 Studying A levels at Sidmouth College A Levels are academic courses that involve: theory; clear, well-thought out essays; identification and expression of different points of view; analysis of concepts; and the testing of generalisations. Independent study is very important and background reading and research is expected. At Sidmouth College we offer a wide range of A Levels, details of which can be found by clicking on the subjects on the right hand side of this page. For more details you can read our Sixth Form prospectus. KS5 Curriculum Choosing the right courses and qualifications to fit in with your long term plans is hugely important and, at Sidmouth College, we cater for all interests and abilities. Art & Design Business Studies Computer Studies Drama English Language English Literature Geography History Mathematics Further Mathematics Media Studies Philosophy & Ethics Photography Physical Education Psychology Science Sociology If you have any queries regarding the Sixth Form please contact our Head of Sixth Mrs Sue Hurley: Introduction In Art we try to develop a sense of excitement and fun in the selection and handling of a wide range of materials, and use this to relate our own feelings to the visual and tactile elements of the external world. What do Students Study? Drawing is central to our work, being a good way of collecting information, as well as helping us to understand what we see around us and develop our responses to it. We also study the work of artists from all periods and cultures so we can better understand their techniques, how it expresses both their own individuality and the context in which it was made. To this end, we arrange visits to art galleries. We have visited London, Barcelona and other local galleries as well as inviting artists into school to run workshops with students. We like to encourage people to work in as individual a way as possible, so the work from any one group will cover a whole range of approaches and styles. No-one is forced to be a traditional painter if they would rather aspire to be a future Turner Prize winner! How are students assessed? Your work will be assessed using 4 assessment objectives. The course involves both portfolio work and practically set assignments to be carried out under examination conditions. You will have regular reviews with your teacher to help and guide your learning. Component 1 Portfolio 60% Component 2 Externally set assignment 40% Contact Miss A Davies, Director of Performing & Creative Arts for further information: Introduction Geography A Level provides a diverse and in-depth insight into geographical issues of our times. It develops research and communication skills and enables you to understand more about the world in which we live. What do students study? In Geography A Level you will study a variety of topics which will take place in the classroom and out on field trips. The topics include: · Climate change · Flooding · Tectonic process · Demographic issues · Changing urbanised world · Development issues · Coastal landforms and their management · Sustainability How are students assessed? Assessment is carried out through examinations only. Students will study a number of areas over the two years, leading to an A level qualification in this area. Four areas to study will include: physical and human geography, along with contemporary themes and resources, alongside sustainability issues. Contact Mrs J Gill, Head of Geography for further information:
Introduction Physical Education is a varied and interesting course which links together the many facets of sporting industry, performance, psychology, biomechanics and human biology. What do students study? At Sidmouth college we follow the new AQA Level Qualification which lasts two years. All examinations take place at the end of two years. Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport What's assessed? Section A: Applied anatomy and physiology Section B: Skill acquisition Section C: Sport and society Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport What's assessed? Section A: Exercise physiology and biomechanics Section B: Sport psychology Section C: Sport and society and technology in sport How are students assessed? Two written exams of 2 hours; 105 marks each (70% of Final Grade) Practical Performance and Analysis Evaluation in one sport (30% of Final Grade) Curriculum Map 
 Introduction This modern qualification gives students a general grounding in computing, including an understanding of computer systems, the principles of programming and problem-solving. • The capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically • An understanding of the organisation of computer systems • The ability to apply skills, knowledge and understanding of computing, including programming, in a range of contexts to solve problems • The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of the subject • An understanding of the consequences of using computers, an awareness of emerging technologies and an appreciation of their potential impact on society. It is excellent preparation for students looking to take computing studies at degree level, or for anyone considering any kind of career in computing. What do students study? All elements will contain a component which will be a traditionally marked and structured question paper with a mix of question types: short-answer, longer-answer, and levels of response type questions. Component 1: COMPUTER SYSTEMS The content covered in this component includes: • The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output & storage devices • Software and software development • Exchanging data • Data types, data structures and algorithms • Legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues Component 2: ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING The content covered in this component includes: • Elements of computational thinking • Programming and problem solving • Pattern recognition, abstraction and decomposition • Algorithm design and efficiency • Standard algorithms. There will be a scenario/task contained in the paper, which could be an algorithm or a text page-based task, which will involve problem solving. Component 3: PROGRAMMING PROJECT Students will select their own user-driven problem of an appropriate size and complexity to solve. Previous projects include an educational based computer game to help students revise for their exams and a projectile motion simulator teaching tool for a Physics teacher. Students will need to analyse the problem, design a solution, implement the solution and give a thorough evaluation. How are students assessed? The A level examination is made up of a number of externally assessed examinations plus a major project at the end of the second year of the course. This is internally assessed and externally moderated. (OCR board) Contact Mr Sam Wickins, Head of Department for further information:
 Introduction Drama is a challenging and exciting A Level that provides opportunities for progression to many different courses in Higher Education. It is a distinct subject, complementary to other arts subjects, and is a useful qualification for a career in the media, entertainment and leisure industries. These industries generate 71.4 billion per year to the UK economy—generating £8 Million pounds per hour. Drama is also an asset in all areas of employment where people matter, eg, Law, Teaching, Police Service, Social Work, Caring, Journalism, Politics, Sales and Management. What do students study?
How are students assessed? A Level Drama & Theatre Studies : 3 Components Component 1: Drama & Theatre 40% of A level Written exam paper - 3 Hours - Study of 2 set texts 80 marks Section A & B Answer a question based on the study of a play from list A & B. [55 marks] Section C- Answer a question about a piece of live theatre seen. [25 marks] Component 2: Creating Original Drama [Practical] 30% of A Level Devised Performance 60 marks
Component 3: Making Theatre Performance [practical] 60% of A Level Presentation of an extract from a play 60 marks
Contact Miss Angela Davies, Director of Performing and Creative Arts for further information:
Introduction History is a challenging, exciting and relevant A Level subject, which can help make sense of current issues and ideas. The strands of the subject include; the story of events in the past, an appreciation of how historians have interpreted these events, the evaluation of sources, weighing up arguments, using analysis and reaching a conclusion. A variety of approaches to study are involved to help to develop this understanding. By the end of the course students should have developed their critical and analytical skills plus their ability to produce well directed written answers. History is a respected qualification and future employers recognise what it represents. Nikita Kruschev said “Shoot the historians, they’re dangerous!” What do students study? The course involves the study of both British and European History. The paper 1 British element is the breadth study of democracy, protest and reform c1785-c1870. It also includes a depth study of historical interpretations of the abolition of the Slave trade. The European part of the course looks at the unification of Germany c1840-1871. This includes a study of the German states in the 1840s, the failure of the revolutions of 1848-49, the decline of Austrian power and the creation of a new German state under the leadership of Prussia in the years to 1871. Students studying A Level History will also include a piece of coursework that will be focused upon a historical controversy that has come out of the causes of the First World War. At the same time the students will also study an externally assessed part which looks both in breadth and in depth focused upon the Civil rights and race relations in the USA, 1850 – 2009. How are students assessed? Units 1 to 3 are examined externally. The coursework is set internally and then examined internally then moderated by the exam board, Edexcel. Contact Mr C Trengove, Head of History for further information. Department Staff The Key Stage 5 Maths team comprises five teachers and a dedicated teaching assistant: What do students study? Mathematics AS Level and A2 Level Mathematics students study Core Mathematics together with an application of Mathematics, either Statistics, Mechanics or Decision Mathematics. A few students also take extra modules, giving them the demanding but prestigious Further Mathematics qualification (see below). Students are encouraged to use a graphic calculator and ICT is regularly used to demonstrate concepts visually. Additional support materials are accessed via the internet. A GCSE Grade B or above is required for students to take this A Level course. We also require a recommendation from a student’s GCSE teacher about their attitude towards learning and suitability for the course. Students need to have covered the work at GCSE up to Grade A* or complete this work prior to starting the course. Further Mathematics Further Mathematics requires the study of an additional three modules to standard Mathematics. These modules must include FP1 (Further Pure Mathematics) and D1 (Decision Mathematics) and either S1 (Statistics) or M1 (Mechanics) depending on the student’s choice at AS Level. Students must be taking Mathematics A-Level and have teacher approval to study Further Mathematics. How are students assessed? Mathematics All modules are assessed by examinations which last 1½ hours. AS Level is assessed by three examinations whilst A2 Level is also assessed by three examinations plus a piece of coursework involving the numerical solution of equations. Further Mathematics Certification for A2 Further Mathematics is usually taken at the same time as A2 Mathematics. The results will be arranged by the exam board to give priority to making sure that A2 Mathematics grade is as high as possible. Both the AS and A2 Level require that students sit three papers of 1½ hours each. Contact Head of Department, Paul Evans for further information:
Introduction Psychology is the scientific study of how our brain functions and why we behave the way we do. It is as scientific as Biology but without the gory bits! Psychologists formulate theories, test hypotheses and analyse the findings with statistical techniques that help them identify important findings about human behaviour. Psychology contributes to many different disciplines and is valuable in many different careers. What do students study?
By the end of your course, you should have developed a critical approach to scientific methods, evidence and theories, and a knowledge and understanding of how psychology works and its role in society. You will also develop skills including: oral, visual and written communication problem solving. How are students assessed? The A Level qualification is linear and will be assessed over two years. The assessment is made up of written examinations, which include multiple choice, short answer and extended writing. Contact Mrs Jane Fletcher for further information"
Introduction Philosophy and Ethics is a Religious Studies A Level. It is a fascinating and stimulating subject, tackling such questions as: Is there a God? Why do we suffer? How do we know right from wrong? Is there Life after Death? What do students study? The course is an investigation of the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics. We follow the Edexcel A Level course. There is a lot of class discussion and you will be asked to investigate issues, present arguments and reach conclusions. Students will be learning to think critically and evaluate and analyse a range of arguments as well as presenting and explaining their own views. We study arguments for the existence of God, Miracles, Suffering and Evil, Life after Death, Ethical Theories such as Utilitarianism and Deontology, Abortion, War, Environmental and Sexual Ethics. We also look in detail at a religion, doing an in depth study of beliefs and practices. How are students assessed? Assessment is carried out through examinations only. The papers contain short and essay style questions, based on the following: · Philosophy · Ethics · Deeper study of religion Contact Miss Mary Hext, Head of RE for further information:
Introduction A level Business Studies provides students with the opportunity to gain a broad understanding of business principles, including Decision Making, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources and Management. The qualification covers a mixture of teaching and learning experiences from the theoretical through to those with a clear problem solving emphasis. It provides students with a unique insight into the world of work. Through its study, students discover how businesses operate and learn about their key elements and essential business functions. This knowledge, and the holistic understanding that develops, is invaluable to those students who are considering either the workplace or university. It offers an excellent foundation for those wishing to pursue careers in management, marketing, project management, business accounting, management consultancy, human resources, and business journalism to name but a few! What do students study? The Business Studies A Level course gives students the opportunity to gain both a broad understanding of Applied Business principles and the opportunity to focus on a specific pathway such as Marketing, Finance, Human Resources or Management. In addition, the qualification covers a mixture of teaching and learning experiences, from the theoretical through to those with a clear problem solving emphasis. How are students assessed? Assessment is carried out through examinations only; there are a variety of techniques used – multiple choice, case study and essay type questions. Students will study modules over the two years, leading to an A level qualification in this subject. Contact Ms Helen Preston for further information:
Introduction One of the most important reasons for studying Sociology today is that it helps make sense of our rapidly changing world. Every year about 31,000 students start A Level Sociology courses. About 22,000 start a university degree in the subject. It is clearly popular, so what is it? Sociology is the study of society and the social behaviour of the people in it. Everyone knows something about society – they are part of it. However, sociologists look beyond “common sense views” to study society and its structures in a reasoned and disciplined way, trying to explain what lies beneath the surface. What do students study? A large part of our Sociology syllabus involves studying our society, both local and global, through news and current affairs. Some of the topics we cover are: Socialisation– how do we learn and become who we are? Culture– what ways of living are there? Identity– who are we and how do others see us? Families and relationships– what structures exist and how are these evolving? Social research– how can we find out about society? Social inequalities– is our society fair and are people treated equally? Globalisation and the digital social world– how is technology impacting us? Crime and Deviance– how should society define, monitor and react to crime? How are students assessed? The A Level qualification is linear and will be assessed over two years. The assessment is made up of written examinations, which include source material, short answer and extended writing. There are three papers, all equally weighted: · Socialisation, culture and identity · Researching and understanding social inequalities · Debates in contemporary society Contact Mrs Becky Jenkins for further information:
Biology Introduction Biology is the study of living things, from cells to ecosystems. If you are fascinated by the huge variety of life on Earth, and wish to gain an insight into how organisms work and interact, then Biology could be for you. What do students study? At Sidmouth College we follow the new AQA level qualification. A level Biology lasts two years with all examinations taking place at the end of two years. Practical investigations are an essential part of the course. Core Content
Assessment is carried out through examinations only. Students will study modules over the two years, leading to an A Level qualification in this subject. Chemistry Introduction Chemistry is all around us; from our sinks to our medicine cabinets, from our cosmetics to the colour of our clothing, and from our fuels, metals, plastics and polymers to the silicon, vital to the computer hardware that we use every day. What do students study? At Sidmouth College, we follow the new AQA A Level Chemistry course. Many chemical molecules and materials are studied in depth at A Level because of their importance in our increasingly diverse and technological world. The core content that you will study is listed below. Core Content
Assessment is carried out through examinations only. Students will study modules over the two years, leading to an A Level qualification in this subject. Physics Introduction Physicists explore the fundamental nature of almost everything we know. They probe the furthest reaches of the Earth to study the smallest pieces of matter. Join them to enter a world deep beneath the surface of normal human experience. What do students study? Throughout Physics A Level you will study a variety of topics including: · Imaging · Sensing · Signaling · Testing Materials · Wave Behavior · Quantum behavior · Mapping Space and Time · Out into Space · Our place in the Universe · Matter · Electromagnetic machines · Charge and Field Probing deep into matter · Ionizing Radiation and Risk How are students assessed? At Sidmouth College we are following the new AQA A Level Physics over two years. Practical investigations are an essential part of the course. Contact Head of Department, Mrs Janet Ritchie for further information:
English Language: Introduction By studying English Language A Level you will have an opportunity to develop your interest in, and appreciation of, language through learning about the language’s structures and its functions, its developments and its variations. This subject allows you to develop your ability to express yourself in speech and writing, producing texts for different audiences, purposes and in different genres. We will spend time analysing texts in more detail, sharing our opinions with our classmates, doing our own writing and giving presentations. You will enjoy this subject if you take pleasure in creative writing and exploring the finer technical details of texts. What do Students Study? You will explore how our language is influenced by gender, power and technology, which often leads to many heated debates. You will also write two creative pieces of your own choice for coursework. How are students assessed? You will be assessed through both examinations and coursework. It will involve being tested on your analysis of two texts in detail, using language frameworks and your understanding of language change and acquisition. English Literature: Introduction English Literature A Level is about reading and appreciating literature. If you enjoyed GCSE literature, you will probably enjoy A Level, but expect to find A Level more challenging. We spend time discussing texts in more detail, sharing our opinions with our classmates, writing, giving presentations and sometimes even acting! You will enjoy this subject if you take pleasure in reading, writing and developing your own ideas and opinions. What do Students Study? You will read a Shakespeare play, an anthology of poetry and novels such as ‘Rebecca’ and ‘Persuasion.’ In your second year you will investigate an area of your own interest, comparing texts you have chosen for your coursework essay. How are students assessed? You will be assessed through a combination of external examinations and coursework. Please contact Head of Department, Angela Lucas for further information:
 Introduction Media Studies is an exciting course in which students analyse and produce films, advertisements, music videos, websites, magazines and radio shows. The course is also very practical; anyone interested in any of the media listed should definitely consider taking it as an A Level. Media Studies offers you the challenge to get creative and engage your imaginations! What do students study? You will study a range of media (television, film, newspapers, magazines, websites and social media). You will analyse key features of these media forms and then apply these, creating your own practical productions. At AS and A2 you work individually or in groups during your coursework. The exams are about the wider media industry, how texts are produced and how they are understood by audiences. You will never watch a film or television programme in the same way again! How are students assessed? Your work will be assessed using 4 assessment objectives. You will have regular reviews with your teacher to help and guide your learning. The course involves both coursework (internally assessed and externally moderated) and external examinations. Please contact Miss Rachel Smith for further information:
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