalisation and crime in

contemporary society, crime control, surveillance, prevention and punishment.

• Theory and Methods - methods of research, research design, sources and types of data, the

nature of ‘social facts’, concepts of modernity and post-modernity, nature of science and the

extent to which sociology can be regarded as scientific, debates about subjectivity, objectivity

and value freedom.

Examinations

Three x 2 hour exams in June of Year 13, worth 33.3% of A Level each.

The questions require a mixture of short answer and extended writing responses.

Course requirements

In lessons, students learn about different sociological approaches, evaluate them and then apply

them to real life issues, such as divorce rates and knife crime. Students also discuss issues often

highlighted in the news, including politics. All lessons are focussed on exam success and students

use different formats of learning to achieve the best they can. These include presentations,

posters, leaflets, essay writing.


Sport BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

Minimum entry



Students will need to be confident in their oral and written communication as the qualification is delivered creatively, enabling learning to be as active, practical and work related as possible. Alongside this, it provides the opportunity for students to gain knowledge and understanding of a wide range of subject areas relating to Sport and Exercise.

Course Structure and Assessment This qualification is designed to support progression to higher education when taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels. This qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level and is a mixture of mandatory and externallyassessed units as follows:

Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology Unit 2: Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being Unit 3: Professional Development in the Sports Industry Unit 4: Application of Fitness Testing Externally-assessed units Each external assessment for a BTEC National is linked to a specific unit. All of the units developed for external assessment allow learners to demonstrate breadth and depth of achievement. Each assessment is taken under specified conditions, then marked by Pearson and a grade awarded. Learners are permitted to resit external assessments during their programme. The styles of external assessment used for qualifications in the Sport suite are: • examinations – all learners take the same assessment at the same time, normally with a written

outcome

• set tasks – learners take the assessment during a defined window and demonstrate

unnderstanding through completion of a vocational task.

Internally-assessed units Most units in the sector are internally assessed and subject to external standards verification. This means that we set and assess the assignments that provide the final summative assessment of each unit, using the examples and support that Pearson provides. Learners are given opportunities to: • write up the findings of their own research

• use case studies to explore complex or unfamiliar situations

• carry out projects for which they have choice over the direction and outcomes

• demonstrate practical and technical skills.


Sports Coaching and Player Development Programme

Minimum entry

Students on this course must still study three Level 3 qualifications at Denefield and show an interest in developing their coaching skills as well as having excellent time management and organisational skills. They also need to demonstrate an ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

To be part of the player development programme students need to show a high level of performance in football as well as willingness to put themselves outside of their comfort zone.

Many of the students who have completed this course have gained employment coaching at Reading FC and other establishments.

Course 1: 1st4Sport FA Level 1 in coaching football

Runs from September to December of Year 12

Course Structure and Assessment

The introductory FA Level 1 in Coaching Football, leading to the achievement of the 1st4sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Football qualification, is the first stepping-stone on the core coaching pathway. The course of learning is made up of face-to-face workshops covering a range of topics linked to the England DNA, as well as some directed learning opportunities via three FA eLearning modules. The eLearning modules cover core topics including the role of the coach, long-term player development and The FA Plan, Do, Review model. There are nine workshops in total to complete this course which include:

Workshops 1 & 2: Build a practice Workshops 3 & 4: Develop a practice Workshops 5, 6 & 7: Extend a practice Workshop 8: FA Safeguarding Children Workshop 9: FA Level 1 Intro to First Aid in Football

Course 2: Sports Leaders UK Level 3

Runs from January of Year 12 to December of Year 13

Course Structure and Assessment

This is a nationally recognised qualification that enables successful learners to independently lead purposeful and enjoyable sport and/or physical activity, through assessing practical onbservations, questioning, planning and evaluating.

There are six units to complete:

Unit 1: Developing leadership skills Unit 2: Plan, lead and evaluate a sports/physical activity event Unit 3: Lead safe sport/physical activity sessions Unit 4: Plan, lead and evaluate sport/physical activity sessions for children Unit 5: Plan, lead and evaluate sport/physical activity sessions in the community Unit 6: Plan, lead and evaluate sport/physical activity sessions for disabled people

Player Development

If students choose the coaching and playing pathway they will have the opportunity to train weekly with Reading FC coaches, represent Reading in the EFL Community and Education Alliance League and play in National and County Cup competitions. Students will wear bespoke Reading kit for matches as well and will be able to wear tracksuits on days they have football rather than wearing the usual Sixth Form business dress.


Travel & Tourism BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate




Students need to be self-motivated and be willing to work independently.


The course comprises four units that are either coursework, controlled task or exam based. These

units cover:

• The World of Travel and Tourism – in this unit students learn about the different aspects of the

industry and its key components and scale. This unit provides the foundation for studying the

other units. The unit is externally assessed through a written examination.

• Global Destinations – in this unit students learn about the features and appeal of global

destinations. Students will be able to use independent research to prepare travel itineraries and

recommend suitable destinations for customers. This is an externally assessed unit through a

controlled task.

• Principles of marketing in travel and tourism – in this unit students learn about how travel and

tourism organisations use marketing and how they find out about customer expectations to help

them to inform and design successful promotional campaigns. This unit is internally assessed

through assignments.

• Visitor attractions – in this unit students learn about the different types of visitor attractions and

how these meet different visitor needs to become commercially a success. Students will also

look at the diverse needs of different visitors and why it is important for visitor attractions to

deliver a memorable visitor experience. This unit is internally assessed through assignments.

Course requirements

Assessment is a combination of coursework, controlled tasks and examinations and will require

students to undertake self-driven research.

There is an expectation of students to work both on their own and in groups throughout the course,

as well as maintain an excellent record of attendance.

sixth form subject choices 2021 - 2023

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