King Edward VI College

Introduction

The course will help students develop imagination, creativity, observation and understanding of the visual world, as well as organisational, analytical and motivational skills. Through a variety of different projects and artistic media students can explore their own work and style.

The course is taught through a series of workshops as well as gallery visits and trips including the major London galleries and Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Further Details

Observational Drawing is a fundamental part of all work. At AS, students are encouraged to work in a range of mixed media. At A2, more specialist areas such as Textiles, 3D Craft, Graphics etc. can be developed. The written content of the course includes annotated sketchbooks and critical analysis of artists’ work.

Progression Options

A one year Art Foundation course (pre-degree) is always recommended for students progressing to an Art or Design based degree course (further information available on page 112). Architecture degree courses expect a portfolio and an AS in Art and Design as a minimum.

Introduction

Chemistry is an enjoyable and demanding subject which requires good numerical skills and a commitment to study. The course contains a large practical element to aid understanding of the theoretical side. The course content follows from ideas studied at GCSE such as bonding, equations, rates, energy and reactions of acids and bases. There is also a large element of organic Chemistry.

Further Details

Subjects that link particularly well with this courseare Biology, Physics, Mathematics and Environmental Studies.

Progression Options

Many A level Chemistry students continue their studies to degree level in this or a related subject. Chemistry will support a career in a wide range of areas, including the sciences (biological, chemical, physical, geological, forensic, material, and medical) as well as engineering and environmental studies. The skills learnt whilst studying Chemistry are as important as the knowledge and are recognised by employers. It can lead to non-science related careers such as accountancy and management consultancy. It is essential for Medicine and Dentistry.

Introduction

This AS course introduces students to the field of linguistics and is quite different to GCSE English, although it does build on some familiar concepts. Alongside analytical work on written, spoken and electronic language use, we also study how children learn to use language and how language is used in society to create and maintain attitudes and stereotypes. We do all this by closely examining the grammatical structures and the way they produce meaning in language.

At A2 level, students also engage with how language changes over time, studying texts from the 1600s to today. We also explore how language varies, considering accent, dialect and the effect gender, age and other social aspects have on the language an individual uses.

At both AS and A2 level, the coursework components allow students to investigate areas of language that interest them, and to write about these issues for a range of audiences. Successful English Language students have strong writing skills, enjoy discussion and are interested in how language is used. They read and appreciate a range of texts and are curious about human nature.

Further Details

We particularly recommend that students wishing to take English Language also consider English Literature, especially if a degree in English or Creative Writing is a possibility. Other subjects that link particularly well with this course include Modern Languages, Psychology and Sociology. Studying English Language alongside Biology is the recommended programme for anyone considering Speech Therapy as a career.

Progression Options

English Language is considered a strong basis for progressing into many careers or university courses. Students with this qualification are valued for their analytical and communication skills. The study of children’s literacy at AS is directly relevant to those interested in Primary teaching.

Introduction

This challenging and rigorous course is suitable for students who are studying Mathematics at AS or A2 level. The course will be of interest to those who enjoy Mathematics and wish to take the subject even further than A-level Mathematics allows. It introduces different and more advanced areas of Mathematics than those covered in the A-level course and looks at interesting applications in Decision Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics as well as Pure Mathematics.

Further Details

This is a stimulating and interesting course form students who enjoy Mathematics and wish to make it a major part of their studies.

Progression Options

This is increasingly specified in addition to A level Mathematics for progression onto Mathematics degree courses. For the top Universities it is a requirement. Students intending following Physics and Engineering degrees will find the extra Mathematics experience valuable.

Introduction

The course will enable students to develop an understanding of many aspects related to employment in the health and social care sector. At AS students will study Communications in Care Settings, Health Promotion and Promoting Quality Care. At A2 students will study Anatomy and Physiology, Care Practice and Provision, and Child Development. Students also undertake a weekly placement in their AS year linked to their studies and to gain relevant vocational experience.

Further Details

Subjects that link particularly well with this course are Biology and Psychology. Prior study in this area is helpful, but not essential. To be successful in this course, students should feel relatively confident in their ability to work with people in the broadest context and have a genuine desire to enter employment in a related field.

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. As part of a wider programme the course provides an excellent basis for progression to any career or University course. Health and Social Care will support a career in a wide range of areas, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy including sports physiotherapy, nursing, midwifery, social work, welfare and advice work, social work, teaching, especially primary teaching, early years etc.

Introduction

The Ancient History course (which leads to an A Level in Classical Civilisation) offers students the opportunity to study the cultures of Ancient Greece and Rome.

The first year involves a detailed look at Athens of the 5th century BC. In unit 1 you will study the political development of Athens in the 6th – 5th centuries BC, the way it worked and study the leading figures of the time. You will read contemporary views of Athens including Aristophanes’ satirical comedy, The Wasps.

For nearly three-quarters of a century Athens had by far the strongest fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. In unit 2 you will see how Athens built up her formidable power - and lost it. Through the account of the historian Thucydides, who claims to have been an eyewitness to many of the events and who brings the period to life with a series of dramatic debates, you will be able to judge for yourself the Athenians’ motives and ambitions as well as the reasons for their eventual humiliation and defeat.

In the second year the focus of the course changes to Rome. In unit 3 you will study Augustus. Was he a cunning, ruthless and brutal warlord who would stop at nothing to ensure his faction was supreme? Or a responsible statesman and benefactor devoted to restoring the peace, prosperity and traditional values which the ambitions of others had destroyed? Augustus would of course want you to believe the latter, as you will see when you read his own spin on his achievements, but a biography of Augustus by Suetonius will give you a more objective view of the man, his motives and methods.

In unit 4 you will meet two more Roman emperors. Tiberius was alleged to have been smothered to death by the commander of his bodyguard; Claudius was believed to have been served a dish of poisoned mushrooms by his fourth wife. What were the reasons for these apparent murders? From reading the accounts of the reigns of these two emperors by the historian Tacitus and the biographer Suetonius you will see that many hostile and damning stories circulated. But are they true? Were Tiberius and Claudius really so corrupt and weak? Look behind the scurrilous stories and spin to see how far we can discover the truth about their achievements.

Further Details

Subjects that link particularly well with this course are History, Archaeology, Government and Politics, Critical Thinking, English, Philosophy…in fact it can complement a wide range of other courses. To be successful in this course students should feel relatively confident in their ability to read, assimilate new information, and complete extended pieces of writing.

Progression Options

An A Level in Classical Civilisation will enhance your chances of being accepted into university. There you can choose to specialise in the classics, or to use your classical grounding as the foundation for subjects like history, archaeology and anthropology. It really depends on your own dream. Whether you see yourself diving for artefacts in the sunny Aegean Sea or addressing the speaker as a Member of Parliament, the classics are a wonderful foundation.

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.