Renaissance - A Level course prospectus

7/27/2019 Renaissance - A Level course prospectus

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The Renaissance group is acollaboration between NorthHertfordshire College, The ThomasAlleyne Academy, The Da VinciStudio School of Science andEngineering, and The Da Vinci StudioSchool of Creative Enterprise.

By combining the expertise ofthese four institutions, we are ableto provide an opportunity foryoung people to develop theskills, attributes and experiencenecessary for success in theirfuture careers.

Uniting our resources means thatwe will offer a more varied

curriculum which gives ourstudents access to a widerange of specialist facilities andlearning environments.

We want to encourageour students to set goals,challenge views, debateand innovate.

We will make sure that ourstudents are as preparedas possible for the future,whether it be to attenduniversity, secure anapprenticeship position, orstart their own business.

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The institutionsand leadership

North Hertfordshire College01462 424242

www.nhc.ac.uk

At North Hertfordshire College, we are changing the way that students are

taught and education is delivered in order to prepare young people fully fortodays employment market.

As a founding member of the Gazelle Colleges Group, our students learn

by doing and gain not only technical and industry specic skills, but general

business and enterprise knowledge as well.

We believe that this extensive set of skills and experience will make our

students sought after by potential employers and also prepare them to

create their own employment. This year we have built on our existing

commercial services and launched a number of learning companies where

students will work on live projects and gain industry experience relevant to

their course of study.

The college annually celebrates exceptionally high A Level results; having

achieved an overall pass rate of 99% in 2012.

Signe SutherlandPrincipal

Signe Sutherland has worked in both the private

and public sector, starting her rst retail business

in Spain at the age of 20.

Signe was promoted to the position of Principal in

September 2012 following her highly successful

period as Deputy Principal. In this role, Signe

began to develop a new curriculum paradigm with

entrepreneurship at its strategic core and under

her leadership the college has achieved national

recognition for technology and innovation.

North Hertfordshire College oers a wide range of courses from Entry toLevel, outside of the Renaissance group oer.

Subjects include: Animal Care Art and Design Beauty and Holistic

Therapy Business and Enterprise Catering and Hospitality Childhood

Studies Computing and IT Construction Criminology Dance

Engineering Fashion and Merchandising Hairdressing Health and

Social Care Media Motor Vehicle Music Performing Arts Production

Arts Public Services Sport Travel and Tourisim

For more information about these course options, please visit

www.nhc.ac.uk


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Julie LewisHead of Sixth Form Consortium for

Renaissance

Julie took up her role as head

of Sixth Form Consortium for

Renassiance in August 2013

following many happy years working

for North Hertfordshire College

within the A Level school. Although

Julie has been a history teacherfor many years, she has been both

the Advanced learning practioner

and A Level coordinator in recent

times. Her rst degree was in Early

Modern History and her subsequent

MA in War Studies have given her

ample opportunity to teach a diverse

historical curriculum.

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The Thomas Alleyne Academy01438 344344

www.tas.herts.sch.uk

The Thomas Alleyne Academy is an increasingly popular mixedcomprehensive secondary school which was established in 1558.

Throughout their proud history, The Thomas Alleyne Academy has been

committed to achieving excellence in all that the academy does and prides

itself on knowing students and their families extremely well. The academy

provides excellent standards of care, guidance and support for all members

of the community.

Mark LewisPrincipal

Mark Lewis has been Principal of The

Thomas Alleyne Academy since April

2012. Before his appointment, Mark

was the Deputy Head Teacher of a

school in Norfolk and successfullytransformed the leadership of

teaching and learning across the

school.

Mark grew up and was educated in

North Hertfordshire, and is passionately

committed to the young people in our

community. Mark achieved an honours

degree in Modern History at Oxford

University on his way to becoming

a teacher. He went on to train as a

teacher at Cambridge University and

is now one of the youngest secondary

school principals in the country.



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The Da Vinci Studio Schools01462 424242

www.davinci-school.co.uk

Studio Schools allow students to learn through an enquiry-based curriculum

with a greater emphasis on workplace learning and a cross curricular

approach to ensure transferability of content and skills. The Da Vinci Studio

Schools are able to utilise the human and capital resources of some major

local employers, and students have access to some of the most progressive

equipment and are able to see rst-hand genuine application of the subjects

they study within real workplace contexts.

A key component of the Studio School provision is to allow all students the

opportunity to undertake genuine work within the specialist sector, which

in most cases is remunerated. This takes place alongside the academic

programme. In addition, there is an extensive enrichment provision which

aords Studio School students a competitive advantage which lasts beyond

course completion.

The Da Vinci School of Science and EngineeringThe Da Vinci Studio School of Science and Engineering

is an exciting oer for students who are passionate about

ultimately pursuing careers in the science, technology and

engineering sectors. The provision within the Studio School is

destination driven, and has been closely developed with the

needs of employers and Higher Educational institutions.

The Da Vinci School of Creative EnterpriseThe Da Vinci Studio School of Creative Enterprise opened

its doors in September 2013 to its rst cohort of students.

The school provides students with the skills and expertise

to access a range of pathways linked to the creative and

production arts industry, and is already forging great

relationships with employers within the local area.

Donna LodgePrincipal

Donna took up her role as Principal of The Da

Vinci Studio School of Science and Engineering in

April 2012 and became Executive Principal, with

additional responsibility for The Da Vinci StudioSchool of Creative Enterprise, in December 2012.

Donna studied Economics at Warwick University

and has a Masters in Philosophy from Sheeld

University. Donna established her own childrens

nursery and adventure play-centre in Sheeld

during the 1990s after undertaking accountancy

training at KPMG. She subsequently joined the

teaching profession, and with over 20 years of

experience in a variety of schools and colleges,

Donna brings a wealth of educational experience, as

well as entrepreneurial ideas and business acumen

to the post.


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The curriculum

Students will usually choose a combination of up to four A Level subjects or

one Extended Diploma subject. Students may study a combination of the

following subjects:

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A Levels Anthropology BiologyBusiness Studies Chemistry Communication and CultureComputer ScienceDrama and Theatre English Language and LiteratureEnglish Literature Film StudiesFrench

GeographyHistory Law Mathematics and

Further Mathematics

Media Studies Physics Product Design Psychology Sociology

Extended Diplomas Level 3 Art and Design

(Design Crafts)

Level 3 Creative Media (PrintBased Media)

Level 3 Engineering Level 3 Production Arts Level 3 Science Level 3 Music and Music

Technology

Course entryrequirements

The typical grades required to study A Levels or a Level 3 Extended

Diploma course are ve GCSEs, grades A* - C, including English and

Mathematics. Applicants will also be required to attend a guidance meeting

prior to enrolment.

Level 2 courses require reduced entry requirements. No matter what

previous grades you have achieved we will have a course of study at a level

to suit you.

Some subjects will require an additional B grade in English at GCSE, and

some Science and Maths subjects may also require a B grade in Maths or

Science. Applicants will be invited to discuss this at a guidance meeting

prior to enrolment.


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A LevelsAnthropology

Anthropology is the study of what it is to be human, our evolutionary history,

how we behave and adapt to dierent environments, and how we socialise

and communicate with one another.

You will be introduced to approaches which anthropologists have taken to

understanding the processes of globalisation and its local impact.

Students will study and explore:

The migration patterns of ancestral humans The dissemination of music, food, people and ideas from around

the world

The impacts of economic integration

Biology (Salters)This course studies Biology in context, and allows the use of motivating,

up-to-date, contemporary topics.

These include:

Genes and health - the heart, circulatory system and the importance of

lifestyle choices to health, carbohydrates and lipids, transport of

materials, DNA, protein synthesis, enzymes, gene therapy, monohybrid

inheritance, and social and ethical issues.

Plants and the environment - structure and ultrastructure, cell division,

fertilisation, stem cells, gene expression, cell dierentiation and tissueorganisation, biodiversity and the natural resources used by humans,

adaptation and natural selection, uses of plants, and the role of zoos

in conservation.

Business StudiesThis course introduces the challenges and issues of starting a business as

well as those faced by existing businesses, including:

Financial planning

Tactical decisions at a functional level

External factors aecting business

Planning and managing change

Chemistry (Salters)This exciting course includes topics which unfold as a series of chemical

storylines. We look at how we came to be made up of elements - from the

start of the universe in the Big Bang, to how chemists use their knowledge

to develop the chemicals we use and need whilst understanding our

environment and making the most of our resources.

The storylines include:

The elements of life

Developing fuels

Elements from the sea

The atmosphere

The polymer revolution

In year two students will study: whats in medicine, the materials

revolution, the thread of life, the steel story, agriculture and

industry, colour by design, the oceans, and medicines

by design.

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Communication and Culture

Communication and culture is a subject in which you take your experiences

and match them to theories. You will work within teams to arrive at

conclusions that are always informed through theory.

Students will:

Explore popular culture versus high culture

Investigate practices, values and products of your own culture

Consider factors that inuence identity

Computer ScienceThe course has an emphasis on computational thinking, involving abstract

thinking, general problem-solving, algorithmic and mathematical reasoning,and scientic and engineering-based thinking.

Students will study:

Programming through a problem-solving scenario

Hardware and software aspects of computing

Social and economic consequences

Communication and networking

Drama and TheatreThis course involves a mixture of both practical and theoretical work.

Students are assessed through written coursework, performance work and

written exam.

Students will undertake:

Practical warm up activities

Acting and rehearsal exercises, and performances Research and note taking

Discussions and presentations

Directing and elements of theatre design

English Language and LiteratureThis course allows students to study language and literature as

interconnecting subjects in order to deepen your understanding and

enjoyment of

these areas.

Students will:

Develop as independent, condent and reective readers

Practise skills in speaking and writing for dierent purposes

and audiences

Study a wide range of literary and non-literary texts

English LiteratureThis course is designed to allow students to think critically and

independently about a range of iconic texts as well as the opportunity to

create some original, transformational writing.

Students will:

Analyse narrative in prose and poetry

Explore ideas of genre

Explore connections across texts

Read a variety of inuential works of literature

'The mix of practical and theory workmakes every Drama and Theatre

lesson different, interesting, and fun.'


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Film StudiesThis course studies cinema as a medium, an art form, and a social and

economic institution. Students will engage with a wide variety of lms from

dierent decades, nationalities and genres including:

South American realism

French surrealism

Hollywood coming of age

Spanish horror

British drama

FrenchThis course enables students to build on their GCSE studies and begin

widening their language skills.


French culture and popular topics

Language skills and critical thinking

Topics that feature in national and international debate

HistoryThis course enables students to learn about the past and discover issues

and events that have inuenced the society we live in today.


Russian history under the last three Tsars (1855 1917)

Post-war British society (1959 1975)

The USSR from the Cold War to the fall of Communism (1941 1991) A 4000 word individual investigation project

GeographyThis course provides students with an understanding of our planet and

addresses key ideas and debates in our world today. A variety of eld trips

will also be undertaken.


Natural global hazards, climate change and global warming

Population change and migration issues

Coastal environments, erosion and management

Tectonic activity and hazards

Law

This course enables students to understand the role law plays in society bymaintaining social order and social control.


Ground breaking decisions of the Supreme Court

Injustices of the law in relation to judicial review applications

Miscarriages of justice cases

Serial killers and the judicial process leading to their convictions

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'The best part about Geography isthat you're learning about currentevents, and looking at how they canimpact the future of the world we livein.'


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MathematicsMathematics is the study of patterns abstracted from the world around

us. It is clearly a very relevant subject with thousands of applications in

almost all aspects of life. It is an intellectually challenging course where you

will develop your deductive reasoning and logical problem-solving skills.

Students must have performed well at GCSE level before studying

at A Level.

In year one, topics include:

Core mathematics including algebra, co-ordinate geometry,

dierentiation and integration, algebra and functions, sequences and

series, trigonometry, exponentials, logarithms, further dierentiation and

integration.

Statistics including numerical measures, binomial and normaldistribution, estimation, correlation and regression.

In year two, further core principles are studied with another applied unit.

Further MathematicsThis is only available to students with very high ability in mathematics. It

develops a deeper understanding of mathematical principles.

It includes:

Further pure mathematics including roots of polynomials, complex

numbers, proof by induction, dierential equations, matrix algebra.

Dierent options in the applied areas, which may include further

statistics, further mechanics or decision mathematics. Examinations are

equally weighted.

Media StudiesThis course will enable students to gain a comprehensive understanding of

media theory and practice. You will look at how new technologies are being

used alongside existing ones to entertain, inform and educate the public.


How magazines are put together

How a television programme is made

How lm companies get audiences to come along to their latest releases

The creation of your own media text

The making of a short lm, the front cover of a magazine, a piece of

photojournalism, a website, or something else of your choice

PhysicsThe A Level Physics course will develop students understanding of the

physical concepts which apply to everything from subatomic particles tothe largest galaxies and will demonstrate their relevance in an increasingly

technological society.

Experimental and investigative activities are carried out in order to

develop practical skills. These activities allow the use of knowledge and

understanding in planning, carrying out, analysing and evaluating.

'If you can speakFrench as well as

English you cancommunicate in 78different countries

around the world!'

Product DesignProduct Design gives students the opportunity to spend time creating

interesting and original designs and making prototypes. The subject

covers the skills needed in the real world of design, supporting the quest

for innovative products that would be marketable worldwide. The Design

Centre facilities located at the Stevenage Skills Centre site are fully

equipped to support a wide range of design activities.

In year one students will complete:

An advanced innovative challenge - design and model an innovative

response to a design situation.

Product study - a coursework project begins with the analysis of an

existing product and then developing the design by creating a better

solution.

PsychologyPsychology is the study of knowing what makes us tick. Students will gain

a valuable insight into what makes us human.


Human memory

Stress, mental illness and social inuence

Relationships, aggression and eating behaviour

The psychopathology of schizophrenia

SociologyThis course involves the study of society, people and their behaviour.

Students will learn to discuss social issues in a more informed and

systematic way.

Topics studied include:

Gender

Marriage and divorce

Race and ethnicity

Social inequality


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ExtendedDiplomasLevel 3 Extended Diploma courses are equivalent to studying three A

Levels; achieving three distinctions on completion of a Level 3 Extended

Diploma course is equivalent to achieving three A* grades at A Level.

All of the below courses are available to study at Level 2 for students who

do not meet the entry requirements for a Level 3 course.

Level 3 Art and Design (Design Crafts)This pathway is designed to teach students all about working within the

backstage art and crafts side of the creative industries. Students will

develop practical skills such as drawing and painting and will learn how to

design and make objects. Students will be introduced to the main aspects

of 2D and 3D art which includes the use of design technology.

Students will complete ve core units:

Visual recording

Materials, techniques and processes

Ideas and concepts

Communication

Contextual inuence

Level 3 Creative Media (Print Based Media)This pathway will provide students with the opportunity to gain anunderstanding of employment opportunities, job requirements and working

practices in the broadcast, digital and print-based creative media sectors.

The course is practical and project-based, which will enable students to

develop a broad range of technical skills and knowledge.

Students will complete eight core units as follows:

Pre-production techniques

Communication skills

Research techniques

A creative media production management project

Working to a brief

Critical approaches to creative media products

Understanding the creative media sector

Producing print-based media


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Level 3 EngineeringEngineers are fascinated by questions of how and why things work in the

world around them and have a desire to design products and systems, to

solve problems, and to benet society. This course will prepare you for the

exciting and diverse world of engineering. You will develop new knowledge

and skills in areas such as:

Engineering materials

Manufacturing

Electronics

Computer Aided Design and drafting

Design and project management

Mechanical science

This course is delivered at the Stevenage Skills Centre where a fullyequipped engineering facility containing a superb engineering workshop is

available.

Level 3 Production ArtsThis pathway is suitable for students with a keen interest in the backstage

processes that underpin modern theatre and concert production as well

as performing arts events and exhibitions. Working with local and national

employers, you will develop skills in event production, including technical

and design skills in stage, lighting and sound, as well as organisational and

practical skills in the production and stage management business.

Students will complete ve core units which provide a basic introduction to

design and technical production. These will include:

Production arts workshop

Performing arts business The historical context of performance

Production arts planning

Production for theatre performance

Level 3 ScienceThis two year course will give students the knowledge and specic skills

needed to meet the needs of modern science industries. There is a strong

emphasis on how similar procedures are carried out in industry, but also on

how to communicate science to others, both in formal reports and projects,

and in attractive poster and visual displays.

The course includes:

Fundamentals of science, using science in the workplace, scientic

practical techniques, using mathematical tools in science, physiology,

biochemistry, microbiology, electrical circuits and their applications, and

biomedical science.

Perceptions of science, working in the science industry, genetics and

genetic engineering, chemical analysis, medical physics techniques,

chemical laboratory techniques, astronomy, diseases and infections and a

scientic project.

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Level 3 Music and Music TechnologyThis is a new course, starting in September 2014. The course enables

student to discover the range of opportunities within the music technology

industries and to focus their attention on a range of specialist units. As with

all our courses, students will support the events staged at The Da Vinci

Hall, through planning and creating music for performances, and linking DJ

performances and technology to other areas, such as lighting.

Skills may also be developed in:

Audio engineering

Computer music systems

Operating live sound

Level 3 Theatrical, Special Effects, Hair andMedia MakeupThis course will provide students with a comprehensive coverage of various

make-up techniques, airbrushing, special eects, basic prosthetics, hair

and wigs. Students will have the opportunity to study:

Fashion photographic make-up

Media make-up

Camouage make-up

Prosthetic pieces and bald caps

Design and apply face and body art

Creative hair design

'Engineering andtechnology has come

so far from the old stylemelting of steel through to

high end CAD and CAMmachines, 3D printing

machinery, laser cutting,and plastic recycling and

remoulding.'

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Level 2 Creative ApprenticeshipsAs an apprentice, students will be employed by a business or organisation

for a minimum of 30 hours per week. They will earn a wage and will work

alongside experienced sta to gain job-specic skills. O the job, usually on

a day-release basis, apprentices receive training to work towards nationally

recognised qualications which, in this instance, will be delivered by The Da

Vinci Studio School.

Apprentices will need to complete a framework of qualications which

relates to the occupation they have selected. Currently, there areapprenticeship frameworks relating to the creative and cultural industries in:

Community Arts

Costume and Wardrobe

Cultural and Heritage Venue Operations

Design

Live Events and Promotions

Music Business

Technical Theatre

Jewellery

'We went to the National Museumof Science and Industry and sawthe Hubble 3D film at the IMAX, thescreen is as tall as three doubledecker buses.'

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Locations

The Da Vinci Studio School,

Stevenage Centre, Monkswood

Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire,

SG1 1LA

The Thomas Alleyne Academy,

High Street, Stevenage,

Hertfordshire, SG1 3BE

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MARTINS WAY A1072

The Da Vinci Studio School,

Broadway, Letchworth

Garden City, Hertfordshire,

SG6 3NX

How to applyStudents currently studying in Year 11 are welcome to apply for courses at

the Renaissance group as early as possible.

Please complete a Renaissance group application form, available from

reception at all of the Renaissance group locations, or you can download

from www.nhc.ac.uk/renaissance

Please post your completed application form back to:

Renaissance ApplicationsCentral Enquiries

North Hertfordshire College

FREEPOST (SG145)

Hitchin

SG4 0YJ

Or hand the completed aplication form into The Thomas Alleyne Academy,

North Hertfordshire College or The Da Vinci Studio Schools.

For information on careers advice and guidance or help with applications

please call 01462 424242 or email [email protected].

North Hertfordshire College,

Stevenage Centre, Monkswood Way,

Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 1LA


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Renaissance - A Level course prospectus

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