King Edward VI College

Introduction

The course will enable students to develop an understanding of how technology can be used in day to day life and work based situations. Students will learn how to find, select and bring together relevant information and use ICT to develop, interpret and exchange information for a purpose. Some aspects of practical applications of software and hardware are included. Skills that will be developed are problem solving using ICT software, using ICT systems, using ICT systems to find information and communicating information using ICT.

Progression Options

Students who are successful at level 2 may wish to enrol onto a level 3 ICT course, this could be AS Level ICT. As part of a wider programme the course provides additional skills that will help in a future career or university course. The skills developed in this course are particularly valued by businesses in any industry sector.

Introduction

Business Studies will suit students who want to be able to address the fundamental questions that decision-makers in the commercial world face every day, such as:

(i) How do we set an appropriate price for our product?

(ii) How can we improve the quality of the service we offer?

(iii) How can we motivate our employees in order to reduce labour turnover?

(iv) How might a strong £ affect our competitiveness?

Students will need an interest in a case-based approach that emphasises problem-solving skills. The businesses examined range from oneperson enterprises through to large multinational corporations. All face similar problems, though, and must make decisions based on Marketing, People, Production and Finance.

Further Details

Prior study of Business is not required. A proportion of your marks will be earned on case studies that are pre-issued by the examination board. There is no coursework on this programme. Students who prefer a more coursework-orientated approach should consider the BTEC National Certificate in Business. Students who wish to concentrate on Business and Finance, with a good proportion of coursework, ought to consider the ‘Academy of Business’ programme.

Progression Options

Students who are successful at AS level may wish tocomplete an additional year to achieve the A level qualification. This would prove a good foundation from which to progress to higher education, where students might follow any one of a range of Business or Management degree courses, or employment. Studying Business alongside Mathematics is certainly not mandatory, but may prove advantageous for students thinking of progression into Finance, Accountancy and related subjects.

Introduction

Product Design seeks to develop students’ knowledge, understanding, skills and application for designing products. Product Design encompasses a wide range of design disciplines but is firmly rooted in the skills required to design and make high quality products. The course includes some aspects of designing, planning, construction and evaluation. This course provides opportunities for communication and developing an understanding of industrial and commercial practice.

Further Details

At AS and A2 this course is delivered in partner institutions. Students’ timetables allow for this delivery off the college site.

Progression Options

In general Qualification gained Assessment Entry requirements Duration Costs Additional information Progression Product Design seeks to develop students’ knowledge, understanding, skills and application for designing products. Product Design encompasses a wide range of design disciplines but is firmly rooted in the skills required to design and make high quality products.

The course includes some aspects of designing, planning, construction and evaluation. This course provides opportunities for communication and developing an understanding of industrial and commercial practice. AS/A Level (Level III) The course is taught and assessed in units and includes significant elements of coursework. College entry requirements plus GCSE Grade B in Design Technology, preferably Resistant Materials. 1 year to AS level and an additional year to A level. Students will be expected to purchase materials used in their coursework.

There may be small additional costs related to optional visits. At AS and A2 this course is delivered in partner institutions. Students’ timetables allow for this delivery off the college site. Students who are successful at AS level may wish to complete an additional year to achieve the A level qualification, from which higher study perhaps at degree level in this or a related area is a possibility. As part of a wider programme the course provides an excellent basis for progression to any career or university course. There is a wide range of Design and Technology related degrees on offer at many Universities.

Design and Technology will support a career in a wide range of areas, including consumer product design, engineering product design, marketing, industrial design, production engineering, project planning and advertising.

Introduction

The qualification is divided into four units: 1, Exploration of Drama and Theatre – requires the analysis of two play texts through exploration and study to gain an understanding of how plays are structured and interpreted. 2:Theatre Text in Performance – requires the understanding and experience gained in Unit 1 to be applied in a performance context. 3:Exploration of Dramatic Performance – requires the creation of a unique performance created in a group context. Experience and understanding gained in both AS units may be applied to an original production. 4: Theatre Text in Performance – requires a historical and directorial approach to theatre texts, experience gained in Units 1-3 can be applied to a set text and a play that is likely to be in excess of 100 years old. Learners will be able to gain an appreciation for theatre drama and dramatic texts from through a combination of practical and macademic research and application.

This exciting course is based at a full working theatre and students will have access to fully equipped theatre spaces and rehearsal rooms as well as working on site specific and touring productions. Through a unique collaboration with the George Eliot Fellowship Students will have the opportunity to work on an originally commissioned play as part of theInternational Literary Festival.

All teaching staff in the Performing Arts department have worked in the industry and provide a realistic learning experience In addition you will be learn through Professional Practice, Master Classes and visiting industry professionals and theatre trips.

Further Details

The course demands practical, creative and communication skills in almost equal measure. You will extend your ability to create drama and theatre, either in a performing or production role. You will also be required to write about drama and to develop your powers of analysis to become an informed critic. The course will involve taking part in drama productions, as well as studying plays and playwrights. Students can also take AS Level Communications and Culture and undertake an Extended Project to enhance their studies.

Progression Options

Will help to progress to Drama, Dance and English Specialist courses in Higher Education. It also helps you to develop important life skills useful to employers on the majority of professions, including self-confidence, the ability to work as part of a team, time management and independent learning.

Introduction

This course builds on students’ English skills from GCSE by studying a range of text types, including media and spoken texts alongside literary ones. The coursework unit requires the study of two set texts, from which students will produce one analytical essay and one creative piece. There is a lot of discussion work and students will be able to develop their communication skills in a range of ways on this course, as well as the analytical. Students will also develop a stronger knowledge of language labels such as grammatical terms and ways of describing aspects of conversation.

At A2, students will study a further two texts for coursework, leading to writing which transforms the original content into something new. We also further develop the study of spoken language and explore the way dramatists work with spoken language, focusing on a set play for the exam unit.

Further Details

Subjects that link particularly well with this courseare History, Media Studies, Film Studies, Law,Sociology, Psychology and Philosophy. There may be opportunities for visits to theatres and places of literary interest, for which there would be a small charge. To be successful in this course, students should feel relatively confident in their ability to write clear, well- structured essays and be prepared to read widely.

Progression Options

Anyone considering English at degree level is advised to give serious consideration to the possibility of taking the two separate courses of English Language and English Literature.

As part of a wider programme the course provides an excellent basis for progression to a range of careers or university courses including Teaching, Law, Journalism and Advertising and Marketing. The skills developed in this course are valued by most University Admission Tutors and employers.

Introduction

This modular course is designed to extend the student’s understanding of the effects and limitations of ICT and to understand the new opportunities it can create. The course is suitable for students who wish to follow a career path in the ICT profession. Some aspects of practical applications of software and hardware are included. The course will be of interest to those who enjoy working on project management and developing their practical skills. In general, students studying this course will have an interest in problem solving. The units covered are: Year 1 - Practical Problem solving in the Digital World, Living in the Digital World. Year 2 - The use of ICT in then Digital World, Practical Issues Involved in the Use of ICT in the Digital World (coursework unit).

Further Details

A subject that links particularly well with this course is Business Studies. Prior study is not required, but students who have passed this subject at level 2 have an advantage. To be successful on this course, students should feel relatively confident in their ability to use a suite of software.

Progression Options

Students who are successful at AS level may wish to complete an additional year to achieve the A level qualification. This will provide a good basis for studying the IT related subjects at a higher level. As part of a wider programme the course provides an excellent basis for progression to a wide range of university courses.The study of IT will support a career in a wide range of areas. Studying ICT alongside Business Studies would be a strong combination for any career in business.

Introduction

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. It will interest students who want to find out more about human thought and actions. During the course you will develop an understanding of the nature of science and psychological research methods.

AS Level

Unit 1: Cognitive Psychology Developmental Psychology Research Methods In unit one you will learn how memory works, and how psychological explanations of memory can be applied in everyday life. Developmental Psychology involves studying the nature of early childhood relationships and the impact of disrupting these relationships on emotional and intellectual development.

Research methods involves learning about how Psychologists conduct investigations, career and analyse data and form scientific hypothesses.

Unit 2: Biological Psychology Social Psychology Individual differences In unit two you study the body’s response to stress, stress in everyday life, and stress management. Social psychology looks at how we are influenced by others and the factors affecting conformity, obedience and independence. The study of individual differences includes learning about definitions of abnormality, biological and psychological explanations for abnormal behaviour and therapies. Psychological research methods are fundamental in Psychology and are studied in both units.

A2 Level

Unit 3:- You will study 3 Biological Rhythms and Sleep, Eating Behaviour, Gender.

Unit 4:- Psychopathology – Schizophrenia. You will study the way the disorder is diagnosed, biological and psychological explanations of the disorder, and therapies. Psychology in Action – Addiction. This unit is concerned with the reasons why people develop addictions and methods of prevention and intervention. Psychological Research and the Scientific Method. Here you will develop your understanding of the scientific principles and investigative methods used in psychological research. You will be introduced to the use of statistical methods and will build upon your exisiting knowledge of research methods from your AS studies.

Study of this subject will help you develop important academic skills such as writing fluency, data organisation, and the ability to think critically and objectively.

Further Details

Psychology works well with most subjects. It links particularly well with Sociology, Biology, PE and Health and Social Care. There may be optional trips to the theatre, revision conferences and universities. Students are expected to commit to regular reading and homework and should feel comfortable with mathematics. No prior study of the subject is needed.

Progression Options

Students who are successful at AS level may complete an additional year to achieve the A level qualification. A number of students choose to pursue their study at degree level. As part of a wider programme the course provides an excellent basis for progression to any career or university course. Psychology will support a career in a wide range of areas, including Teaching, Social work, Nursing, Medicine, the Police, Public Relations and many more.

Introduction

The AQA GCE Physical Education course covers a wide variety of areas, including Exercise Physiology, Sport Psychology, History, Socio-Cultural and Contemporary Issues. There is also a practical element to the course in which the students can undertake the roles of performer, official or leader/coach. The course is suitable for students who have a keen interest in Sport and Physiology or who may be looking forward to a career in sport, leisure or medicine.

Further Details

We strongly recommend that students should have a strong interest in Sport and Physical Education, as well as follow a variety of sports. It is useful, although not necessary, to have studied GCSE PE. Subjects that link particularly well with this course are Biology and Psychology. Each PE student is expected to represent the College on Wednesday afternoons in their chosen sport whenever possible. Some will be entered in the West Midlands Colleges Competitions and if successful, they will then represent West Midlands in the National Championships which takes place over two days at Loughborough University. Students will follow the Community Sports Leaders Award course (CSLA) as part of the AS PE course.

Progression Options

Students who are successful at AS level may wish to complete an additional year to achieve the A level qualification, from which higher study perhaps at degree level in this or a related area is a possibility. They may also get the opportunity to follow the Higher Sports Leaders Award (HSLA). Skills taught in the course, such as leadership and team work, are particularly valued within the leisure industry as well as by universities. A high proportion of students progress onto University to follow a Sports Science based degree or one within the teaching profession.

Introduction

Across your A Level studies you will encounter a variety of arguments within your subjects, some of which will be more convincing than others.

The aim of AS Critical Thinking is to develop your ability to argue and assess arguments. You will build up the skills needed to: identify arguments, conclusions and the reasons given to support them; identify where assumptions have been made and flaws or weaknesses in reasoning; assess the strength of evidence given in support of an argument and the credibility of witnesses; construct your own arguments to support or challenge other arguments.

In the second year these skills are further developed as well as introducing students to ethical reasoning skills where students will be expected to debate and apply their skills to dilemmas in moral ethics.

Further Details

The examination assesses your ability to think critically, not your ability to remember facts and figures. However, it is crucial that you come to lessons prepared to analyse arguments presented in recent news stories, as well as more general texts.
Critical Thinking can complement a wide range of other courses and is an integral part of the AQA Baccalaureate qualification.

Progression Options

As part of a wider programme the course provides an excellent basis for progression to any career or university course. The skills developed in this course are particularly useful for the LNAT and BMAT assessments, and entry to other highly competitive academic courses.

The A2 course will be available subject to demand