The Aylesbury Vale Academy POST-16 OPTIONS 2019-2021
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION PAGE 3 OPTIONS EXPLAINED PAGE 4-6 BUSINESS STUDIES PAGE 8-9 IT PAGE 10-11 CREATIVE DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION PAGE 12-13 PERFORMING ARTS PAGE 14-15 HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PAGE 16-17 CHILDRENS PLAY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT PAGE 18-19 EXTENDED PROJECT PAGE 20 YOUNG ENTERPRISE PAGE 21 2
INTRODUCTION Dear Parents/Carers, The AVA Sixth Form provides students with a great opportunity to achieve the careers they want. We offer a range of Extended BTEC and vocational qualifications to prepare students for the next stage of their lives whether that is university, college or the workplace. All course offered are the equivalent of three A-levels. Last year students achieved a 100% pass rate. 100% of students applying to a university course were offer a place. We intend to offer six subjects including Business Studies, IT, Digital Media Production, Performing Arts, Health and Social Care and Children's Play Learning and Development. Sixth formers work in a friendly, but work focused environment. Great importance is attached to the relationship that the students share with both their teachers and their form tutors who monitor progress and oversee their personal development. Commitment and independence by students are two essential criteria for success and all prospective students should be very clear that at least 16 hours of study per week outside of lesson times will be necessary for success within their courses. Finally, I would like to assure all prospective students either from this school or from other schools that we have an induction process to help you make realistic and appropriate choices. If you are currently studying elsewhere, please come along and meet us. Our Sixth Formers will be glad to give you a guided tour of the school and we will be happy to discuss all aspects of the Sixth Form with you. Making the right choice at this very important time in your career is fundamentally important. We look forward receiving your applications. Mr E Cort Achievement Director of Sixth Form 3
OPTIONS EXPLAINED THE KEY STAGE 5 CURRICULUM COMPULSORY SUBJECTS Students may also be asked to choose, in addition to their option choices, one of the following courses that best fits their subject choices: Extended Project Young Enterprise There is also a tutor programme which addresses aspects of the student s development, including finance, applications to Higher Education and jobs, and individual meetings with tutors to help monitor progress through Post 16. Physical Education lessons will be offered to all students with a variety of different activities available. Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths (either GCSE or Functional Skills) are compulsory for students who have not gained these qualifications. Students will have access to a study Level 3 Maths qualification if this is desired. 4
QUALIFICATIONS WHAT ARE VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS? BTECs and other vocational qualifications offer a mixture of practical and theory and are appropriate for students wanting to further their career in their chosen vocation. BTECs studied at the Extended Diploma Level and the Cambridge National are graded as triple grades, as follows: PPP (Pass, Pass, Pass) MPP (Merit, Pass, Pass) MMP (Merit, Merit, Pass) MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) DDM (Distinction, Distinction, Merit) DDD (Distinction, Distinction, Distinction) D*DD (Distinction*, Distinction, Distinction) D*D*D (Distinction*, Distinction*, Distinction) D*D*D* (Distinction*, Distinction*, Distinction*) 5
CHOOSING SUBJECTS How can I choose? What am I good at? How will it be Will I Will it be useful? What do I like? Think It is your decision Which careers will it open? Why do I like it? Why should it matter? What will my timetable be like? Will it be interesting? But who will help me decide? Mr Cort Ms Gibbs Subject Teachers Form Tutor Adiza Parents Older Students 6
POST-16 SUBJECT INFORMATION 7
BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA BUSINESS STUDIES COURSE INFORMATION AND OUTLINE: The unit-based structure and knowledge applied in project-based assessments as well as an external exam. The BTEC Level 3 extended diploma in business qualification is graded at a Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction*. The course is the equivalent of three A-levels. It provides a route to employment into the many diverse areas of business. These could include: roles in specialist areas such as management, marketing, finance, customer service or human resources in large organisations a more generic role in a small local business. DETAILS OF ASSESSMENT: Students will be assessed continuously throughout the course via practical assessments, theoretical assignments and analytical tasks. Students will be assessed in their use of research, data, industry knowledge, production skills, technical skills, creativity and analytical BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS Units 1 Mandatory Units Exploring Business Assessment Methods Credits Internal 90 Coursework based 2 Developing a Marketing Campaign External 90 Controlled assessment 3 Personal and Business Finance External 120 External exam 4 Managing an Event Internal 90 Coursework based 5 International Business Internal 90 Coursework based 6 Principle of Management External 120 Controlled assessment 7 Business Decision Making External 120 Controlled assessment Optional Units 8 Recruitment & Selection process Internal 60 Coursework based 9 Team Building in Business Internal 60 Coursework based 14 Investigating Customer Service Internal 60 Coursework based 16 Visual Merchandising Internal 60 Coursework based 21 Training and Development Internal 60 Coursework based 27 Work Experience in Business Internal 60 Coursework based 8
Entry Requirements? No prior knowledge of the subject is required, but previous experience in studying business studies will be an advantage. A Grade 4 in Maths and English is a minimum requirement. What type of job will this subject prepare me for? Delivery... Contact: Mr A Iniaghe (Subject Leader of Business) 9
OCR CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL IT LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA COURSE INFORMATION AND OUTLINE: A qualification in Information Technology opens up an incredible world of opportunities for work, not only within the technology industry but also in supporting roles within other industries. IT students will develop technical skills and knowledge that goes without saying. You ll also need other talents such as the ability to communicate clearly at all levels, to plan and to manage a project. Decision-making and problem-solving are also important. An IT suite of qualifications opens doors to diverse career paths: roles in the games design industry, web and animation development or perhaps network security, digital forensics or mobile app development. Whatever path you want to follow, this qualification provides a comprehensive range of skills to prepare you ahead. Out of 43 units, you will study 18 units, which is equivalent to 3 A-Levels and you will be expected to complete this over two years. The course compromises of both coursework units and examination elements, which you must pass, in order to attain the full qualification. 10
DETAILS OF ASSESSMENT: Some of the units are compulsory and others are optional. Examples of units include: Communication and employability skills for IT Information Systems Computer Systems Managing Networks Organisational systems and security E-Commerce Computer Networks IT technical support Project planning with IT And many more Entry Requirements? Must have ICT at Pass and achieve a grade 4 in GCSE Maths and English. What type of job will this subject prepare me for? Computers and games developer Web designer Credit analyst Commodity broker Systems analyst Financial analyst Developer Broadcast engineer tact: Miss N Liban (Subject Leader of ICT) C o n - 11
BTEC EXTENDED DIPLOMA CREATIVE DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION COURSE INFORMATION AND OUTLINE: Have you ever wondered what influence the media has over you? Studying this course you will not only look at the Media Industry s impact on society but also how it constructs and influences identities. You ll get stuck into topical media issues and debates surrounding film, TV and advertising industries, whilst also exploring how the media communicate meaning to its audiences. You ll work to critically analyse a range of media products and then have the chance to create your own media products. This may be a film opening, a TV documentary, music video, writing a script for a TV Drama and even a portfolio of editing techniques and camera work that you will be studying. This is a two year course which consists of 7 mandatory units which are a mix between internally and externally assessed, and 6 optional units chosen by your teachers which are internally assessed. What do I need? A good academic record, especially in English and Media Studies, if studied A love of the Media Analytical skills Critical thinking skills Patience and organisation Creative and a good eye for production 12
DETAILS OF ASSESSMENT: Students will be assessed continuously throughout the course via practical assessments, theoretical assignments and analytical tasks. Students will be assessed in their use of research, data, industry knowledge, production skills, technical skills, creativity and analytical understanding. The course will consist of both internally and externally assessed Units which students will be graded on using Pass, Merit or Distinction criteria. The course is the equivalent of three A- levels. Entry Requirements? No prior knowledge of the subject is required, but previous experience in studying Media will be an advantage. A Grade 5 in Maths and English is a minimum requirement. What type of job will this subject prepare me for? In addition to providing interesting and valid access to a range of degree courses at universities across the country, a qualification in Creative Digital Media Production also offers opportunities to students who are planning a future in broadcasting, journalism, publishing and the communication industries. This course also allows for careers in production and creative design to be pursued. What the qualification leads to: BA (Hons) Media Studies BA (Hons) Computer Animation BA (Hons) Media Production BA (Hons) Film BA (Hons) Digital Television Production BSC (hons) Broadcast Audio Technology Contact: Mrs R Leach (Subject Leader of Media Studies) 13
BTEC EXTENED DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS COURSE INFORMATION AND OUTLINE: The performing arts are a major part of the creative and cultural industries in the UK. Overall, the industry contributes approximately 4 billion to the UK economy and is a major employer. The UK s performing arts sector is vibrant, varied and hugely successful. It is a growth industry that offers diverse employment opportunities, for example in dance, drama, music, theatre, film, puppetry, costume design, directing, set design, make up or special effects, as well as in the support functions and roles that bring these art forms to the fore. Who is this qualification for? The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Performing Arts is intended to be an Applied General qualification for post 16 students who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education, and ultimately to employment, possibly in the performing arts sector. The course is the equivalent of three A-levels. Students wishing to take this BTEC will have successfully completed a Level 2 programme of learning, with GCSEs or vocational learning. What does the qualification cover? Students will study six mandatory units, covering the following: Investigating Practitioners Work Group Performance Workshop Individual Performance Commission Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance Performing Arts in the Community Final Live Performance to an Audience. Employment Opportunities in the Performing Arts Students choose Five optional units, which have been designed to support progression to the range of sector related courses in HE, and also to link with relevant occupational areas. What do I need? A good academic record, especially in English and Performing Arts A love of the Performing Arts Analytical skills Critical thinking skills Independent learning and research skills 14
DETAILS OF ASSESSMENT: Students will be assessed continuously throughout the course via practical assessments, theoretical assignments and analytical tasks. The course will consist of both internally and externally assessed Units which students will be graded on using Pass, Merit or Distinction criteria. The styles of external assessment used for qualifications in the performing arts suite are: set tasks learners take the assessment during a defined window and demonstrate understanding through completion of a vocational task performance learners prepare for assessment over an extended window and demonstrate skills that generate some non-written evidence. Internal Assessments include: 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 using appropriate techniques and processes Entry Requirements? Completion of a Level 2 Qualification in Performing Arts based subject is essential. Example Level 2 BTEC in Performing Arts or GCSE Drama. BTEC requirement route is level 2 Merit or better would be required. GCSE route -level 5 or better. A level 4 or better in English is also required. What type of job will this subject prepare me for? This qualification is primarily designed to support progression to study at university. However, it also supports students choosing to progress directly to employment, as the transferable knowledge, understanding and skills will give students an advantage when applying for a range of entry-level roles in occupational areas, such as acting, dance, musical theatre, teaching and education, health, creative arts and charities and voluntary work. What the qualification leads to: Potential degree courses include: BA (Hons) in Music, Theatre and Entertainment Management, if taken alongside a BTEC National in Business BA (Hons) in Theatre and Screen: Theatre Design, if taken alongside a BTEC National in Art and Design Contact: Mr C. Hallam (Subject Leader of Performing Arts) Miss L. Barrett (Teacher of Performing Arts) Miss Z. Ballard (Teacher of Performing Arts) 15
BTEC LEVEL 3 NATIONAL EXTENDED DIPLOMA HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE COURSE INFORMATION AND OUTLINE: IN The health and social care sector comprises two sub sectors, health care and social care. Health care encompasses all hospital activities, medical nursing homes and GP services, for example. The social care sector includes residential nursing care, residential nursing facilities, residential care facilities, domiciliary care and social work. Students are able to progress into work in the sector through degree programmes in nursing, midwifery, social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and pharmacy, for example. There are more than 300 distinct career paths in this sector. The Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care is intended as an applied general qualification. It is for Post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment in the health and social care sector. The qualification is equivalent in size to three A Levels. The qualification develops a deep common core of knowledge, understanding and skills in the sector through mandatory content. What does the qualification cover? Learners taking this qualification will study eight mandatory units: Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care Human Lifespan Development Working in Health and Social Care Meeting Individual Care And Support Needs Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care Promoting Public Health Work Experience in Health and Social Care. Learners are able to select optional units: Sociological Perspectives and psychological perspectives Supporting Individuals and children with Additional Needs including Dementia Nutritional health To develop a better understanding of the demands of the sector to demonstrate their commitment and interest in the sector learners are required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours of work experience. 16
DETAILS OF ASSESSMENT: There are 8 mandatory units and 5 optional units. There are 3 externally assessed units which include written exams and set tasks. The other units are internally assessed. The course is the equivalent of three A-levels. Entry Requirements? There are no formal entry requirements but we expect learners to have qualifications at or equivalent to Level 2. Learners are most likely to succeed if they have: five GCSEs at good grades and/or BTEC qualification(s) at Level 2 achievement in English and mathematics through GCSE. Learners may demonstrate ability to succeed in various ways. For example, learners may have relevant work experience or specific aptitude shown through diagnostic tests or noneducational experience. What type of job will this subject prepare me for? This qualification is primarily designed to support progression to employment via higher education. It also supports students choosing to progress directly to employment as the transferable knowledge, understanding and skills will give successful students an advantage when applying for a range of entry level roles, industry training programmes and Higher Apprenticeships. What the qualification leads to: The qualification is intended to carry UCAS points and is recognised by HE providers as meeting admission requirements for many relevant courses, for example BSc (Hons) in Nursing BA (Hons) in Social Work BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy BSc (Hons) in Speech Therapy BA (Hons) in Health and Social Care. Contact: Mrs P Sharma (Subject Leader of Design Technology) 17
BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN CHILDRENS PLAY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT (EARLY YEARs EDUCA- TOR) COURSE INFORMATION AND OUTLINE: The early years sector in England is made up of over 80 000 settings with 1.3 million childcare places for children under five. This ranges from childminders and nannies, to nurseries, crèches and preschools. Alongside the care provision, the sector has further career paths for students interested in working with children. Degree courses in speech therapy, social work, special education and play work offer additional opportunities in the sector. This size qualification is particularly appropriate for those with an interest in progressing directly to a career as an Early Years Educator (for example, nursery worker, childminder or nanny). It is also appropriate for those wishing to progress to higher education to specialise in a related field. What do I need? Good literacy and numeracy skills to plan your work with children and write your assignments. A passion for working with young children, being creative and innovative. A genuine interest in learning and developing knowledge and skills about educating and looking after children. Patience and willingness to care for young people. 18
DETAILS OF ASSESSMENT: This qualification is equivalent in size to three A Levels. It consists of 21 units of which 11 are Mandatory units. And 3 units are externally assessed through written exams and a set written task. The other units will be internally marked. The course is the equivalent of three A-levels. Entry Requirements? There are no formal entry requirements but we expect learners to have qualifications at or equivalent to Level 2. Learners are most likely to succeed if they have: five GCSEs at good grades and/or a BTEC qualification at Level 2 and achievement in English and mathematics through GCSEs. What type of job will this subject prepare me for? This qualification is a licence to practice in the early years sector. It prepares the learners to work as an Early years educator, childminder, nanny or similar. What the qualification leads to: The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses, for example: BA (Hons) Special Education BSC (Hons) Speech and Language Therapy BA (Hons) Primary Education. Contact: Mrs P Sharma (Subject Leader of Design Technology) 19
EXTENDED PROJECT COURSE INFORMATION COURSE OUTLINE: As part of your Post 16 enrichment, Year 12 students complete the level 2 Higher Project Qualification which requires you to plan, research and write a 2000 word dissertation. You will be taught a range of academic skills including how to reference, research and give effective presentations. The choice of topic is entirely yours and you are expected to complete the majority of work during private study time. In Year 13, students my be invited to tackle the Level 3 Extended Project which involves a 5000 word dissertation and carries a possible 70 UCAS points. DETAILS OF ASSESSMENT: Delivery of the Extended Project Qualification will involve some teaching of the necessary skills, supervision and assessment of your progress. It will involve extended autonomous work by yourself. You are required, with appropriate supervision, to: choose an area of interest draft a title and aims of the project for formal approval by the centre plan, research and carry out the project deliver a presentation to a specified audience provide evidence of all stages of project development and production for assessment Entry Requirements? All students entering Post 16 may be required to choose from either this subject or Young Enterprise. What type of job will this subject prepare me for? The skills you will learn will enable you to undertake academic projects in the future with confidence and enhances your UCAS application. Contact: Mr E Cort 20
YOUNG ENTERPRISE COURSE INFORMATION COURSE OUTLINE: The Young Enterprise Company Programme is a one year course offering Year 12 students the opportunity to work with outside professionals and experience the world of entrepreneurial business as part of The Aylesbury Vale Academy Post 16 enrichment programme. Under the flagship Company Programme students set up and run a real firm for a year under the guidance of a business volunteer. You get practical experience of the joys and pitfalls of creating a truly functioning enterprise. You do everything from raising the initial share capital through to designing and making a product or service to selling directly to customers at specially organised trade fairs and ultimately winding up the firm and paying taxes! This renowned programme has been running since 1963 and in that time a million 15-19 year olds have taken part. Apart from delivering aspects of work related learning under the National Curriculum, independent research shows it helps develop key skills that enhance young people s employability and enterprise capabilities. Many alumni of the Company Programme have gone on to outstanding careers in as entrepreneurs, corporate executives and public figures. Employers tend to look favourably on students who have taken part in the programme. DETAILS OF ASSESSMENT: Young Enterprise is an entirely practical course that assesses the success of your company. Entry Requirements? All students entering Post 16 will be required to choose from either Young Enterprise or Extended Project, therefore the only entry requirement is that you are offered a place at Post 16. We recommend Young Enterprise to students on the vocational BTEC route of study. What type of job will this subject prepare me for? The Company Programme prepares you for work in all areas of business management and will enhance your application for apprenticeships or university. Contact: Mr E Cort 21
The Aylesbury Vale Academy Paradise Orchard Berryfields Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP18 0WS t 01296 428 551 enquiries@theacademy.me www.theacademy.me 22