Chessington Community College Sixth Form Curriculum Booklet 2015/2017
Contents Welcome General Information Expectations Applying to the Sixth Form Courses Offered Level 3 Courses: Biology Chemistry English Literature Film Studies History Mathematics Physical Education Physics
Welcome Thank you for the interest you have shown in our Sixth Form. Choosing your subjects and where to study is an important decision which will significantly shape your future. At CCC Sixth Form we take the time to ensure that all applicants receive individual guidance so that they can be assured that they are enrolled on the right type and number of courses. We believe that our ethos and the high expectations we have of all our Sixth Form students will ensure that you achieve to the best of your ability and move closer towards fulfilling your ambitions. We also aim to offer a breadth and depth of experience, not just in your academic studies, but also in extra-curricular activities. I hope the contents of this prospectus provide you with a clear overview of our Sixth Form. We look forward to meeting you to discuss any questions which you might have about the Sixth Form and also to receiving your application. Mr A Dally Assistant Principal (Post-16 Leader)
General Information Sixth Form Facilities Students in our Sixth Form are privileged to have their own Common Room. There is also a dedicated Sixth Form area with computers within the LRC which students can use as a quiet study area and for all day access to internet. Enrichment Students are encouraged to take part in the wider life of the school, such as assisting with after school clubs or supporting activities in lower school or getting involved in voluntary, fundraising and charity work at school or within the community. Duke of Edinburgh, CSLA and other cultural and enrichment activities are available for you to be a part of. This year a group of our students will travel to Tanzania to work with our partnership school; an opportunity which we hope to offer many of our students in the future. Our curriculum is supplemented by many extra-curricular opportunities to enhance students learning, including trips to theatres and galleries in central London. To help students prepare their university applications, trips to organised events at Universities around the country are also arranged. All Year 12 students carry out a one week Work Shadowing placement in order to give them insight into the world of work. This is very important in helping students make decisions about their future careers, as well as providing invaluable additional information for CVs and UCAS applications. Guidance and Support Our Sixth Form is an extremely friendly and welcoming community. We view each of our students as an individual and recognise that everyone needs different support to help them succeed. At CCC Sixth Form our classes are small and allow for plenty of one to one time between student and teacher. We also closely monitor and track the progress of each student so that any issues can be identified early and dealt with quickly. Students will have a personal tutor who will help them settle into the Sixth Form and provide support and advice with their study. Post-16 Bursary The 16-19 Bursary Fund has been set up by government to support young people who face financial barriers to continuing in post-16 education or training. For further information:https:// www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund
Expectations Our Sixth Form students are expected to: Actively contribute to their own academic progress; Challenge themselves to learn new skills and gain new experiences; Commit themselves fully to study; Develop good working relationships with staff and peer groups; Take responsibility for their own learning; Make the most of the extracurricular activities on offer; Take part in School life and offer their experience to the lower school; Use the time effectively to prepare themselves either for higher education or employment; Comply with the School policies (available on CCC website). Applying to the Sixth Form As a mixed Sixth Form we welcome students from other schools and colleges as well as those who are already part of our community. All students must apply to join the Sixth Form using our Application Form, which can be downloaded from the Sixth Form section on our website. Students requesting to join our Sixth Form from other schools will be offered an interview by the Post-16 Leader. These students will need to provide evidence of (predicted) GCSE results and a reference from their last school. Entry requirements Chessington Community College Sixth Form welcomes applications from all students. For entry onto a Level 3 A level students must achieve a minimum of 5 A*- C grades in separate subjects at GCSE level (including English and Maths) and a B grade in the subjects to be studied at A level.
Biology Exam Board: AQA Minimum Entry Requirements 5 GCSE A*-C Grade B in GCSE Biology Course Outline: A Level Biology allows students to access a variety of interesting topics that are not only key underlying part of modern society but often at the cutting edge of new developments - ethical and practical - in modern society thus enabling students to gain better understanding of their world. Students will gain valuable skills in understanding, analysis, evaluation and communication as well as, varied experimental skills which will be developed through laboratory tasks and field work. The course is enriched with visiting lectures and other enrichment activities. Since this A level course covers a wide range of skill areas, students who study this subject finds themselves well equipped to move onto higher education and into a wide range of careers. It is aimed at students who are considering a career in the health/ clinical professions where the Government has identified a significant national skill shortage. A Level Biology aims to encourage learners to: areas of the subject and how they relate to each other develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society. develop essential knowledge and understanding of different
Biology continued Exam Board: AQA A Level Biology is split into six modules: Modules 1 to 4 constitute the stand-alone AS Level qualification; Modules 1 to 6, combined with the Practical Endorsement, constitute the full A Level. The modules can be summarised as: Module 1: Development of practical skills this module underpins the whole of the specification, and covers the practical skills that students should develop throughout the course. The practical skills in this module can be assessed within written examinations and (for A Level only) within the Practical Endorsement. At AS Level: AS Papers 1 and 2 can assess any content from Modules 1 to 4. At A Level: A Level Paper 1 assesses the content from Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5, A Level Paper 2 assesses the content from Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 A Level Paper 3 assesses the content from Modules 1 to 6. Module 2: Foundations in biology covering concepts such as cell structure, biological molecules, nucleotides and nucleic acids, enzymes, biological membranes, cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation. Modules 3 and 4: AS topics. This includes exchange and transport in living organisms, biodiversity, evolution and disease. Modules 5 and 6: A Level topics. This includes communication in living organisms, homeostasis and energy, genetics, further evolution concepts and ecosystems.
Chemistry Exam Board: OCR Minimum Entry Requirements Grade B in GCSE Chemistry Course Outline The A level Chemistry modules deal with modern applications of Chemistry with a greater emphasis on environmental issues whilst others cover more traditional areas. Students are also given every opportunity to develop experimental skills through interesting and varied practical work. Visits to universities, lectures, residential courses and field trips are also expected to be made available. An advanced level qualification in Chemistry creates opportunities to move into a wide range of Higher Education courses and careers. It is also a subject which compliments the study of a large number of advanced level courses. AS Level This subject takes the key concepts of Chemistry studied at GCSE and develops them. The model of the atom is developed to explain observable phenomena and to interpret chemical reactions in greater detail. Pattern recognition is an important skill for a chemist and this is developed in studying group chemistry and periodicity as well as organic chemistry. Practical skills are developed through the course and these skills are assessed externally in paper one. Physical concepts are explored to study energetics and kinetics of reactions as well as equilibria. Advanced Subsidiary: % of AS Level Breadth in Chemistry 50% Depth in Chemistry 50% A2 Level In A2, there is further study of organic chemistry, chemical analysis and energetics. Polymerisation and chemical synthesis are developed further with a greater emphasis on commercial and biochemical applications. The A2 syllabus has been revised to include content of a more challenging nature in order to accommodate the new A* grade, awarded for exceptional achievement. Physical chemistry is developed to include more challenging concepts such as Free Energy and Entropy. Students complete a minimum of 12 practical activities to demonstrate practical competence. This is assessed internally. Advanced Chemistry: % of A Level Periodic table,& physical chemistry 37% Synthesis and analytical technique 37% Unified chemistry 26%
English Literature Exam Board: AQA B Course Outline During the course, you develop a critical understanding of the ways in which a writer can create great literature. You will learn how to study and write accurately about a variety of literary texts (prose, poetry and drama), using appropriate terminology and learning how to analyse how texts are created for effect. You will also be heightening your analytical skills to allow you to study and write about unprepared texts. You will study texts in relation to the context in which they are written, and explore connections and comparisons between them. Texts are grouped for study in expected and unexpected ways, to offer a balance of familiar texts drawn from our literary heritage and texts that are different, new and stimulating. There is a compulsory coursework unit, which will encourage you to study independently and allow you to write critically, analytically and creatively. The course will enable you to: develop your interest in, and enjoyment of, literature by reading widely; gain an understanding of the traditions of English Literature; gain an understanding of literature from different cultures; communicate your response to a wide variety of texts and respond to texts of different types and periods; make informed judgements and give opinions on literary texts; gain an understanding of cultural, historical and other influences on texts; gain skills of written and spoken communication. This course is suitable for you, if you: have a passion for reading a wide variety of literature from the past and the present; enjoy expressing your opinions and justifying your comments on texts; have a thirst for exploring a variety of literary theories and analysing a range of interpretations; enjoy studying a subject which is relevant to your own life and experiences; want to keep your options open for further study (English Literature is a popular qualification for entry to a wide range of courses in Higher Education or for future careers); are considering journalism, advertising, law, teaching, media and many other careers. Please see your teacher for more advice.
English Literature continued Exam Board: AQA B AS Level At AS, the texts are connected through a mainstream literary genre: either Aspects of Tragedy or Aspects of Comedy. Tragedy and Comedy have a long tradition in literature AS Level At AS, the texts are connected through a mainstream literary genre: either Aspects of Tragedy or Aspects of Comedy. Tragedy and Comedy have a long tradition in literature, with their origins in the Ancient World and with a specific emphasis on drama. Texts have been selected and grouped together because they share some of the common features of traditional tragic and comic drama while also offering some interesting variations. Texts that are studied include : The Great Gatsby, Othello and poetry by John Betjeman. Unit 1 Literacy Genres : Drama (50% of total AS) Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes (Closed Book) You will answer one passage-based question on a Shakespeare text and one essay question on a drama set text. Unit 2 Literary Genres: Prose and Poetry (50% of total AS) Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes (Open Book) You will answer one essay question on a poetry set text and one essay question on a prose set text. A Level Genre study is at the heart of English Literature B and the four broad You will answer one essay question on a poetry set text and one essay question on a prose set text. A Level Genre study is at the heart of English Literature B and the four broad genres available for study are tragedy, comedy, crime writing and political and social protest writing. Just as meanings of texts are not fixed, neither are definitions of genre, which frequently change and become blurred. The texts offered, therefore, are not necessarily classic examples of established genres and this is reflected in the modifying words 'aspects of' and 'elements of'. Unit 1 Literary Genres Tragedy or Comedy (40% of total A Level) Examination: 2 hours and 30 minutes (Closed Book) You will answer one passage-based question aon a set Shakespeare text, one essay question on a Shakespeare text and one essay question linking to texts.
English Literature continued Exam Board: AQA B Unit 3 Non-exam assessment: Theory an Interpretation (20% of total A Level) Two essays, 1250-1500 words, based on linking texts from the AQA Critical Anthology. Unit 2 Texts and Genres (40% of total A Level) Examination: 3 hours (Open Book) You will answer one compulsory question on an unseen passage, one essay question on a set text and one essay question which connects two texts.
Film Studies Exam Board: WJEC Are you interested in all aspects of film, including film studios and audience trends? Do you like the idea of engaging in creative projects such as film making, promotion campaigns and production planning? Film Studies involves studying all aspects of film, including the contexts in which films are made, distributed and viewed by audiences around the world. As well as planning and filming your own film extract (or short film), the course also involves the close study of the Hollywood mainstream and British filmmaking as well as independent and alternative films. This means that you'll be introduced to everything from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to British, European and World cinema. Although Film Studies is a relatively recent A Level, it is now well established and fully recognised by all Universities. The analytical and theoretical aspects have made it an increasingly well thought of A- level course. It could be combined very successfully with English Literature or History. Entry Requirements The general entry requirements for studying at Advanced Level apply, and must include a minimum of grade C in English GCSE. Course Content AS Level With all AS subjects, you will be studying two main units: The first unit is coursework designed to explore and creatively engage with the micro features of film making; you will be closely studying a variety of film texts, as well as making your own short film. The second unit is examined, and involves looking at areas such as the role of the film industry and audiences in shaping films, and British and American filmmaking. Exploring Film Form Coursework one: close analysis of how the micro aspects of a chosen aspect from a film of your choice produces meanings and responses. Coursework two: a creative project based on a film sequence or a short film. British and American Film Examination in the three areas studied: A. Producers and Audiences the UK and US industry. B. British Film: Living with Crime. C. Comparative study of two films and their context
Film Studies continued Exam Board: WJEC A2 Level At A2, you will be developing your understanding of all of the work you have been introduced to in AS but in addition, you'll be studying different examples of world cinema and completing a film project. You will also have the opportunity to make your own short film or write a screenplay. Assessment AS : 40% coursework (consisting of practical film making work and one extended essay) and 60% exam (consisting of 1 exam) A2 : 50% coursework and 50% exam (consisting of 1 exam) The Sixth Form is like a small family where everyone shares the enthusiasm and passion to succeed. - student Other information Film Studies concentrates on: film and will involve practical film making at both at AS and A2 as well as close analysis of a range of film types from around the world.
History Exam Board: Edexcel Entry Requirements It is not a necessary requirement that students have previously studied History at GCSE. However, preference will be given to those students who have a grade B or above in History as one of their 5 GCSE s. Any other student considering AS/A Level History will need to have evidence of good English skills and will require a Grade B or above in English. Why study History? History is an exciting and interesting subject and this, combined with the skills that are developed throughout the course of study, make it a subject that is recognised and valued by employers, universities and colleges. By the end of an AS/A2 Level History course you will have learned how to evaluate and analyse information, how to weigh up evidence and how to communicate ideas effectively. As a result of following a course in AS/ A2 Level History you will have laid an excellent foundation for a number of popular careers including Journalism, Law, Media Studies, Psychology, International Relations, Politics and Business. Students of any age or cultural background who study History have access to a wide range of careers and will have made a valuable contribution to their lifelong learning. Course Outline In order to gain an AS level qualification it is necessary for a student to complete two units of study, i.e. Units 1 and 2, (1 year course). For a full A2 level examination, students must take a further two units, i.e. Units 3 and 4 (2 year course). AS Level Unit 1: Historical Themes in Breadth will assess the historical significance of events, ideas, attitudes and beliefs Option E: Russia 1917-1991 from Lenin to Yeltsin. Unit 2: Option C: The German Democratic Republic, 1949-1990 A2 Level (2 years study) Unit 3: Option D: Germany 1871-1990: united, divided and reunited Unit 4: Historical Enquiry (Coursework) Crime and Punishment in Britain 1830-1965 Assessment AS assessment at the end of Year 12. A2 assessment at the end of Year 13
Mathematics Exam Board: Edexcel What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course? You will be expected to have achieved at least a grade B in your Maths GCSE at the highest tier. Four other GCSE s at grade C or above will also be expected. What will I learn on this A level course? Mathematics at AS and A level is a course worth studying in its own right. It is challenging but interesting. It builds on work you will have met at GCSE, but also involves new ideas that some of the greatest minds of the millennium have produced. It serves as a very useful support for many other qualifications as well as being a sought after qualification for the workplace. While studying Mathematics you will be expected to: use mathematical skills and knowledge to solve problems; solve quite complicated problems by using mathematical arguments and logic. You will also have to understand and demonstrate what is meant by proof in mathematics; simplify real life situations so that you can use mathematics to show what is happening and what might happen in different circumstances; use the mathematics that you learn to solve problems that are given to you in a real-life context; use calculator technology and other resources (such as formulae booklets or statistical tables) effectively and appropriately in order to understand when not to use such technology, and its limitations. A one hour 30 minute examination paper tests each of the units, which are equally weighted. What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification? In order to get an AS (Advanced Subsidiary) you will need to take three units. If you want a full A level you will need to take a further three units. In the first year we take 2 units in Pure Mathematics, (C1 and C2) and one in statistics (S1) In the second year of the A level we take 2 more units in pure Mathmatics, (C3 and C4) and one in Mechanics or Decision.
Mathematics continued Exam Board: Edexcel What could I go on to do at the end of my course? AS Mathematics: An AS in mathematics is very valuable as a supporting subject to many courses at A level and degree level, especially in the sciences, geography, psychology, sociology and medical courses. A level Mathematics: A level mathematics is a much sought after qualification for entry to a wide variety of full-time courses in Higher Education. There are also many areas of employment that see a mathematics A level as an important qualification and it is often a requirement for the vocational qualifications related to these areas of employment. The teachers have very high expectations of us. - student Higher Education courses or careers that either require A level mathematics or are strongly related include: Economics, Architecture, Accountancy, Psychology, Computing, Medicine, Engineering, Teaching, Environmental Studies, Information Technology. If you wanted to continue your study of mathematics after A levels you could follow a course in mathematics at degree level or even continue further as a post graduate and get involved in mathematical research.
Physical Education Exam Board: OCR Minimum Entry Requirements: Grade B in GCSE PE Course Outline: AS and A Level PE take a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging the development of different methods of enquiry drawn from a wide range of disciplines, with the focal point being the performer and the performance. The specifications are based on the interaction between the theory and practice of Physical Education. A qualification in PE is rapidly becoming an essential pre-requisite for specialist study in Physical Education and Sport Science in higher education. It is also a subject which compliments the study of a large number of advanced level courses. Course Content: AS: Unit G451 An Introduction to Physical Education Anatomy and Physiology Acquiring Movement Skills Social Cultural Studies A2: G452 - Acquiring, developing and evaluating practical skills in Physical Education Physiology Psychology Historical Studies G454: Improvement of effective performance & critical evaluation of practical activities in PE You will look at the impact of physical activity on the systems of the body and on participation and performance in physical activity as part of a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle. Focus will then look at how the body adapts as a result of physical activity and develop an awareness of measurement, analysis and appraisal of physical fitness to allow you to plan a programme of training to improve health and performance. Study focuses on how the learning of movement skills impact participation and performance in physical activity as part of a balanced, active and healthy lifestyle in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of performance.
Physical Education continued Exam Board: OCR You will study psychological concepts such as attitudes, achievement motivation, individual differences, group dynamics, and how they impact on people being physically active and affect participation and performance. The study of personality, leadership and social facilitation will enable you to become informed decision makers through understanding how to make the most of the opportunities and pathways involved in physical activity.study focuses on physical activity as an intrinsically valuable/necessary experience in contemporary society. You will develop knowledge and understanding of the socio-cultural factors that have an impact on regular participation a nd the achievement of excellence. Sport and physical activity in other cultures will be investigated and compared to sport in the UK.. The practical aspects will provide you with the opportunity of applying theoretical concepts to practical performance. At AS level you will be assessed in TWO sports and in A2 Level you will be assessed in ONE
Physical Education continued Exam Board: OCR How will I be assessed? Module / Unit Level Unit/Module Title Exam Weighting AS A2 H154 G451 AS An introduction to Physical Education Anatomy & Physiology (30 marks) Acquiring Movement Skills (30 marks) Socio Cultural studies (30 marks) 2 hr Written Paper 60% 30% H154 G452 AS Acquiring, developing and evaluating practical skills in Physical Education Practical 40% 20% H554 G453 A2 Principles & concepts across Physical Education: Comparative Studies, Sports Psychology, Exercise Physiology Each 35 marks = 105 marks 2hr 30min paper 70% 35% H554 G454 A2 The Improvement of effective performance & critical evaluation of practical activities in PE Practical 30% 15%
Physics Exam Board: AQA What is Physics? Physics is the most basic and fundamental of all the sciences. Physicists want to really understand how things work, in every detail and at the deepest level. This includes everything from elementary particles, to nuclei, atoms, molecules, macromolecules, living cells, solids, liquids, gases, plasmas, living organisms, the human brain, complex systems, supercomputers, the atmosphere, planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe itself. Course Outline Throughout the course you will study these modules: physics 1 Measurements and their errors 2 Particles and radiation 3 Waves 4 Mechanics and materials 5 Electricity 6 Further mechanics and thermal 7 Fields and their consequences 8 Nuclear physics What career options will I have? Physicists end up in all sorts of interesting jobs and are virtually never unemployed, because of their broad training and adaptability. In particular they are needed at the start of new technologies and machines, or in particularly challenging projects such as space missions, remote explorations, and failure assessment. As a working physicist you may find yourself: trying to predict the stock market on Wall Street; testing satellites for space missions; developing new materials for industry; developing new electronic devices and components; doing medical physics in a hospital, teaching the next generation of physicists in a high school; trying to predict the next major earthquakes to hit San Francisco or Japan, developing flight simulation software; optimizing industrial manufacturing or transformation processes; developing a new measurement instrument; performing materials testing and characterization for special applications; launching a new software company or product; performing urban planning and optimization, etc.
Contact Information Principal Mr R Niedemaier Reed Deputy Principals (Acting) Mr C Baston Ms M Pilbrow Assistant Principal (Post-16 Leader) Mr A Dally Assistant Principal Pupil Premium Miss A Garvey Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning Miss A Smith (Acting) Assistant Principal Faculty Leaders Mr K Middleton Faculty Leader for Sports, Performing and Visual Arts Mr C Baston Faculty Leader for Maths and ICT Mrs S Craig Faculty Leader for Humanities and MFL Mr D Stevenson Faculty Leader for English, Film, Media Mr L Hampton Faculty Leader for Science and Technology School Phone Number 020 8974 1156 Sixth Form Office Ext: 244 School Email contactus@ccc.kingston.sch.uk Visit our website www.chessingtoncommunitycollege.co.uk Like us on Facebook /Chessington Community College - A Comprehensive School Follow us on Twitter /CCC_RBK
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