Key Stage 5 Options
Contents Welcome from the Principal Information for students and parents The different qualifications explained Biology Business Construction and the Built Environment Engineering Art and Design Chemistry Computer Science Design Technology: Product Design English Language Extended Project Qualification Geography Mathematics Further Mathematics Physics 2
Welcome Welcome to the second cohort of Medway UTC students. Medway UTC is a provider of first class education for young people aged 14-19 in the fields of Engineering, Construction and Design. At Medway UTC we are committed to providing the highest standards of achievement and development of the whole student, so that you are ready to realise your aspirations whether in employment, apprenticeship or higher education. At Medway UTC we recognise the importance of the decisions that students need to make in their transition from previous school. In this important and challenging phase of students education, it is crucial that we give you clear and informed guidance as to the choices available and how these are matched to individual needs, interests and abilities. Our programme of Options evenings and guidance for students is designed to ensure that parents and students are fully informed of the issues involved in choosing courses for Years 12 and 13. We offer an exciting range of academic and vocational qualifications courses this year, in addition to the fantastic enhancement and enrichment opportunities that will provide the springboard for our students' development and shape their future educational and career opportunities. We also see this as a time to reinforce the partnership that exists between the school, partners, parents and students. We value this partnership as we feel that it is vital in ensuring that students commit themselves, unequivocally, to the hard work that will enable them to successfully meet the challenges of new courses in Years 12 and 13. Our staff will be only too pleased to offer any guidance that you may require and to discuss with you the opportunities which are available. Dr Karon Buck Principal 3
Information for students and parents Our students are joining Medway UTC because they are passionate about Construction and the Built Environment, Product Design and Engineering. We offer a number of pathways in the Sixth Form so that all students can be supported to realise the ambitions. Students in years 12 and 13 have the option to follow three routes: In the technical route they complete the respective BTEC National Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment or Engineering together with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and Core Mathematics. Alternatively the can study the general applied route which includes the smaller BTEC National Diploma in Engineering together with A Levels. The final route is the Academic route consisting of A Levels with a focus on STEM subjects. Admission to Sixth Form We require 5 A*-C grades at GCSE including English and Mathematics as the requirement for entrants to the Sixth Form. However, for the following academic courses, applicants will be admitted if they have achieved five GCSE's at A*-C grades, in which case they also have the option for studying for A levels. Applicants should also be aware that even if they are offered a place, they will only be able to Study the subjects listed below if they meet the following minimum standards: Subject Minimum Mathematics Biology, Chemistry and Physics Academic Standard B in GCSE Mathematics C in GCSE Additional Science Any eligible applicant that enters the UTC's Sixth Form who fails to meet the specified grade in their chosen subjects will, where possible, be offered an alternative course or pathway at the UTC. General advice When making your decisions you should consider the following: Do I have a construction or engineering degree or career I am interested in? For engineering at top universities, Maths and Physics are essential whilst Further Maths is strongly advised. What do I enjoy doing? At A Level you will study subjects in far more depth than at GCSE, and you need to have a genuine interest in the subject to sustain the enthusiasm that will underpin your work. What am I good at? A Levels are significantly harder than GCSEs and therefore you only consider subjects that you have demonstrated success in (see entry requirements). There are also options for subjects you may not have studied before and you should research he course content and structure carefully. Apprenticeship, employment and higher education It is important to us the all of our students at Medway UTC are inspired, prepared and supported in making their next step in the careers. All of the students in the Sixth form will have the opportunity to work with our partners, participating in a structured programme of activities including; site visits, presentations and talks, hands-on team tasks and project work. Students will receive guidance from our staff and partners on future careers and we will support them through apprenticeship, employment and the UCAS process. They will also have a minimum of a week industrial placement with other partners and together with our enrichment programmes will provide the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes to be successful in the next step of the career. 4
The option form We ask that you submit you initial preferences by the end of the options evening, but you can use the enclosed form to amend your choice. Please speak to the teaching staff on the evening and read through the options booklet carefully. The deadline for final submission is the 5 th May. 5
The different qualifications explained Medway UTC offers an extensive curriculum to meet the needs of all learners. Over 15 courses are available offering both progression from GCSE and Level 2 BTEC courses as well presenting opportunities to study new subject areas. Students need to study the equivalent of three level three courses. Three different types of course are offered: A level courses BTEC courses GCSE resit courses (English language and Mathematics only) A-Levels and BTECS are all level three courses of equal standard. However, each type of course differs in respect of the assessment and teaching and learning approaches. Details of these differences can be read in the individual course summaries. A-Levels As you may be aware A Levels are currently being of reformed with the intention that all A Levels become linear i.e. students sit all of their examinations at the end of their final year. This means that although it will still be possible to obtain an AS qualification in a particular subject, the marks from this will not then count towards the overall A-level grade. These changes are not being implemented for all subjects at the same time. Therefore our intention is that students will all of their examinations at the end of Y13. BTEC Courses These courses are designed to provide a highly specialist, work-related qualifications in a range of vocational sectors. They give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for apprenticeship, employment or higher education. The levels on offer are: BTEC Diploma equivalent to 2 A levels BTEC Extended Diploma - equivalent to 3 A levels These courses are assessed using a Pass, Merit and Distinction criterion that are equivalent to E, C and A grades. If a student achieves a distinction in enough units then they will achieve a distinction* grade which is equivalent to an A*. GCSE resit courses Students in who have not achieved a grade C or above in GCSE mathematics and English will continue to study the subjects in the Sixth Form. 6
Art and Design A Level GCSE Art and Design or BTEC First Certificate in Art and Design The A-level in in Art and Design has been designed to ensure that not only practical artistic skills and abilities should be developed in any course of study, but also that the study of art and design and its various contexts should form part of any student s education. Therefore, in addition to making artefacts, students should be encouraged to reflect on their own work and on the work of others. In A Level art, craft and design students should engage in integrated critical, practical and theoretical study in art, craft and design. Unit 1: Art and Design Coursework: Students will need to have opportunities to generate ideas and research from primary and contextual sources, record their findings, experiment with media and processes and develop and refine their ideas towards producing outcome. Unit 2: The Externally Set Assignment represents the culmination of Y12. The paper consists of one broad-based thematic starting point. Unit 3: Art and design Coursework: This unit incorporates two elements: Practical work and Personal study. These two elements should be seen as integrally connected and supporting each other. The supporting studies may combine investigation and development for both the Practical work and Personal study. Unit 4: Externally Set Assignment represents the culmination of Y13, it consists of in-depth study of others work produced and presented, together with supporting studies. The course consists of four units which are all internally assessed. Units 1 and 2 require an in depth study of an aspect of others work supporting studies e.g. a study in book/folder form, which may include both written and visual analysis. The written text must be between 1000 and 3000 words. Unit 3 and 4 require critical work, personal study and supporting studies e.g. a study in book form, which may include images produced by the student, and is to include a written text of between 2000 and 5000 words. This qualification supports progression into further education, apprenticeship or employment, such as Edexcel BTEC Foundation Studies Diploma (Art and Design) and then to BA Honours Degrees in Art and Design or to Edexcel BTEC Higher National Certificates and Diplomas in Art and Design. 7
Biology A Level GCSE grade B in Additional Science The qualification has been designed to engage and inspire students by showing how an understanding of many contemporary issues requires a grasp of fundamental biological ideas. It aims to enable students to develop; essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods, competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills, their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject, understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society. Biological Molecules Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things Classification and Biodiversity Exchange and Transport Energy for Biological Processes Microbiology and Pathogens Modern Genetics. Origins of Genetic Variation Control Systems Ecosystems. The qualification is assessed with three units by external examination: Paper 1: Advanced Biochemistry, Micro Biology and Genetics, 1 hour 45 minutes (30% of total qualification) may include multiple-choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions. Paper 2: Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology, 1 hour 45 minutes (30% of total qualification) will include questions that target mathematics at Level 2 or above, a minimum of 20% of the marks across the three papers will be awarded for mathematics. Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Biology, 2 hours 30 minutes (40% of total qualification) Science Practical Endorsement* This qualification will give students opportunities to use relevant apparatus and techniques to develop and demonstrate specific practical skills. These skills must be assessed through a minimum of 12 identified practical activities within each qualification. The assessment outcomes will be reported separately on students certificates alongside the overall grade for the qualification. This qualification supports progression into higher education, apprenticeship or employment, such as BSc Honours Degrees in Biology and Biology-related subjects such as Engineering, Science, Computing or Technology. 8
Business BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate GCSE grade C in Mathematics The qualification has been developed in the business sector to provide students the opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life. The Extended Certificate covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the vocational sector, offering greater flexibility and a choice of emphasis through the optional units. It is broadly equivalent to one GCE A Level. Unit 1 Exploring Business: In this introductory unit, learners study the purposes of different businesses, their structure, the effect of the external environment, and how they need to be dynamic and innovative to survive. Unit 2 Developing a marketing campaign: Learners will gain skills relating to, and an understanding of, how a marketing campaign is developed. Unit 3 Personal and Business Finance: Learners study the purpose and importance of personal and business finance. They will develop the skills and knowledge needed to understand, analyse and prepare financial information. Unit 27: Work Experience in Business: Learners study the benefits of work experience in business. They reflect on their practical workplace skills by completing forty hours of appropriate work experience. The qualification consists of three mandatory units and one optional unit. Two of the units are externally assessed with assessment taking place during January and May/June (first exam window is June 2017). Unit 1: Exploring Business is an internally assessed mandatory unit and provides the underpinning knowledge of how businesses operate, and incorporates key information for learners to understand Unit 2: Developing a Marketing Campaign takes the form of a pre-released set task, to be completed in controlled conditions over a maximum of 3 hours during a period timetabled by Pearson the Awarding Body and Unit 3: Personal and Business Finance takes the form of a written examination to be taken over 2 hours. This qualification supports progression into higher education, apprenticeship or employment, such as BSc Honours Degrees in Business and gives a commercial awareness to the benefit of the specialism subjects of Construction of the Built Environment, Design and Engineering. 9
Chemistry A Level C in GCSE Additional Science or GCSE Chemistry The A-level in Chemistry course is designed to build upon knowledge and understanding from GCSE. It supports the physical science units of both the construction, design technology and engineering courses. Studying chemistry helps to develop problem solving, analytical and evaluative skills. It is an important subject for students who wish to go to university to study medicine, sciences or engineering. Unit 1: Atomic Structure and the periodic table, inorganic chemistry and the periodic table, energetics, equilibrium, acid-base equilibria and transition metals. Unit 2: Bonding and structure, redox, formulae, equations and amounts of substance, organic chemistry, kinetics and modern analytical techniques. The qualification is assessed with three units by external examination: Paper 1: Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, 1 hour 45 minutes (30% of total qualification) may include multiple-choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions. Paper 2: Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry, 1 hour 45 minutes (30% of total qualification) will include questions that target mathematics at Level 2 or above, a minimum of 20% of the marks across the three papers will be awarded for mathematics. Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Chemistry, 2 hours 30 minutes (40% of total qualification) Science Practical Endorsement* This qualification will give students opportunities to use relevant apparatus and techniques to develop and demonstrate specific practical skills. These skills must be assessed through a minimum of 12 identified practical activities within each qualification. The assessment outcomes will be reported separately on students certificates alongside the overall grade for the qualification. This qualification supports progression into higher education, apprenticeship or employment, such as BSc Honours Degrees in Chemistry and chemistry-related subject such as Engineering, Science, Computing or Technology. 10
Computer Science A Level C in GCSE Mathematics The A-level in Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned ion the classroom to real world systems. It is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement and can look at the natural world through a digital prism. The qualification aims to develop the student s understanding and ability to apply the principles of computer science, analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience, capacity to innovatively, see relationships between different aspects of computer science and mathematical skill. Unit 1: The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices. Software and software development. Exchanging data, data types, data structures and algorithms. Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues. Unit 2: Elements of computation thinking. Problem solving and programming. Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms. Unit 3: The learner will choose a computing problem to work through; analysis of the problem, design of the solution, developing the solution and evaluation. The qualification is assessed by two external written examinations and an internally assessed project: Unit 1: Computer systems, 2 hour 30 minutes (40% of total qualification) Unit 2: Algorithms and programming, 2 hour 30 minutes (40% of total qualification) Unit 3: Programming project (20% of total qualification) This qualification supports progression into higher education, apprenticeship or employment, such as BSc Honours Degrees in Computer Science and other technology related courses. 11
Construction and the Built Environment BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma GCSE C grade in English and Mathematics This suite of qualifications provides education, training and the application of knowledge in technical areas that are directly relevant to the changing needs of construction, planning and the built environment. It provides students the knowledge and understanding of the key issues of sustainability, health, safety and welfare in the construction, planning and built environment industries. The courses will provide opportunities for students to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life and career development. Mandatory core units provide students with the required knowledge of health and safety, mathematics, science, communications and project planning and implementation for success in the specialist units chosen by the students. Every unit and qualification in the framework has a credit value. The credit value of a unit specifies the number of credits that will be awarded to a learner who has achieved the learning outcomes of the unit. Students studying the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (180 credits) Unit Mandatory units Credits 1 Health and Safety in the Construction and the Built Environment 10 2 Sustainable Construction 10 3 Mathematics in Construction and the Built Environment 10 4 Science & Materials in Construction and the Built Environment 10 5 Construction Technology & Design in Construction & Civil Engineering 10 6 Building Technology in Construction 10 7 Project Management in Construction and the Built Environment 10 8 Graphical Detailing in Construction and the Built Environment 10 12 Setting Out Processes in Construction & Civil Engineering 10 18 Computer-Aided Drafting & Design for Construction 10 21 Project in Construction and the Built Environment 10 26 Geographical Information Systems in Construction 10 27 Surveying Technology in Construction & Civil Engineering 10 54 Information & Communication Technology for Construction and the Built 10 Environment 45 Principles & Applications of Management Techniques in the Construction 10 Industry 46 Tendering & Estimating in Construction 10 49 Construction Design Procedures 10 50 Construction Design Technology 10 12
All the assignments are created by Medway UTC and our Partners in the form of work related projects to emphasise the practical application of the assessment and provide realistic scenarios for students to adopt, making maximum use of practical activities and work experience. Students produce evidence in a variety of different forms, including written reports, graphs and posters, along with projects, performance observation and time-constrained assessments. The assignment are marked internally and moderated by the exam board Pearson. This gives students focus and also help to ensure that their feedback is specific to the assessment and grading criteria. These qualifications have been designed so that learners can progress into apprenticeship, employment or higher education for example to BTEC Higher Nationals in Construction, Civil Engineering or Building Services or degree courses in Civil Engineering and related courses. 13
Design Technology: Product Design A Level C in GCSE Mathematics The A-level in Design Technology: Product Design encourages students to take a broad view of design and technology, to develop their capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing. Unit 1 - Materials, Components and Application: This unit provides details of the subject content to be covered by students in Units 1 and 2. Students are required to use the knowledge and understanding stated when completing their coursework in Unit 2. The content is divided into three sections; materials and components, design and market influences and processes and manufacture. Unit 2 - Learning through Designing and Making: This is a design-and-make unit where knowledge of Unit 1 is applied to the design and making of the students own projects. Unit 3 - Design and Manufacture: this provides a greater depth of the subject content to be applied to Unit 4; materials and components, design and market influences and processes and manufacture. Unit 4 - Design and Making Practice: This is a design-and-make unit where knowledge of Unit 1 and 3 subject content is applied to the design and manufacture of candidates own projects. Unit 1 - Materials, Components and Application: A written examination based primarily on Materials and Components and consisting of three sections, 2 hours (25% of total qualification). Unit 2 - Learning through Designing and Making: Coursework may take a number of forms: a simple design-and-make project, two smaller projects or a portfolio of work, approximately 50 hours (25% of total qualification). Unit 3 - Design and Manufacture: 2 hour (25% of total qualification) Candidates answer three questions: one question from three in each section, plus a final question from either section. Unit 4 - Design and Making Practice: Written (or electronic) design folder, with manufactured outcome. Students submit evidence of a simple, substantial designing and making activity, approximately 60 hours (25% of total qualification). This qualification supports progression into higher education, apprenticeship or employment, such as BSc Honours Degrees in Product Design, other Technology and Engineering related courses. 14
Engineering BTEC Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma GCSE B grade in English and Mathematics The engineering sector continues to suffer from a skills gap and needs to keep up with rapidly developing technologies. These BTEC qualifications in Engineering have been designed to give new entrants to the engineering sector the underpinning knowledge and specific skills needed to meet the needs of modern mechanical engineering industries. Mandatory core units provide students with the required knowledge of health and safety, mathematics, science, communications and project planning and implementation for success in the specialist units chosen by the students. Every unit and qualification in the framework has a credit value. The credit value of a unit specifies the number of credits that will be awarded to a learner who has achieved the learning outcomes of the unit. Students studying the BTEC Level 3 Diploma (120 credits) Unit Unit title Credit 1 Engineering Principles (Examined) 20 2 Delivery of Engineering Process Safely as a Team 10 3 Engineering Product Design and Manufacture (Controlled assessment) 20 4 Applied Commercial and Quality Principles in Engineering 10 5 A Specialist Engineering Project 10 7 Calculus to solve engineering Problems 10 9 Work Experience in eth engineering sector 10 10 Computer Aided Design in Engineering 10 25 Mechanical Behaviour of Metallic Materials 10 42 Manufacturing Primary Forming Processes 10 47 Composite Manufacturing and Repair Processes 10 15
Students studying the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (180 credits) Unit Unit title Credit 1 Engineering Principles (Examined) 20 2 Delivery of Engineering Process Safely as a Team 10 3 Engineering Product Design and Manufacture (Controlled assessment) 20 4 Applied Commercial and Quality Principles in Engineering 10 5 A Specialist Engineering Project 10 6 Microcontrollers systems for engineers (Controlled assessment) 20 7 Calculus to solve engineering Problems 10 9 Work Experience in eth engineering sector 10 10 Computer Aided Design in Engineering 10 25 Mechanical Behaviour of Metallic Materials 10 26 Mechanical Behaviour of Non-metallic Materials 10 40 Computer Aided Manufacturing and planning 10 42 Manufacturing Primary Forming Processes 10 44 Fabrication Manufacturing Processes 10 47 Composite Manufacturing and Repair Processes 10 Units 1, 3 and 6 are set and marked by Pearson the awarding body. Unit 1 is assessed under exam conditions and units 3 and 6 are a controlled assessment tasks undertaken in lessons. The remaining unit assignments are created by Medway UTC and our Partners in the form of work related projects to emphasise the practical application of the assessment and provide realistic scenarios for students to adopt, making maximum use of practical activities and work experience. Students produce evidence in a variety of different forms, including written reports, graphs and posters, along with projects, performance observation and time-constrained assessments. The assignment are marked internally and moderated by the exam board Pearson. This gives students focus and also help to ensure that their feedback is specific to the assessment and grading criteria. These qualifications have been designed so that learners can progress into apprenticeship, employment or higher education for example to BTEC Higher Nationals and undergraduate engineering degree qualifications. 16
English Language A Level C in GCSE English The A-level in English Language challenges students to study a wide range of spoken, written and multimodal texts viewed as part of a continuum of ways of constructing meanings through language. As observers, readers and writers, students will be inspired by learning about spoken and written language from real and imagined worlds and they will engage with the craft of writing to create their own texts. Unit 1 Language Variation: Students will explore how; language varies depending on mode, field, function and audience, language choices can create personal identities and language variation in English from c1550 (the beginnings of Early Modern English) to the present day. Unit 2 - Child Language: Students will explore; spoken language acquisition and how children learn to write between the ages of 0 and 8, the relationship between spoken language acquisition and literacy skills that children are taught, including the beginnings of reading and appropriate theories of children s language development. Unit 3 Investigating Language: students select a research focus from five topic areas; develop their research and investigation skills, undertake a focused investigation, apply their knowledge of language levels and key language concepts developed through the whole course and develop their personal language specialism. Unit 4 Crafting Language: research a selected genre, demonstrate their skills as writers within their selected genre, crafting texts for different audiences and/or purposes and reflect on their research and writing in an accompanying commentary. The A Level consists of three external examined units and coursework: Unit 1 - Language Variation, 2 hours 15 minutes (35% of total qualification). Unit 2- Child Language, 2 hours 15 minutes (35% of total qualification). Unit 3- Investigating Language, 2 hours 15 minutes (25% of total qualification). Unit 4 - Crafting Language (coursework), internally assessed (20% of total qualification). This qualification supports progression into higher education, apprenticeship or employment, such as BSc Honours Degrees in English, English language, linguistics, creative writing or in related subjects such as English literature, law, journalism, media, speech and language therapy, teaching, drama, history. 17
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) A Level C in GCSE English The Extended Project is a Level 3 qualification will develop and extend from one or more of the student s study areas and/or from an area of personal interest or activity outside their main programme of study. It will be based on a topic chosen by the student and agreed as appropriate by Medway UTC. Learners 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. The evidence for assessment will comprise the following: the completed Production Log and Record including the Project Proposal Form, Presentation Record and Candidate Record Form The project product including a written report and any other evidence, as appropriate, depending on the topic or subject area chosen. This qualification supports the development of skills necessary for success in higher education, apprenticeship or employment as the course requires significant planning, organisational, project management, study and presentation skills and a piece of independent work. 18
Geography A Level C in GCSE Geography If you have ever wondered what is happening to the world around us and what you can do to help shape the future, then Geography is for you. We are living in an ever changing world facing many challenges. Our aim is to prepare students to lead and manage this change successfully for the future. We follow the Edexcel 2 year A Level Geography course which encourages students to gain enjoyment, satisfaction and a sense of achievement as they develop their knowledge and understanding of the subject. This A Level course will enable students to be inspired by their geographical understanding, to engage critically with real-world issues and places, and to apply their geographical knowledge, theory and skills to the world around them. Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards, Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change including optional sub-topics from which students choose one from two: 2A: Glaciated Landscapes and Change or 2B: Coastal Landscapes and Change, Topic 3: Globalisation, Topic 4: Shaping Places including optional sub-topics from which students, choose one from two: 4A Regenerating Places or 4B Diverse Places, Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity, Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security, Topic 7: Superpowers and Topic 8: Global Development and Connections including optional sub-topics from which students choose one from two: 8A Health, Human Rights and Intervention or 8B Migration, Identity and Sovereignty. The qualification is assessed with three units by external examination and one coursework component. The examinations include 12-mark and 20-mark extended writing questions. Calculators may be used: Paper 1: 2 hour 15 minutes (30% of total qualification) an externally-assessed written examination comprising three sections. Paper 2: 2 hour 15 minutes (30% of total qualification) an externally-assessed written examination comprising three sections. Paper 3: 2 hours 15 minutes (20% of total qualification) an externally-assessed written examination comprising three sections. A resource booklet will contain information about the geographical issue. Coursework: Non-examined assessment (20% of the qualification) the student defines a question or issue for investigation, relating to the compulsory or optional content. The topic may relate to any aspect of geography contained within the specification. This qualification supports progression into higher education, apprenticeship or employment, such as BSc Honours Degrees in Geography and geography-related subjects such as Construction, Engineering, Science or Technology. 19
Mathematics A Level B in GCSE mathematics The A Level in Mathematics develops students understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment. Students will develop their abilities to reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning, to generalise and to construct mathematical proofs. They will extend their range of mathematical skills and techniques and use them in more difficult, unstructured problems, developing an understanding of coherence and progression in mathematics. To recognise that different areas of mathematics can be connected and how a situation may be represented mathematically and understand the relationship between real-world problems. Core 1: Algebra and functions, coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane, sequences and series, differentiation and integration. Core 2: Algebra and functions, coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation and integration. Core 3: Algebra and functions, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation and numerical methods. Core 4: Algebra and functions; coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane, sequences and series, differentiation, integration and vectors. Mechanics 1: Mathematical models in mechanics, vectors in mechanics, kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line, dynamics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane, statics of a particle, and moments. Mechanics 2: Kinematics of a particle moving in a straight line or plane, centres of mass, work and energy, collisions and statics of rigid bodies. The A Level consists of six external examined units, all papers last 1 hour 30 minutes (16.67% of the A Level). C1 is a non-calculator paper, for all other unit examinations calculators can be used. This qualification supports progression into higher education, apprenticeship or employment, such as BSc Honours Degrees in Mathematics, mathematics-related subject such as Engineering, Science, Computing or Technology. 20
Further Mathematics A Level B in GCSE mathematics The A Level in Further Mathematics is excellent preparation for University, especially if you wish to study any mathematics-related subject such as Engineering, Science, Computing or Technology, as well as Mathematics itself. Many universities now encourage students to take Further Mathematics qualifications to improve their mathematical preparation for degree courses. Some leading universities now specify Further Mathematics as an entry requirement for certain courses. Further Pure 1: Series complex numbers numerical solution of equations, coordinate systems, matrix algebra and proof. Further Pure 2: Inequalities, series, first order differential equations, second order differential equations, further complex numbers, Maclaurin and Taylor series. Further Pure 3: Further matrix algebra, vectors, hyperbolic functions, differentiation, integration, further coordinate systems. Mechanics 3: Further kinematics, elastic strings and springs, further dynamics, motion in a circle and statics of rigid bodies. Mechanics 4: Relative motion, elastic collisions in two dimensions, further motion of particles in one dimension and stability. Mechanics 5: Applications of vectors in mechanics, variable mass, moments of inertia of a rigid body and rotation of a rigid body about a fixed smooth axis. The A Level consists of six external examined units, all papers last 1 hour 30 minutes (16.67% of the A Level). This qualification supports progression into higher education, apprenticeship or employment, such as BSc Honours Degrees in Mathematics, mathematics-related subject such as Engineering, Science, Computing or Technology. 21
Physics A Level C in GCSE Additional Science or Physics The A-level in Physics is designed to build upon knowledge and understanding from GCSE. It supports the mathematics and physical science units of both the construction, design technology and engineering courses. Studying physics helps to develop problem solving, analytical and evaluative skills. It is an essential subject for students who wish to go to university to study engineering and technology courses. Advanced Physics I: Working as a physicist, mechanics, electric circuits, further mechanics, electric and magnetic fields, nuclear and particle physics Advanced Physics II: Working as a physicist, materials, waves and particle nature of light, thermodynamics, space, nuclear radiation, gravitational fields and oscillations. The qualification is assessed with three units by external examination: Paper 1: Advanced Physics I, 1 hour 45 minutes (30% of total qualification) may include multiplechoice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions. Paper 2: Advanced Physics II, 1 hour 45 minutes (30% of total qualification) will include questions that target mathematics at Level 2 or above, a minimum of 40% of the marks across the three papers will be awarded for mathematics. Paper 3: Advanced Physics I and II, 2 hours 30 minutes (40% of total qualification) questions in this paper may draw on any of the topics in this specification. The paper will include synoptic questions that may draw on two or more different topics. Science Practical Endorsement* This qualification will give students opportunities to use relevant apparatus and techniques to develop and demonstrate specific practical skills. These skills must be assessed through a minimum of 12 identified practical activities within each qualification. The assessment outcomes will be reported separately on students certificates alongside the overall grade for the qualification. This qualification supports progression into higher education, apprenticeship or employment, such as BSc Honours Degrees in Physics, physics-related subject such as Engineering, Science, Computing or Technology. 22