Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Marie Curie Sixth Form

Curriculum booklet

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Contents Course information

A Level courses

MC

28 Spanish

1 Art & Design

2 Biology

3 Business Studies

4 Chemistry

5 Computer Science

7 Drama

9 English Language

10 English Literature

11 Film Studies

14 Geography

17 History

19 Mathematics

20 Media Studies

21 Music

22 Physics

23 Politics

24 Product Design

26 Psychology

27 Sociology

29 Sport Science(Physical Education)

6 Dance - Level 3 Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts

12 LIBF Certificate in Financial Studies

15 Health and Social Care Studies (Vocational)

18 ICT (Vocational)

30 BTEC Sport (Vocational)

A LEVEL ART & DESIGN

1 A Level Art & Design Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Course description

Mascalls Academy offers four separate A Level courses within the area of Art and Design, and students will be introduced to a wide variety of experiences exploring a range of media, techniques and processes, with candidates using sketchbooks and portfolios to underpin their work where appropriate.

FINE ARTStudents will work in one or more areas of fine art design such as painting and drawing, mixed media including collage, sculpture, printmaking and installation.

GRAPHICSThis course covers areas of graphic communication such as illustration, advertising, packaging design, communication and computer graphics.

PHOTOGRAPHYStudents will study areas of photography design such as portraiture, landscape photography, still-life photography, photo-journalism and experimental imagery.

TEXTILESTextile design in areas such as fashion, printed or dyed fabrics, constructed textiles and textile installation will be covered within this qualification.

Course content Year 12 Students will be introduced to a range of techniques and artists, and asked to produce a portfolio of work in response to the common theme, which they will develop in their own direction. This portfolio will be designed to document key skills and techniques students have accessed. In January of Year 12 students will start to develop Personal Investigation based projects which will form the bases for Component 1 investigations. Year 12 work will be submitted to support marks awarded for the Component 1 “Personal Investigation” project.

Year 13 - Component 1 Personal investigation – This is a practical unit with written elements (1500-3000 words) in which students are given the opportunity to develop a personal investigation of their choice based on an issue, concept, theme or ideas leading to a finished piece. The investigation will involve students’ researching other artists’ work, both historic and contemporary.

Entry requirements

Level 5 or above in one of the Art subjects at GCSE. Please note that for students wishing to study more than one Art based subject they will need to perform highly at GCSE. Admission to multiple Art and Design courses will be determined on an individual basis.

Year 13 - Component 2 Controlled assessment – Students will be able to select a question from the exam paper and will be given eight weeks’ preparation time, which concludes with a fifteen-hour exam, in which to complete the final piece.

What could I do next?Many of our Art students go onto Foundation Courses at local or London colleges with whom we have close contact and from there to university, to specialise in the form of the arts most suited to their skills. The creative arts industry is one of the fastest growing employment sectors, and Art students can expect a range of job opportunities - either establishing themselves as artists, designers and photographers in their own right or through working in a gallery, museum, in theatre, film, advertising, marketing, therapy, teaching, publishing or illustrating - to mention just a few.

A LEVEL BIOLOGY Exam board: OCR A

2 A Level Biology Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

How will I be assessed?

The two year A Level course is assessed through three exams, all of which are taken at the end of the two years of study. These cover biological processes (37%), biological diversity (37%) and unified biology (26%). Question styles range from multiple choice and short answer to longer structured questions covering theory and practical skills. A separately reported practical endorsement certificate is given for candidates demonstrating sufficient skill in key areas.

Course description

A wide range of topics are covered from finding out about how the human body works to understanding the natural environment. Biology is a challenging qualification which requires dedication. You will be expected to gain a sound knowledge of detailed mechanisms which support life within living cells and organisms. The course follows a content-led approach.

In Year 12 you will study cells, enzymes, exchange and transport and biodiversity. This incorporates learning the intricate detail of cell functioning, use of microscopes and how cells are specialised for their functions. You will also learn how animals and plants are adapted to have complex exchange and transport

systems including the lungs, heart and blood. Later in the year you study biochemistry, enzymes, and ecology.

Throughout the course key knowledge and skills are built up, especially in Year 2 where many synoptic links are made between new content and that taught in the previous year. You will also develop ideas on communications, homeostasis and energy and study another module focusing on genetics, evolution and ecosystems.

Entry requirements

Minimum of 6 in Biology. Minimum pass in Maths and English at GCSE.

What could I do next?

Gaining an A Level in Biology is a passport to a diverse range of exciting careers including various research posts. There is a huge choice of subjects you can go on to study at university including ecological sciences, physiology, genetics and biochemistry. Biology is also necessary for a number of careers, for example physiotherapy, nursing, medicine, veterinary medicine/ science and dentistry.

A LEVEL BUSINESS STUDIES

Course description

Year 1In year one, students study Themes 1 and 2: -

• Theme 1 – Marketing and People Looking at marketing and meeting customer needs, as well as the role of entrepreneurs and leaders.

• Theme 2 – Managing Business Activities Explores the role of finance and resource management, as well as the impact of external influences on business.

Year 2In year two, students will study Themes 3 and 4: -

• Theme 3 – students will study the ways in which businesses make decisions and implement strategies that will influence their competitiveness.

• Theme 4 – students will investigate the causes and consequences of globalisation, global marketing strategies, and appreciate the role of global industries and companies in our economy.

Throughout the course you will develop a clear and to-the-point style of writing - the type used in thebusiness world, enabling you to communicate effectively in a business setting. You will also learnhow to analyse and interpret economic indicators, to work out how they may affect a business and what action should be taken to benefit from these, or minimise the damage.


Studying business helps you to develop your analytical thinking and teaches you skills such as how to interpret a range of information from different sources. Business Studies is a very popular subject choice for Higher Education and students can choose to follow an integrated route of business and economics, or indeed study the subjects independently. The Advanced GCE in Business Studies will give students enhanced career choice and progression opportunities in fields such as business and/or economics, business management, accountancy and human resources.


Students will sit three exam papers in the summer of Year 13.

• Paper 1 will assess Marketing, People and Global businesses. Questions will be drawn from Themes 1 and 4, and from local, national and global contexts. 35% of the overall grade.

• Paper 2 will assess Business Finance and Operations, and Business Decisions and Strategy. Questions will be drawn from Themes 2 and 3, and from local, national and global contexts. 35% of the overall grade.

• Paper 3 will assess content across all four themes. For Paper 3, there will be a pre-released context document which will have a broad focus, such as an industry or market in which businesses operate. Examples from previous exams are the Fitness, Chocolate and Holiday industries.

3 A Level Business Studies Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Entry requirements

Whilst the study of Business Studies at GCSE is preferable, it is not essential. If GCSE Business Studies has been taken, a Level 5 or above must have been achieved. Students must attain a minimum of Level 5, ideally Level 6, in both GCSE English (Language or Literature) and Maths. Well-developed writing techniques and mathematical ability are required for this demanding course.

Resources

You will be required to purchase a copy of the Edexcel A Level Revision Guide and Workbook ready for the start of term. ISBN-10: 1292213213.

A LEVEL CHEMISTRY Exam board: OCR A

Course description

Chemistry is a subject of global impact and as a fundamental science is involved in almost every aspect of daily life. Most technological changes and new discoveries have their foundation in chemistry. This popular course conveys the excitement of contemporary chemistry, exploring the frontiers of research and applications of chemistry, and relating them to traditional concepts.

4 A Level Chemistry Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Course content

The two year A Level course has three exams, all of which are assessed at the end of the two years. Exam 1 is worth 37% covers advanced inorganic and physical chemistry. Exam 2 worth 37% covers advanced organic and physical chemistry. Exam 3 worth 26% covers general and practical principles in chemistry. The papers may include multiple choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions. A separately reported practical endorsement certificate is awarded for candidates demonstrating sufficient skill in key areas.

Progression

Chemists are the key to influencing life and making the world a better place to live. Chemistry links Physics and Biology and provides the basis for a range of key areas such as medicine and chemical engineering. A chemistry qualification is like having an open flight ticket to anywhere in the world – it gives you many choices. It is not just an end in itself, but an exciting beginning. Chemistry is considered by many employers to be excellent training for almost any occupation or profession. Many of our students have gone on to study pure chemistry, pharmacology, environmental sciences, accountancy, biochemistry and forensic science.

In Year 12 you will cover topics ranging from atomic structure, bonding, inorganic chemistry and the periodic table to modern analytical techniques and energetics. Experimental chemistry will be taught throughout the topics with questions assessing conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental methods in the exams.

Throughout the second year you will embed and develop the content covered in the first year, while also gaining a deep understand of organic and inorganic chemistry.

Entry requirements

Minimum of 6 in Chemistry. Minimum pass in Maths and English at GCSE.

A LEVEL COMPUTER SCIENCE

Course description

This course has been designed for students who wish to go on to higher education courses or employment where knowledge of Computing would be beneficial. Students can study Computer Science and go on to a career in medicine, law, business, politics or any type of science. Advances in computing are transforming the way we work and this course has been designed to follow the current changes.

There are two examination units (40% weighting each) and a non-exam assessment (20% weighting) which together make up the A level over the two years. The first examination unit tests the student’s ability

to program, as well as their theoretical knowledge of computer science from the perspective of the fundamentals of programming and data structures, software development and the theory of computation.

The second exam unit is a written paper which tests the student’s ability to answer questions on the fundamentals of data representation, computer systems, computer organisation and architecture and communication and networking, databases, functional programming as well as the consequences of using computers and Big Data.

Course content

This project will allow students to develop their practical skills in the context of solving a realistic problem or carrying out an investigation. Students have the opportunity to work independently on a problem of interest over an extended period, during which they can enhance their programming skills and deepen their understanding of Computer Science. Some examples of the types of projects are:• a simulation, for example, of a business or scientific

nature, or an investigation of a well-known problem such as the game of life

• a solution to a data processing problem for an organisation, such as membership systems

• a computer game

5 A Level Computer Science Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Entry requirements We would expect students to have studied Computer Science GCSE and have achieved a Level 5 as a minimum. Furthermore, we would expect students to be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in their written submissions evidenced by a minimum of a Level 5 in GCSE English Language, and to have a good level of mathematics skills evidenced by at least a Level 5 grade in Maths GCSE.

• the solution of an optimisation problem, such as production of a rota, shortest-path problems or route finding

• an application of artificial intelligence • a control system, operated using a device such as

an Arduino board • a website with dynamic content, driven by a

database back-end • an app for a mobile phone or tablet • an investigation into an area of computing, such as

rendering a three-dimensional world on screen • investigating an area of data science using, for

example, Twitter feed data or online public data sets

• investigating machine learning algorithms

DANCELevel 3 Diploma in Creative and Performing Arts

Course description

This is an exciting new RSL course that develops your performance skills, technical skills, choreographic abilities and analysis of your own process and the work of professional practitioners. The course is made up of seven units that are assessed through a practical assessment and a written portfolio. One unit is externally assessed but still through project based work. Each unit requires learners to research, analyse and evaluate the work of various artists and apply this knowledge to their own practice through practical exploration.

Course content

Unit 1: Dance Technique and Performance 1: This unit aims to develop skills in contemporary dance, creating and performing specific techniques and sequences. Students will perform in a technique class and show a development over a semester. You will create a technical duet based on the skills developed in the lesson. A written portfolio that shows your understanding of the development of contemporary dance, a development of your skill level and a final evaluation comparing your skill development to the professional dance world.

Unit 2: Choreography: This unit will develop your understanding of choreographic principles and apply them to creating, rehearsing and bringing to performance a dance work.

Unit 3: Ensemble Dance Performance: This is a group performance developed with a teacher and your group ready for a live performance. You will look at recent practitioners who will influence the ensemble piece. The rehearsal process will be analysed as skills in technique will be developed.

6 Level 3 Diploma Dance Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Unit 4: Global Dance Styles - An exciting unit introducing new styles of dance and learning specific techniques in these new dance styles. The main focus will be capoeira and khatak but this may change yearly depending on the groups interests.

Unit 5: Repertory Dance Performance - The aim of this unit is to develop your ability to learn, rehearse and perform a group dance. To enhance your understanding of working together towards a united vision of the performance aim. This will be ready to be performed for a live show.

Unit 6: Planning for a Career in the Creative and Performing Arts - In this unit you will familiarise yourself with the processes associated with effective career planning. The aim is to provide opportunities to align/link your overarching career aims with opportunities that will be provided on this course.

Unit 7 (external unit): This external project is set by the exam board. It is a brief that you will explore both practically and in your research to develop a performance piece. Both the practical and written work is then marked externally.

Entry requirements

Level 5 or above in Dance GCSE, or RSL Level 2, if either taken. Some previous Dance training and experience is required for this course.

A LEVEL DRAMA Exam board: AQA

Course description

The Drama and Theatre course offers you the opportunity to explore drama as a practical art form, in which ideas and meaning are communicated to an audience through choices of form, style and convention. You will create, perform and respond to drama and theatre. In addition you will develop creativity and independence to become an effective theatre maker. It is vital to highlight that the course explores the relationship between theory and practice in a range of theatrical styles and periods and historical, social and cultural contexts. As a theatre student you will have the opportunity to learn how relevant research, independent thought and analysis of live theatre productions can inform decision making in their practical work and put this understanding into practice.

7 A Level Drama Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Course content

Component 1Drama and Theatre (Written Exam: 40%) You will study two play-texts and analyse and evaluate a Live Theatre Production. It is split into three sections; Section A, Section B, Section C.

Component 2 Creating Original Drama (Practical Exam: Internal: 30%)• Practically explore a variety of practitioners

• Devise and perform a performance in the style of one your chosen working practitioners.

• In addition to the performance, you will be marked on an accompanying working notebook of the process and decisions made whilst creating and developing your performance. (Theory aspect)

* Designer route available

Component 3Making Theatre (Practical: Visiting Examiner: 30%) • Practically explore and interpret THREE extracts;

each extract is taken from a different play.

• With extract three a practitioners methodologies will be applied, and this will be a different practitioner to the one used in Component 2.

• You will also be required to produce an accompanying Reflective Report which outlines your intentions for all three performances. (Theory aspect)

* Designer route available


Following successful completion of the course you could further your studies by applying for University or Conservatoires that specialise in Drama, Performance, Technical Theatre and Theatre studies. By applying for courses that will continue to develop your skills and knowledge it will open doors to other training opportunities and career routes, such as; a masters, education, critical writing and therapy, as well as working in theatres.

If you would rather choose immediate employment then this course may support you in applications to theatre settings; apprenticeship roles within the theatre or theatre companies. The skills you will develop from this course will support you in any role.

Resources

Playtexts will be selected on the group that have chosen that year and will be shared with you the summer before you begin the course. Practitioner books: The Frantic Assembly book of Devising, Brecht for Beginners - Micheal Thoss, The Director’s Craft - Katie Mitchell

8 A Level Drama Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Entry requirements Students must achieve a minimum of a Level 5 in both Drama and English. Ideally a Level 6 due to the vast amount of theoretical work that is now within the course. Due to the heavy weighting of marks on the written aspect it would be recommended that students have well-developed writing techniques.


Component 1 (worth 40%)Written Examination lasting 3 hours and worth 80 marks. Exam taken at the end of Year 13 marked externally by an examiner. It is an open book that is split into three sections;

▪ Section A - One question, your choice, on Hedda Gabler from the perspective of a performer, designer or director worth 25 marks.

▪ Section B - One three part question on a given extract from Metamorphosis from the perspective of how the play has been constructed to be performed and to communicate meaning / how the play is informed by its social, cultural and historical context. Worth 30 marks.

▪ Section C - You will be posed ONE question that will require them to analyse and evaluate the Live work they have seen. Worth 25 marks.

Examined by AQA examiners.

Component 2 (worth 30%)You will be examined on your devised performance as either a performer, director or a designer and the performance is worth 20 marks. You will need evidence of the working methodologies of one influential practitioner in your work. In addition, you will complete a working notebook to evidence your ability to analyse and evaluate the devising process. This is worth 40 marks.

The Non-examined assessment unit is internally assessed and externally moderated by the exam board.

Component 3 (worth 30%)You will practically explore and interpret three extracts each taken from different playtexts as a performer, designer or director. The methodology of a working practitioner is applied to Extract 3; it must be a contrasting practitioner to Component 2. You will also be required to write a reflective report analysing and evaluating the theatrical interpretation of all three extracts.

Extract 3 only examined by an AQA visiting examiner.

A LEVEL DRAMA Exam board: AQA

A LEVEL ENGLISH LANGUAGEExam board: Edexcel/Pearson

Course description

Throughout the two year A-level course, you will learn how to use and apply specialist linguistic terminology. You will explore how children acquire language up until the age of 8 and how language has changed over time. You will also have the opportunity to explore spoken, written and multi-modal language in different contexts and how language is linked with personal and social identity.

In the second year of the course, you will complete coursework in creative writing which is worth 20% of the final A Level and undertake a personal language

investigation which will be examined in the final examination.

As a subject, English Language is well regarded by Higher Education institutions and employers. Having a sophisticated understanding of the English language could lead to a career in any number of professions for example teaching, journalism, speech therapy and even positions in the social science arena, business or design.

Course aims

The aims and objectives of the Advanced GCE in English Language are to enable students to:

• develop and apply their understanding of the concepts and methods appropriate for the analysis and study of language;

• explore data and examples of language in use;

• engage creatively and critically with a varied programme for the study of English;

• develop their skills as producers and interpreters of language;

• independently investigate language in use.

9 A Level English Language Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Entry requirements

You must achieve at least a Level 6 in English Language AND English Literature at GCSE to be accepted on the course.

A LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATURE Exam board: Edexcel/Pearson

Selected texts

Prose:• Atonement - Ian McEwan• Hard Times - Charles Dickens

Drama:• A Streetcar Named Desire - Tennessee Williams• Othello - William Shakespeare

Poetry:• A Post 2000 collection & a selection of Victoian

heavyweights in the form

The coursework (NEA) will allow you a greater degree of freedom in the choice of texts you examine, as well as encouraging you to explore links and comparison in terms of setting, character, context and narrative. Popular choices in the past have included, A Thousand Splendid Suns (Hoesseini), The Color Purple (Walker), Wuthering Heights (Bronte) and Frankenstein (Shelley).

10 A Level Computer English Literature Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Course description

Throughout the two year course, you will study a wide variety of poetry, prose and drama texts that are linked thematically and by era. You will gain an understanding of how social and historical contexts influence the writing and reception of a variety of texts. You will be expected to read widely and will therefore extend your understanding of and enthusiasm for Literature in all its forms. The two year course gradually builds the skills required for the

analysis of literature through a combination of classic and modern texts, from ancient literature to post-2000 poetry and everything in between.

The course assessments will comprise of 20% Coursework and 80% Examination that will assess your analytical skills and ability to assimilate the views of others as well as formulating your own responses.


English Literature is highly regarded by Higher Education institutions and employers. Through your study of this course you will become an informed, independent reader with excellent research skills and this will stand you in good stead for any course you might choose to study at degree level. Typically, students who study Literature move on to careers in journalism and law as well as teaching and the media.

Entry requirements

You must achieve at least a Level 6 in English Literature AND English Language GCSE to be accepted on the course. Additionally a love of reading would be beneficial in accessing the challenging subject material.

A LEVEL FILM STUDIES

11 A Level Film Studies


Assessment at the end of year two will be two examinations totalling 70%, including the topics covering classical Hollywood, Hollywood across time, contemporary independent film, film movements, documentary, global film and short films. The non-exam assessment is worth 30% of the qualification. This will take the form of a short film (3-5 minutes) or a screenplay for a film and a digitally photographed storyboard, both accompanied with an evaluative analysis.

What could I do next? Film Studies is a popular subject for Higher Education. In a rapidly developing world where media forms are pervading all aspects of life, the study of the film text at this level often requires that students have interests beyond the realm of a single subject. Transferable skills are often acquired through acute awareness, therefore, in subjects such as History, Politics, Sociology, the Arts and English Literature to name a few.

These skills are enabling and have permitted many Film Studies graduates to continue onto an equally wide-ranging career path including occupations such as screenwriters, journalists, producers, publishers, photographic journalists, directors, teachers, sound engineers, writers, radio producers, animators and film industry exhibition.

Course description

Film Studies is an exploration of a wide variety of films across time and style, and helps broaden knowledge and understanding of the range of responses films can generate. There are opportunities to study mainstream and independent British and American films from the past and present, as well as more recent global films, both in English and non-English languages. The theoretical knowledge and understanding of film will be assessed in exam components and applied to practical non-exam assessment of either a short film or pre-production work.

Year 1

The year one course introduces you to the language of film and provides you with the tools to decode and analyse film texts. You will study Global films made inside and outside of Europe, not in the English language as well as American film forms and the growth of Hollywood. You will investigate the codes and conventions of these Hollywood and global films, and explore issues of representation that reflects the production context of the films. The final element of the year is a study of a documentary film and the significance of digital technology.

Year 2

The year two course takes you away from the comforts of Hollywood/popular cinema and challenges you to explore more technical and complex film texts in the quest to become a more rounded student of film. You will study a film movement such as expressionism, constructivism or a New Wave. You will also study a British film, exploring narrative and ideology. The Non-Exam Assessment constitutes one production and its evaluative analysis. There will be a brief to follow, which will give some requirements within the product, which can be either a short film (4-5 minutes), or a screenplay for a short film and a digitally photographed storyboard, each requiring an evaluative analysis of 1250 - 1500 words.

Entry requirements Study of Film or Media at GCSE is not essential. Skills in analysis and conceptual understanding are however required for this largely academic course. It is essential that you have at least a Level 5 in English Literature AND English Language at GCSE.

Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

LIBF CERTIFICATE IN FINANCIAL STUDIESCourse description

The Certificate in Financial Studies provides a comprehensive introduction to personal finance. CeFS develops the knowledge and skills required for you to make informed financial decisions by introducing you to the risks and challenges involved in personal finance, provides the tools for effective financial planning and allows you to identify the right financial solutions (products) to an individual’s circumstances.


Each unit is assessed through a combination of Multiple Choice Questions (Part A) and a written paper (Part B) that includes some questions based on a pre-released case study and the rest as stand-alone non-case study questions. Each unit is scored out of 100 marks per unit. The pass mark for Part A will be 40% (14/35) of the raw marks. The pass mark for Part B will be set for each session to reflect any small variations in question paper difficulty. To pass a unit, students must achieve the minimum pass mark for both part A and part B. A resit exam is available for both parts A and B of each Unit. The highest score of either sitting is used in the overall grading.

12 LIBF Certificate in Financial Studies Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet


For students seeking to continue in education, CeFS provides a foundation for further study in businessand finance-related disciplines, as well as a wide range of other commercial or not-for profit sectors. Forstudents who choose to move straight into employment, CeFS may support access to employment in areas such as in insurance, banking, and office administration, or in the voluntary sector such as withCitizens Advice.

Resources

The LIBF (The London Institute of Banking and Finance) provide text books for each unit and upon registration, online resources will be made available to students.

13 LIBF Certificate in Financial Studies Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Course content

Year 1 Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS)Unit 1- Financial Capability for the immediate and short-term

• Understand the value and purposes of money.

• Understand the concept of the personal life cycle and the impact of external influences.

• Understand the features of different types of financial services product.

• Understand the role of key stakeholders in financial services provision.

• Understand the characteristics of financial products for managing money.

• Understand how to manage finance in the short term and the impact of poor and unforeseen circumstances.

• Understand the impact of legislation and regulations on earnings and the key features of income tax and National Insurance.

• Understand an individual’s financial needs through the various life stages.

Unit 2- Financial Capability for the medium and long-term

• Understand the influence of values, needs, wants and aspirations on financial decision making.

• Understand how to budget for future aspirations and life events.

• Understand how to plan for medium- and long-term financial needs.

• Understand the features of risks and rewards in managing personal finances.

• Understand the features of different types of financial services product

• Understand how to make informed financial choices in the selection of financial services products.

• Understand when, where and how an individual can get financial help and advice.

Year 2 Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS)Upon successful completion of Year 1 which is the equivalent of an AS-Level, students can choose to continue with the Diploma in Financial Studies in Year 2. Year 1 and Year 2 exam scores are then combined for the final grade that is equivalent of one full A Level.

• Unit 3 - Sustainability of an individual’s finances

• Unit 4 - Sustainability of the financial services system

Entry requirements

Students must attain a minimum of Level 5, ideally Level 6, in both GCSE English (Language or Literature) and Maths. Well-developed writing techniques and mathematical ability are required for this demanding course.

LIBF CERTIFICATE IN FINANCIAL STUDIES

A LEVEL GEOGRAPHY Exam board: AQA

Course description

Geography at Mascalls Academy is a popular subject which encourages students to engage with the relationship between human populations and the physical environment we inhabit.

A Level - Years 1 and 2: A Level Geography content is divided into three components:

▪ Component One focuses on physical geography, people and the environment. Within this you will look at water and carbon cycles and how this impacts humans and their daily lives. Next, you will consider coastal systems and how they are managed for human purposes. You will then go on to look at natural hazards and how they can pose problems to human populations.

▪ Component Two considers human geography. You will focus on global systems and global governance, then changing places within which you will make comparisons between built environments and natural landscapes. Lastly you will investigate contemporary urban environments in both HICs and LICs.

▪ Component Three is the geographical investigation which allows students to complete an individual investigation worth 20%. You will then complete a four day fieldwork trip to collect human and physical data sets investigating a question or issue defined and developed by any part of the specification content of your choice. This is then summarised in the form of a written fieldwork report or NEA.

14 A Level Geography Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

How will I be assessed? The A Level is assessed across two years, with exams being taken at the end of the course.

• Both Components one & two are written exams (2 hours 30 minutes) and each is out of 96 marks; each form 40% of the A Level.

• Component three is a written report of 3,000-4,000 words and is worth 35 marks, 20% of the A Level. This report is marked by teachers and is moderated by the board examiners.


Being an Art and a Science, Geography graduates have a varied field to go into. Many choose to go on to careers in business, conservation, the environmental sector, accounting, teaching, journalism, politics, retail and so on.

Entry requirements

You must achieve a Level 6 or above in Geography at GCSE to be accepted on the A-Level course. It is also strongly recommended that students achieve a Level 5+ in GCSE Maths and English Language because of the strong statistical element to the geography fieldwork investigation and extended writing in the examination questions themselves.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE STUDIES (VOCATIONAL)Course description

Health and Social Care Studies is the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate. The course is made up of three exams and three coursework units. The exams are in Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety, and Anatomy and Physiology. The coursework units studied are Sexual Health, Nutrition and Building Positive Relationships in Health and Social Care.

Who is the course for?

Students from a wide range of backgrounds undertake this course. The course is designed for students considering careers working within the health and social care sector, and students interested in working with children and young people. Many students who have studied these courses have gone on to university to study adult and child nursing, midwifery, social work, early years’ education, pharmacy studies, occupational therapy and much more. Those going into employment, work successfully within roles supporting children and young people, people with sensory and physical disabilities, the elderly, mental health sector, ethnic minority groups to name a few.

15 Health and Social Care Studies (Vocational) Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet


Assessment is carried out over the two-year programme and completed via external written exams, mandatory assignments and coursework. You will be required to carry out background reading, independent research and private study in order to complete all elements.

Entry requirements

Merit or above in OCR Vocational Health and Social Care Studies Level 2 OR Level 5-5 or above in Combined Science (or level 5 in separate Biology), and Level 5 or above in English (Language or Literature).

16 Health and Social Care Studies (Vocational) Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Course content

The course is made up of a number of components including external written exams, mandatory assignments, project work and coursework.

The Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate is worth one A Level and will involve four mandatory units (three exams and one controlled assessment). The optional units are assessed through set assignments.

The mandatory units are:

1. Building Positive Relationships in Health and Social Care - internally assessed assignment

2. Equality, Diversity and Rights in Health and Social Care - exam

3. Health, Safety and Security in Health and Social Care - exam

4. Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care - exam

What else does it offer?

Those considering working within either the Health and Social Care sector, or with children and young people, will need to be able to demonstrate they have a wide range of skills in a variety of settings. This programme offers a number of work-based learning opportunities and has strong links with community project work, local employers and volunteering opportunities.


This vocational qualification in Health and Social Care provides much of the underpinning knowledge for the National Occupational Standards in Health and Social Care and Health, and consequently acts as a robust introduction to both the social care and health sectors. These qualifications prepare learners for employment in these sectors, or for Higher Education.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE STUDIES (VOCATIONAL)

Course description

This course runs for two years and covers key events from the 19th and 20th centuries, and a personal investigation in Year 13 into events that pre-date 1750.

There is a breadth study which is called ‘The Making of a Superpower’ and centres on the history of America between 1865 and 1975. Students will study important issues that turned the USA from a country that was locked into an ideology of isolationism into a world superpower. The course focus is on change, continuity, and cause and consequence. Whilst studying this unit the students will investigate key questions such as how the government, political authority and political parties change and develop; how did the role of the USA in world affairs change, and how united were the States during this period?

The course also includes a depth study module entitled ‘Wars and Welfare: Britain in Transition, 1906-1957’. In this module students will study how the Liberal Party dealt with the crisis it faced after 1906; the impact of the Great War on the political and domestic life of Britain, the ‘Hungry Thirties’, the People’s War and Peace 1939-1951, and how far Britain emerged as an affluent society between 1929 and 1957.

The course also includes a non-examined assessment - the historical investigation - which is based on an historical topic that pre-dates 1750. This is a challenging but rewarding piece of work which helps develop extended writing skills and serves as a strong introduction to undergraduate study of the subject.

A LEVEL HISTORY

Course content

Students will undertake two written exams of equal weighting at the end of Year 13. One will be on the depth study whilst the other is on the breadth study. The A Level qualification is awarded based on two exams which are taken at the end of Year 13, and the result of the historical investigation. The weighting of the modules are 40% breadth study, 40% depth study and 20% historical investigation.

17 A Level History Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet


History is a popular subject for higher education and through its development of transferable skills will enable you to pursue many potential career paths. History graduates have gone on to careers in journalism, teaching, the civil service, politics, banking and business.

Entry requirements

Level 6 or above in History GCSE, the study of which is essential, as the development of key skills for both courses happens at GCSE level. Additionally, a Level 5 or above in English (Language or Literature) is required, as well-developed writing techniques are necessary for this demanding course.

ICT (VOCATIONAL) Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in IT

Course description

This qualification (Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in IT) is not just about being able to use computers. Employers have told us that they need people who are able to help them develop their systems, or the systems for their customers, use IT as a tool to analyse data and develop applications. Therefore, this qualification is designed to give students a range of specialist knowledge and transferable skills in the context of applied IT, providing them with the opportunity to enter an apprenticeship, move directly into employment, or progress to a related Higher Education course.

Students will take five units, consisting of three mandatory and two optional units. Two of the mandatory units are external examinations and the remaining three units are coursework units.

All students will study the following two mandatory examination units; ‘Fundamentals of IT’ and ‘Global Information’. These units provide learners with an insight into the IT sector, as they investigate the pace of technological change, IT infrastructure, and the flow of information on a global scale, as well as the important legal and security considerations. The ‘Fundamentals of IT’ exam will be taken at the end of Year 12 and the ‘Global Information’ exam will be taken at the end of Year 13.

In addition, students will complete three further coursework units, 1.5 units in each year of Sixth Form. They will then be firmly en-route to achieving a qualification that is relevant to the job role they wish to pursue as well as equipping them with relevant employability skills.

18 ICT (Vocational) Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet


Typical job roles within this pathway include; Junior Web Application Developer, Junior Application Developer or Junior Software Analyst. Students will take the mandatory coursework unit – ‘Application Design’ which will allow them to explore application design and develop a prototype to meet a user requirement.

Students will then take two further units; ‘Games Design and Prototyping’ and ‘Web Design and Prototyping’ which will draw on the knowledge acquired from the mandatory units, and will further enhance students’ knowledge, skills and understanding with respect to the development of specifications and the designing, building or testing of applications.

How will I be assessed? This qualification is equally split between coursework and examination units with one exam (25%) being taken at the end of Year 12 and the remaining exam (25%) at the end of Year 13. The three coursework units will be moderated at various times throughout the two years with the weighting equally split between them, accounting for the remaining 50%.

Entry requirements

We would expect students to have studied ICT or Computer Science at Key Stage 4 and to have achieved a Level 5 or Merit (depending on your course) as a minimum. Furthermore, we would expect students to be able to communicate effectively - both verbally and in their written submissions, as demonstrated by a Level 5 or above in English Language GCSE.

A LEVEL MATHEMATICS

Course description

Pure and applied mathematics that will develop your skills in calculus, geometry, mechanics, statistics, making financial decisions and many more areas – as well as the application of these skills in the wider environment.

Course content

Year 1The first year of the course develops skills learned in GCSE and introduces several new areas such as circle geometry, further equations and surds. New ways of calculating y=mx+c will be explored, alongside equations of circles and their tangents. Differentiation and integration studies commence too.

Students will then progress onto radian measure and exponential growth and decay. Revision of transformation of graphs from GCSE will be looked into alongside binomial expansions, trigonometric identities and areas under graphs.

The statistics element explores the application of statistical procedures to solving everyday problems. Students will engage with topics such as correlation and regression, normal and binomial distributions, confidence interval, variance and standard deviation. The new A Level has a stronger emphasis on using a large data set to help demonstrate the statistical concepts covered in the specification.

19 A Level Mathematics Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

During the mechanics element, students will explore the application of many different mathematical models to help them solve problems from within the mechanical world, linking in very well with some physics topics. The unit covers topics such as Newton’s laws of motion, kinematics and projectiles

Year 2Students will develop the skills that they have learned in the first year, furthering their understanding of topics such as trigonometry, logarithms and function transformations.

The second year of the A Level also introduces new concepts such as vector geometry and proof, alongside further exploration of rationalising expressions, parametric equations and trigonometric identities.

Entry requirements

You must achieve at least a Level 7 in Maths at GCSE to be accepted onto the course.


Mathematics is a very popular subject to study. Once you have completed this course, you could go on to study Mathematics at university, the respect for the subject reaches far and wide. You will find that many courses in Higher Education have mathematical elements to them and A Level Mathematics will prepare you for this. Employers also favour Mathematics qualifications due to the analytical skills the holders of the qualification have.

A LEVEL MEDIA STUDIES

Course description

This course is designed to offer an integrated, holistic approach to the study of media - exploring the media issues and debates, as well as analysing how Media language is used to construct media products, and question how these products appeal to specific audiences. You will learn to analyse texts such as TV shows, videogames, magazines, blogs, film posters and more. There will be a variety of products, including historical and cultural products, which will be used to expand understanding of audience responses within context. This creative subject will also enable you to develop design skills using Photoshop and InDesign, as well as honing more practical photography skills. It is expected that you will be actively using and checking a range of media so that you are aware of the ever changing media landscape and its role within society.

Year 1

You will study how media products are constructed and how audiences and users respond to and interpret them, using products that span time and culture - a theme will be given by the exam board, which will provide a general viewpoint for our studies. Primary focus will be on the products and audience responses, representations, technical codes and media industries. You will analyse a range of representations, including gender, ethnicity, age, events and regional and national identities. Specifically, we will look at how these representations are constructed and how audiences respond to them .

Year 2

You will complete a non-examination assessment (coursework) that constitutes 30% of your final grade. This will be a cross-media product, created to address an issue or debate within the media industry, which is of specific interest to you. In this year, you will also receive a number of Close Study Products from the exam board which will be the basis for paper two of the examination, with the given theme being the basis for the issues and debates focused on in paper one.


Media Studies allows students to greatly widen their career choices. Graduates have found that opportunities are considerably improved due to the transferable skills required for the completion of a Media Studies course, such as IT and specialised software knowledge, which are increasingly sought after in a new technologically-minded age. Business managers, software producers, advertising specialists, journalists, teachers and games software producers, are amongst some occupations that many graduates have progressed to.

20 A Level Media Studies Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Entry requirements

Whilst the study of Media at GCSE is preferable, it is not essential. If GCSE Media Studies has been taken, a minimum of a Level 5 must have been achieved. If not, a level 5 or above in English Language AND English Literature is required.

Assessment

Assessment at the end of year two of the course is through two examinations. Paper one is based on the given theme, and requires exploration of issues and debates by providing short answers, medium length answers and discursive essay style answers. Paper two is based on the Close Study Products and you will be asked to provide three discursive answers to comparative questions.

Assessment

You will study eight units over two years; one of these units will be externally assessed and the others will be marked by your teachers. Some of your assessments will be written portfolio based work and some will be performances and compositions. Compulsory Core units include:• MUSRPA 349: Planning for a Career in Music• MUSPRA 387: Rehearsal Skills and Live Music

Performance

A LEVEL MUSIC

Course description

This course enables students to develop their skills as a musician and a performer in all kinds of ways. You will work on your practical skills as well as your analytical skills in performance practice. You will also develop your knowledge of the development of popular music up to the present day and take part in organising events and projects which you will develop and lead yourself. You will look into the structure of the music industry and how to prepare to enter it yourself as an accomplished, all round musician. There are additional units exploring the relationship between musicians and the media, instrumental development and composing music.

21 A Level Music Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

What do I need?

Ideally you will have taken music GCSE or BTEC in year 11 and achieved a 5 or a distinction, but the most important thing is that you are a confident and able performer as these skills are crucial. You must also have a genuine passion for music and a desire to improve yourself as a musician and develop your leadership skills. If you have not studied music at GCSE or BTEC in KS4 speak to a member of the Music department for more information.

Entry requirements

Level 5 or above in GCSE Music or a distinction for BTEC. Ability to play an instrument confidently.

Required skills

You must be able to play an instrument fluently and confidently and be comfortable with performing. You must be a good team player and willing to work with others towards a goal on long term projects. You must be organised and able to keep to deadlines and you need to be passionate about music and have a genuine interest in music and all the activities that can be undertaken in this field.


Continue study of popular music at university or college to gain a degree or similar qualification. Work in a music studio, work freelance as a performer, teach others how to play your instrument, work as a music promoter or in a theatre.

A LEVEL PHYSICS Exam board: Edexcel

Course description

Physics is an exciting and relevant subject, fascinating to study for its own sake, but also leading on to many careers from engineering and communications to medicine and cutting edge research. Physics is thought of as the most fundamental science, but not all scientists end up working in a laboratory: volcanologists, seismologists, structural and civil engineers, architects, nuclear scientists, pilots and astronauts… all started by studying Physics at A Level.

22 A Level Physics Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Course content In Year 12 you will study mechanics, electricity, waves and a touch of quantum physics as well. Mechanics involves learning in detail about how and why different types of motion take place, how energy is involved in motion and how materials are classified for engineering purposes . In the electricity unit you will learn about basic electrical circuits and their applications, and you will become familiar with wave motion and some wave phenomena and how the quantum theory revolutionized physics and other sciences. During the year you will use a range of measuring instruments during practical investigations including completing a thorough analysis and evaluation of each.

Throughout the course you will constantly build upon your knowledge and skills as you study more extended mechanics - thermal physics. Later in the second year you learn about electric and magnetic fields, nuclear physics, medical imaging using radiation in hospitals, and astronomy to model the universe. You will also develop the ability to make synoptic links between materials covered in Year 12 and your second year.


Three formal exams – Two covering course content (30% each) and a Synoptic paper (40%) that uses content from different topics to test candidates’ problem solving skills.


Gaining an A Level in Physics is a passport to a diverse range of exciting careers including engineering, astronomy, nuclear scientist, architecture, as well as innumerable research posts

Entry requirements Minimum of 6 in Physics. Minimum 7 in Maths and English pass at GCSE.

A LEVEL POLITICS

Course description

There are three broad areas of study in this specification:

1. The government and politics of the UK

2. The government and politics of the USA, and comparative politics

3. Political ideas

The specification requires in-depth study of UK and US government and politics. Comparisons across the two political systems are required in the topic entitled “Comparative Politics”. Students will be required to identify parallels, connections, similarities and differences between aspects of politics. This will ensure that students develop a critical awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, political institutions and political processes.

The political ideas to be studied have relevance to both of the systems of government and politics. The study of the four ideologies will enhance the students’ knowledge and understanding of politics, political debate and political issues in both the UK and the USA.

23 A Level Politics Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet


▪ Paper 1 – UK. Written exam: 2 hours - 77 marks = 33% of A-level Questions. A mixture of medium length ‘explain’ and essay style questions.

▪ Paper 2 - The government and politics of the USA: Comparative politics. Written exam: 2 hours - 77 marks = 33%. A mixture of medium length ‘explain’ and essay style questions.

▪ Paper 3 - Political ideas: Written exam: 2 hours - 77 marks = 33% of A-level Questions. A mixture of medium length ‘explain’ and essay style questions.


Well regarded by all universities, A Level Politics can lead directly to single subject degrees in Politics or International Relations, and to a wide variety of combined courses.

Entry requirements

Level 6 or above in English GCSE (Language or Literature).

Course description

This course offers students the chance to explore ideas of originality, design projects of value, and to question and challenge design briefs that have been set. Areas of study will explore and design understanding of a wide range of materials, including modern and smart materials, and processes used in product design and manufacture. Over the two years, students will be required to develop an understanding of contemporary industrial and commercial practices applied to designing and manufacturing products, and to appreciate the risks involved. This course develops a wide range of disciplines but is firmly rooted in the skills required to design and make high quality products. This course will allow students to experiment with ideas and demonstrate design techniques, as well as look forward to future technologies.

A LEVEL PRODUCT DESIGN

24 A Level Product Design Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet


Product Design is a popular subject for Higher Education and through its development of transferable skills will enable you to pursue many potential career paths. Product Design graduates have progressed to careers in engineering, teaching, architecture, CAD, design illustration and various aspects of industrial design, interior design, garden design, marketing, advertising and furniture design.

Entry requirements

GCSE Level 5 or above in a design and technology subject such as graphical products, resistant materials or product design is required. Knowledge of materials, processes and related industries is advantageous, along with strong practical ability, as this is a demanding course. You will also need a Level 5 or above in GCSE Maths as the revised course has a 15% proportion of maths-based questions within the examination.

A LEVEL PRODUCT DESIGN

Course content

Years 1 and 2Students produce one portfolio that contains evidence of investigation, design and development, and evaluation. The portfolio comprises: performance analysis, market research, materials and components, product manufacture, design and development, production planning, product manufacture and testing. When completing this portfolio, students can choose which route they would like to work towards, combining all of the disciplines within product design. This covers resistant materials, textiles, systems and control, as well as graphics.

Component 1: Design and Technology in the 21st century 50%This covers materials, designing and innovation, processes and techniques, public interaction, human responsibility, industrial and commercial practice, and product analysis and systems. All areas will be taught throughout the two years of the course, through a number of small mini projects as well as throughout the coursework. This will then be examined at the end of the two years with a three-hour exam.

Component 2: Design and Make Project 50%In this unit students are given the opportunity to apply the skills they have acquired and developed throughout this course of study. They will be asked to design and make a product that meets their chosen brief, that complies with the requirements of product design covering many disciplines. Prior to this, students will develop their own style of design work and begin to explore a range of briefs. Students will develop their understanding of coursework and the elements needed to be successful.

25 A Level Product Design Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet


The two year A Level course has one formal exam worth 50%. The paper includes calculations (15%), short-open and open-response questions, as well as extended-writing questions. The exam will be a three-hour paper. The assessment also includes an internal design and make assessment, which is worth 50%, and which includes a formal and informal portfolio along with a final prototype.

Course description

The study of Psychology will introduce students to a broad range of topics, including how society may affect our behaviour; how memories are formed; eating disorders occur and detailed understanding of conditions such as depression and OCD.

A LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY Exam board: AQA

26 A Level Psychology Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

This course of study covers eleven units across the two years, with no coursework. The emphasis is on applying knowledge and understanding and being able to evaluate and analyse psychological research and theory. Psychology aims to develop students’ transferable skills of critical thinking, enhancing students’ ability to construct clear and coherent arguments using evidence.

The course offers both a wide and stimulating range of topics leading students to evaluate the evidence against the research methods in context. From the beginning, the psychology specification allows students the opportunity to write essays, formulate opinion and immerse themselves in famous and advancing research. They will also develop their mathematical and scientific knowledge with research skills. These skills are all relevant and transferable to higher education courses of study or in the workplace with psychology now recognised as a science.


Psychology is the science of mind, behaviour, and experience. By studying this course, pupils will obtain an excellent introduction to the key areas of psychology. The subject lies at the intersection of many other different disciplines, including biology, medicine, linguistics, philosophy, anthropology, and sociology. For example, neuropsychology is allied with biology, since the aim is to map different areas of the brain and explain how each underpins different brain functions like memory or language. Other branches of psychology are more closely connected with medicine. Health psychologists help people manage disease and pain. Similarly, clinical psychologists help alleviate the suffering caused by mental disorders.

Assessment

• Paper 1 – 4 units – 2 hour exam – 1/3 of A level Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology

• Paper 2 – 3 units – 2 hour exam – 1/3 of A level Biopsychology, Approaches in Psychology and Research Methods

• Paper 3 – 4 units – 2 hour exam – 1/3 of A level Issues and Debates, Forensic Psychology, Sex and Gender and Schizophrenia

All units include extended writing and short answer questions. There is a minimum 10% mathematical requirement and a 25% expectation of research methods throughout the specification.

Entry requirements

Minimum Level 6 in English and maths are essential.

A LEVEL SOCIOLOGYExam board: AQA

Course description

Studying Sociology offers insights into social and cultural issues. It helps you develop a multi-perspective and critical approach to understanding issues around culture, identity, crime, childhood and social power. More than once in this course you are bound to ask yourself the question ‘Why have we developed like this?’ This course is constructed around the study of a variety of sociological theorists and the evaluation of their theories related to the topics below.

Sociology is an essay-based subject, which involves the ‘study of society’ and it is a very popular GCSE and A Level at the school. The term ‘society’ refers to the world around you, your community, your country, and all the different people and groups that exist, with their different cultures, beliefs, values, languages, religions etc.

It gives students the chance to study and understand why things are the way they are, and why people behave in certain ways. Examples of issues that students look at include: Why do some people commit crime? Why do girls do much better at school than boys? Why are we seeing an increase in divorce and a decrease in people getting married? Why is there so much inequality and poverty in the country?

Sociology gives students with an interest in social issues, social justice and current affairs the opportunity to gain a valuable understanding and insight into how society works and how the structures and processes in society, inevitably shape who we are, how we behave and many other aspects of our lives and life chances. Students develop an understanding of how individuals, groups, institutions and societies are interdependent; the way in which they cooperate and conflict with each other, and the potential causes for the social differences between individuals. Students are encouraged to think critically and analytically, and to make informed judgements and arguments based on evidence and theories. Students are asked to reflect on their own experiences of the world in which they live and to develop an increased awareness and understanding of the world they live in and the role they play in it.

27 A Level Sociology Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Course content

At Mascalls Academy we follow the AQA Specification, which requires you to write 20-30 mark essays, where your grade is based on 3 Papers:

• Paper 1 - 80 marks - 2 hours - 33% of A-level Education, Methods in Context, Theory and Methods

• Paper 2 - 80 marks - 2 hours - 33% of A-level Families and Households, Stratification & differentiation;

• Paper 3 - 80 marks - 2 hours - 33% of A-level Crime and Deviance, Theory and Methods

Progression

Sociology is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in social work, useful in a number of other careers, like marketing, advertising, public relations, journalism or law. Sociology complements the study of Psychology, English and Media Studies.

Entry requirements

Level 6 in English essential plus 5+ grade in a humanities subject at GCSE preferred. The ability to structure coherent essays is a critical skill.

Course description

The course focuses on all four skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking and follows the AQA specification. It is taught by topic; drawing on current affairs, cultural, social, moral and political issues.

Over the two year course students will study a broad and diverse range of topic areas covering subjects from the impact of technology on modern day society to the role of women in the workplace, and the influence of music, TV and film stars on our lives. There is also a focus on Spanish regional identity,

particularly in terms of the role of the different regional languages and festivals. Students will also explore such controversial topics as immigration and racism, along with monarchies and dictatorships through the Hispanic world. Throughout their studies, students will learn the language in the context of Spanish-speaking countries and the issues and influences which have shaped them. As part of the course, students will study the film Volver by Pedro Almodóvar as well as the book Crónica de una Muerte Anunciada by Gabriel García Márquez.

A LEVEL SPANISH Exam board: AQA

28 A Level Spanish Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet


Spanish is a subject in Higher Education which combines with many future career paths. Languages graduates have progressed to careers in journalism, ICT, teaching, law, the arts, the civil service, politics, banking and business.

Entry requirements

The study of Spanish at GCSE is essential unless you have a parent who is a native speaker. Good literacy skills and some knowledge of current affairs are also required. You must achieve at least a Level 6 in Spanish at GCSE to be admitted to this course.

Assessment

There are three exams which are sat in the summer covering content from all aspects of the course. Paper 1 (50%) is ‘Listening, Reading and Writing’, Paper 2 (20%) is ‘Writing’, and Paper 3 (30%) is ‘Speaking’.

Entry requirements Level 6 or above in AQA GCSE Sports Science OR Distinction in OCR Vocational Sports Science. To be admitted to this course, students must also be competing at club level or higher in one sport.

A LEVEL SPORT SCIENCE (PHYSICAL EDUCATION)Course description

This practical and engaging course has been developed to ensure an inclusive specification that will allow all learners to achieve their potential. The content has been designed to allow learners to study Physical Education in an academic setting, enabling them to critically analyse and evaluate their physical performance and apply their experience of practical activity in developing their knowledge and understanding of the subject. A Level in Physical Education will equip learners with both a depth and breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills relating to scientific and practical aspects of physical education.

29 A Level Sport Science (Physical Education) Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Course content Students will be able to develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport, and use this knowledge to improve performance. They will be able to develop their ability to analyse and evaluate to improve performance whilst understanding the contribution which physical activity makes to health and fitness. Students will refine their ability to perform effectively in physical activity and sport by developing skills and techniques, and selecting and using tactics, strategies and/or compositional ideas. Students will be able to improve as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds.


30% of the weighting will comprise of physical coursework, an analysis component, and all candidates will be externally assessed by means of two written exams (70%) at the end of the two years.


Obtaining this qualification will give each candidate a great opportunity to pursue a future career in the world of sport, including health and exercise, management, media and marketing, science, teaching and coaching and many more.

BTEC SPORT (VOCATIONAL)Qualification: National Extended Certificate

30 BTEC Sport (Vocational) Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

Course content

The new Level 3 course works in collaboration with employers and representatives from Higher Education and relevant professional bodies with updated content. The specification allows students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes required in the sector. The mandatory and optional content provides a balance of breadth and depth, while retaining a degree of choice for individual learners to study content relevant to their own interests and progression choices.

Entry requirements

Level 5 or above in AQA GCSE Sports Science OR Merit or above in OCR Vocational Sports Science.


Assessment is specifically designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification. It includes a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. Students will be assessed either by examinations (68%) where all learners will take the same assessment at the same time, or through set tasks (32%) where learners take the assessment during a defined window and demonstrate understanding through completion of a vocational coursework. This is a two year course and if students do not complete both years, they will not achieve the qualification.


This qualification provides an introduction to the industry for students looking to build a career in sport, within one of its occupational areas. These areas include careers in exercise and fitness, coaching and leadership, sports development and outdoor education.

Marie Curie Sixth Form Curriculum booklet

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