AS/A Level

Studying for As/A Levels at Padworth College

A Level courses offer students aged 16-19 the opportunity to specialise in the subjects they enjoy and in which they have done well at GCSE level or equivalent. All A-levels now allow for modular assessment and all include synoptic elements, designed to test a candidate's ability to make connections between different parts of the subject. Both AS and A-levels are graded A to E for pass grades, with U (unclassified) for fail.

A Levels remain the most popular route into UK Universities and our University Counsellor works closely with all A Level students to make sure they are making the right choices of course and university and to support and encourage them in making their UCAS applications.

A Levels are based on six units of approximately equal size - three of the units make up the AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary) which represents the first year of the course and which represents a qualification in its own right and is worth half an A Level in terms of UCAS points. In the second year, students continue with a further three units, known as A2, at the end of which successful candidates will receive the full A Level.

At Padworth, students normally study up to 4 AS Levels during the first year with supporting courses. It is possible to study fewer subjects or in exceptional cases to study 5 AS subjects. At the end of the first year, students may choose to drop one of their AS level subjects and carry the remainder through to A Level.

Padworth offers a wide range of subjects including Accounting, Art and Design, Photography, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics, English Language and Literature, Geography, Government and Politics, Mathematics (Pure Maths, Mechanics and Statistics), Further Mathematics, Physics,  Psychology, Spanish and Sociology.

The range of courses is constantly under review and new subjects are offered from time to time. Equally it cannot be guaranteed that all subjects listed will run in any particular year as this depends upon the number of students who wish to take them. Prospective students and parents may specifically request subjects that do not form part of our standard A Level curriculum.  While it will not always be possible to meet such requests, some subjects can be offered as an optional extra.  Please ask for further details.

Under certain circumstances, it is possible to undertake an A Level course in five terms starting in January. Please contact us to discuss this option with the Director of Studies.

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AS/A LEVEL ACCOUNTING

EXAM BOARD: OCR

Accounting is a subject that will appeal to students who enjoy working with numbers, analysing data and problem solving. In the first year, various accounting concepts and principles are introduced and applied to a range of accounting situations.  The second year builds on the first year and covers aspects of management accounting and company accounts.

The course provides an excellent foundation for further study of accountancy at university or later. Students wishing to follow a wide range of careers in business or industry will find the decision-making and interpretation skills in particular to be very useful.

Qualification

The A level consists of four units.

AS Level - Year 1

Unit 1:  Accounting Principles

Introduction to Accounting Principles, The Trial Balance, Accounting Concepts, Classification of Expenditure, Changing Asset Values, Ledger Entries and Adjustments, Final Accounts.

Unit 2:  Financial Accounting

The Journal, Correction of Errors, Control Accounts, Accounting Adjustments and Statements, Organisations, Sole Trader, Partnerships, Clubs and Societies, Analysis and Evaluation of Accounting Statements, ICT in Accounting.

A2 Level - Year 2

Unit 3:  Management Accounting

Budgeting and Budgetary Control, Standard Costing and Variance Analysis, Capital Expenditure Appraisal, Stock, Costing and Decision Making, Costing Applications, Social Responsibility.

Unit 4: Company Accounts and Interpretation

The Preparation of Final Accounts for Limited Companies, Financing, The Role of Accounting Standards, Analysis and Interpretation of Accounts.

Assessment

In the first year, assessment for AS level is undertaken by examinations in Unit 1 in January and Unit 2 in June.  In the second year, students take examinations in Unit 3 in January and Unit 4 in June. 

Entry requirements

It is not necessary to have studied Accounting before starting the course, as no prior knowledge is assumed.  However an interest and aptitude for mathematics is advisable.

For more information about this course, go to www.ocr.org.uk

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AS/A LEVEL ART AND DESIGN (FINE ART)

EXAM BOARD: AQA

Qualification
Students are introduced to a variety of experiences whilst exploring a range of media, processes and techniques.  This course is particularly suitable for those wishing to study fine art, architecture or interior design at university

Areas of study may be selected from the following:

* Painting, drawing and mixed media
* Sculpture
* Land art, installation and construction
* Printmaking
* Photography

Assessment
* Practical coursework unit based around a chosen theme
* Exam unit and preparation.  Practical project work with final piece created in a 5 hour exam for AS and a 15 hour exam for A level
* Written personal study (3000 words) or illustrated written study (1000 words) – A Level only

For more information on this course, please go to http://www.aqa.org.uk/

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AS/A LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHY

EXAM BOARD:  AQA

Qualification
Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences exploring a range of photographic techniques including images created by chemical and digital means.  Suitable for those wishing to study photography, graphics, animation, web design, marketing or media studies at university

Areas of study may be selected from the following:

* Portraiture, documentary and/or photo-journalism
* Landscape photography
* Working from objects, still life or natural world
* Experimental imagery

Assessment
* Practical coursework unit based around chosen theme
* Exam unit and preparation.  Practical project work with final piece created in a 5 hour exam for AS  and a 15 hour exam

Entry requirements
Students will be required to have a Grade C or above at GCSE Art or equivalent.  A good level of drawing ability is required.


For more information on this course, please go to http://www.aqa.org.uk/

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A LEVEL BIOLOGY (AS and A2)

EXAM BOARD: AQA Specification 1411 (leading to 2410 full A level)
Qualification
Life is amazing! We explore ways in which living organisms are affected by and fight disease, find food, use energy, regulate their bodies, get rid of wastes, exploit their environment and produce offspring. The impact of biotechnological advances is considered. Students are encouraged to think for themselves (good preparation for university) and to take responsibility for their studies, but the course is clearly structured with a variety of regular assignments and plenty of practical work and practice on past papers. Skills and qualities that are developed include experimental design, observation, safe use of scientific apparatus, data analysis and statistics, essay writing, exam technique, awareness of human effects on our planet, and respect for all life. Visits may be arranged to life science exhibitions, museums, and conferences on topical issues.
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Field Course: A one-week marine ecology course at Dale Fort field centre in South Wales, is arranged for the first week of the summer term for first year AS Biology students. It is a valuable experience in many ways, and enhances student grades. The cost is approximately £300, and includes tuition, food, accommodation and transport. Most students agree that it is hard work, fun and extremely worthwhile.

Specification outline and assessment
The course emphasises the way in which biologists work and the contributions of biology to society in a way that underpins the specification but is not intrusive.

AS Level – Year 1
The AS specification has 3 units:

Unit 1: Biology and disease.
How digestive and gas exchange systems may be affected by communicable and non-communicable diseases
How a knowledge of basic biology allows us to understand the symptoms of disease and interpret data relating to risk factors.

Unit 2: The Variety of Living Organisms
The influence of genetic and environmental factors on intraspecific variation
How the variety of life is reflected in similarities and differences in its biochemical basis and cellular organisation
How size and metabolic rate affect an organism's requirements and give rise to adaptations.

Unit 3: Practical and investigation skills
Practical work in the contexts of Units 1 and 2
Assessment of implementing skills on practical work as a whole
Assessment by AQA-set tasks, to reduce the burden on teachers and students.

Assessment
Unit 1: Written Paper: 1 hour 15 minutes.  Weighting: 33% of total AS Level marks-16% of total A Level marks.  
Unit 2: Written Paper: 1 hour 45 minutes. Weighting: 46% of total AS Level marks-23% of total A Level marks.
Unit 3: Internal Assessment: 20% of total AS Level marks. Weighting: 10% of total A Level marks;  Practical skills assessment (PSA);  Investigative skills assignment (ISA).

A Level – Year 2

GCE Biology A Level Specification 2410

At A2, this specification continues the approach taken at AS. The A2 specification has 3 units:

Unit 4: Populations and Environment
* How living organisms form ecosystems through which energy is transferred and chemical elements cycled
* How human activity affects ecological balance in a variety of ways
* How genetic variation and isolation may lead to the formation of new species.

Unit 5:  Control in cells and in organisms
* Stimulus and responses - the biology of the nervous and endocrine systems
* Homeostasis and the maintenance of a constant internal environment
* Genes and genetic expression

Unit 6: Practical and investigative skills
* Practical work in the contexts of Units 4 and 5
* Assessment of implementing skills on practical work as a whole
* Assessment by AQA-set tasks, to reduce the burden on teachers and students.

Assessment
Unit 4: Written paper (1 hr 30 mins) accounting for 160% of total marks
Unit 5: Written paper (2 hrs 15 mins) accounting for 23% of total marks
Unit 6: Internal assessment of practical and investigative skills accounting for 10% of total marks

Entry requirements
Students should have GCSE grade C or higher in Biology, Maths, English, and preferably Chemistry. Students without these, or comparable qualifications, may find it difficult to gain good A-level grades, though able and highly motivated students may be able to catch up.

For more information on this course, please go to http://www.aqa.org.uk/

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A LEVEL BUSINESS STUDIES

EXAMINATION BOARD: AQA

Qualification

The course provides a good foundation for further study of Business in higher education as well as providing a good general education.  It is also useful for students intending to pursue careers in any area of business.  Students will develop an understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value.  They will also study business behaviour and be made aware of the economic, environmental, ethical, governmental, legal, social and technological issues associated with business activity.

AS Level - Year 1

Planning and financing a business

This unit accounts for 40% of the AS level and 20% of the A Level and is assessed by examination (1 hr 15 mins) which accounts for 60 marks and consists of short answer questions and extended responses based on a mini case study.

Managing a business

This unit accounts for 60% of the AS level and 30% of the A level and is assessed by examination (1 hr 30mins) which accounts for 80 marks and consists of compulsory, multi-part data response questions

A Level - Year 2

Strategies for Success

This unit accounts for 25% of A Level and is assessed by examination (1 hr 45 mins) which accounts for 80 marks and consists of questions requiring extended answers based on an unseen case study drawing upon knowledge from AS units.

The Business Environment and Managing Change

This unit accounts for 25% of A level and is assessed by examination (1 hr 45 mins) which accounts for80 marks and consists of pre-release research tasks leading to the first section of a two section examination.  The second section will consist of a choice of essays.  All questions will be essay style and synoptic therefore drawing upon knowledge from all four units.

Entry requirements

No prior business studies knowledge is required to undertake this two-year course of study. Students must have an acceptable level of English language understanding (at least GCSE English grade C or equivalent) as written essays are a major part of assessment.

For more information on this course, please go to http://www.aqa.org.uk

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A LEVEL CHEMISTRY

EXAM BOARD: AQA specification 2420

Chemistry is the study of the substances that help to make our life more comfortable. Materials developed by chemists can be seen in the clothes we wear, the fuels that we burn in our homes and cars, fertilisers used in the production of our food and in the medicines we take. Chemists need also to study how and why substances react together and how they can change the properties of compounds so as to produce those characteristics that will be beneficial to humans.

Students who study chemistry often study mathematics, physics, biology and psychology.  It is the one science that is always required when applying for medicine, dentistry or veterinary science courses and it is an excellent choice for all science and health related careers.

Qualification
The course develops those skills learnt at GCSE or its equivalent and develops the students' interest and enjoyment of chemistry. It aims to produce an appreciation of the interlinking patterns that exist amongst the chemical elements so that predictions can be made about the likely structure and reactions of elements not previously studied.

This is the first year of a new A level course designed to reinforce the ideas of how science works and make the study material relevant to the modern world. If you enjoyed GCSE Chemistry you’ll love this course.

AS Level – Year 1
At AS Level candidates are given a solid grounding in foundation Chemistry. The specification introduces the chemical reactivity of atoms and molecules and provides an understanding of their structures. The development and use of periodic table is explained. The introduction of Practical Skills Assignments (PSA) into the specification allows credit to be given for work done in routine class practicals. Assessment becomes linked to the work of the course, and moves away from formulaic testing.

The AS specification has 3 units:

Unit 1 Foundation chemistry
Particles, composition of the nucleus, isotopes and use of mass spectrometer
Calculating the amount of substance
Ionic, covalent and metallic bonding and intermolecular forces
The construction of the periodic table
Organic chemistry
Alkanes from crude oil.  

Unit 2 Chemistry in Action
Collision theory and effect
Definitions of oxidation and reduction
Redox properties of halogens and halide ions
The extraction of Metals
Haloalkanes and alkenes

Unit 3: Investigative and Practical skills
Making observations and measurements
Analysing and evaluating results

Assessment 
Unit 1  Written Paper: 1 hour 15 minutes weighting: 33% of total AS Level. 4 - 6 short answer questions plus one or two longer structured questions.

Unit 2:  Written Paper: 1 hour 45 minutes weighting: 46% of total AS Level 23% of total A Level marks mark.  6 - 8 short answer questions plus two longer questions.

Unit 3:  Internal Assessment Weighting: 20% of total AS Level marks10% of total A Level marks. Teacher assessment of practical skills (PSA) 12 marks. Teacher assessment of investigative assignment (ISA) 38 marks.

What other skills will you gain from the course?
How to assemble data and how to assess it.
How to investigate facts and use deductions.
How to put over your point of view fluently.
How to work as a team to achieve results.

Year 2 A Level  Chemistry Specification 2420

At A2 Level the specification develops the concepts of physical chemistry introduced at AS. Candidates will study kinetics, equilibria, organic chemistry and spectroscopic techniques to determine the molecular formulae and structures of organic compounds. Candidates will continue to be assessed through PSA, gaining credit for work done in routine class practicals.

The A2 specification has 3 units:

Unit 4: Kinetics, Equilibria and Organic Chemistry
* Acids and bases
* Nomenclature and Isomerism in organic chemistry
* Compounds containing the carbonyl group
* Amines; base properties and nucleophilic properties
* Polymers
* Organic synthesis and analysis.

Unit 5: Energetics, Redox and Inorganic Chemistry
* Thermodynamics
* Periodicity; reactions of Period 3 elements
* Redox equilibria
* General properties of transition metals.
.
Unit 6:  Investigative and practical skills
* Making observations and measurements
* Analysing and evaluating results.

Assessment
Unit 4: Written exam paper (1 hr 45 mins) accounting for 20% of total marks
Unit 5: Written exam paper (1hr 45 mins) accounting for 20% of total  marks
Unit 6: Internal assessment of practical and investigative skills accounting for 10% of total marks

Entry requirements
Pre-requisites for taking the course are GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or higher in Chemistry, Mathematics and English.  Alternatives need to be discussed with teaching staff prior to commencing the course
For more information on this course, please go to http://www.aqa.org.uk/

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A LEVEL ECONOMICS

 EXAM BOARD: OCR

This course is designed to encourage students to develop further their understanding of appropriate micro- and macro-economic aspects of applied economics. The course allows students to acquire the knowledge and understanding of the tools of economic analysis and the skills to analyse and evaluate decision-making by consumers, producers, citizens and governments.

The course offers a sound basis for progression into higher education in Economics, or related subjects including, Business Administration, Environmental Planning, Transport and Logistics and European Studies. This qualification also offers students the opportunity to enter directly into employment, particularly in the field of business and the professional service sector.

Qualification
AS Level – Year 1
The Market System
Markets in action
National and International Economy

A Level – Year 2
Economics of work and leisure
The Global Economy

Assessment
All units are assessed by written examinations.

Entry requirements
No previous study of, or qualification in, this subject is required but students should have an interest in current affairs.  Students will require a Grade C or above in GCSE English and Maths or equivalent.

For more information on this course, please go to http://www.ocr.org.uk/

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AS/A LEVEL ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

EXAM BOARD: AQA  B

WHY STUDY ENGLISH? This is a good subject for those of you who enjoy the combination of language and literature work in GCSE English, and would like to continue studying a mixture of literary and non-literary texts, as well as continuing to develop your own writing skills. It is a subject for those who enjoy reading, both fact and fiction.  There is also the opportunity for creative writing.

WHAT WILL YOU STUDY AND LEARN? This course combines the study of some major texts by writers like Shakespeare, with work on modern authors and all kinds of writing from newspaper and magazine journalism. It also includes the study of speech, from the ways in which we chat in every day situations to the ways in which politicians and public figures try to convince and persuade us in prepared speech. We also look at how writers create speech in novels, poems and plays.

Qualification
COURSE CONTENT AND EXAMINATIONS We use AQA English Language and Literature Specification B, which encourages students to develop integrated literary and linguistic analysis. Set texts will be analysed using appropriate linguistic and literary terminology. Students will develop their writing skills and be able to write fluently and coherently on themes and ideas suggested by the set texts.

AS: Unit 1: Critical Reading of Texts. Students will study an anthology of texts (both fact and fiction) on a set theme, as well as learning how to respond to and analyse unseen extracts. (Examination)

 Unit 2: Themes in Language and Literature In these unit students study and compare two set texts, finding links between them. You will be taught how to develop your analytical skills. There is also a creative task, where you   put into practice the techniques you have learned from other writers.  (Coursework)

A2: Unit 3: Talk in Life and Literature This focuses on how to analyse talk in crafted and real texts.  You will study one play, where dramatic effects are focused on. This reminds you that you are studying a play - which is meant to be performed and to have an impact on the audience. The second focus consists of studying crafted speech from a range of texts, as well as transcripts of actual speech and conversation. (Examination)

Unit 4: Text Transformation this is a unit which allows further creative opportunities. After studying one or two texts, you have the exciting opportunity of transforming aspects of them into another form or style, thus creating a new text or texts. You then write a commentary, analysing how you transformed the original text. (Coursework)

WHERE COULD THIS SUBJECT TAKE YOU? English Language and Literature teaches you to analyse a wide variety of writing in detail; it also helps you to develop a range of mature styles in your own writing. It is a useful subject for students going on to study many different subjects at university. English Language and Literature provides a good background for any arts/humanities degree, is an excellent basis for law and can provide a wider perspective for those planning to study for science and technology degrees. English degrees can lead to many different careers, including work in management, education, journalism, advertising, entertainment, business or post graduate law.

Entry requirements
Students must have an acceptable level of English language understanding (at least GCSE English grade C or equivalent) as written essays are a major part of assessment.

For more information on this course, please go to http://www.aqa.org.uk/

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A LEVEL ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

EXAM BOARD: AQA 

Is this subject right for me?

Environmental issues are hot topics in the media - everyone seems to have an opinion about climate change, energy use and waste disposal. After all, these are very real issues which touch our everyday lives.

But peoples' opinions and even the scientific evidence seem to be divided. Are the environmental problems real? What is the scientific evidence? Can they be solved?

Environmental Studies will give you the opportunity to gain a deep and well-informed insight into the environment and the scientific processes that control and affect it. You will be able to make your own judgements about the decisions that are made.

As part of a group of Science or Arts A Level courses, Environmental Studies provides an ideal base for employment, a range of vocational qualifications and a very wide variety of Higher Education courses, including degrees in areas related to the environment, Geography, Geology, Science, climate, planning and teaching.

What is the course content?

The AS course is composed of two units:

Unit 1: The Living Environment An introduction to the biodiversity of life on Planet Earth. You will study the  reasons why conservation of life on Earth is important and the methods used for effective conservation in the UK, coral reefs, Antarctica and tropical rainforests. You will study the ecological relationships between organisms and their abiotic and biotic environments to be able to make decisions about problem management.

Unit 2: The Physical Environment You will understand that physical resources such as atmospheric gases, water and mineral nutrients are essential for life on Earth and that humans exploit and manage physical resources to provide higher material living standards. You will look at the idea that the use of many of these resources is unsustainable.

The A level course is also composed of two units:

Unit 3: Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution You will examine how future problems of energy supply are investigated and potentially resolved. You will understand how pollutants cause environmental damage and the strategies which can be used to minimise releases, treat effluents and manage the damage caused.

Unit 4: Biological Resources and Sustainability You will study the factors controlling human population growth in relation to the demands placed upon the planet's resources and life-support systems. You will analyse food production and forestry systems emphasising the limiting factors affecting productivity, the environmental problems caused by these systems and the ways in which problems can be addressed.

How will your work be assessed?

The AS and A level course are assessed entirely by external examination. There is
no coursework component for Environmental Studies.

AS assessment:
Two written exams consisting of short-answer and structured questions.

A level assessment:
Two written exams consisting of short-answer, structured data analysis and essay
questions.

What are the entry requirements?

Students will normally be required to have a Grade C or above in GCSE Double Science (or separate Sciences) or equivalent.

 For more information on this course, please go to http://www.aqa.org.uk/

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AS and A LEVEL MATHEMATICS AND FURTHER MATHEMATICS

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL

"Like the crest of a peacock, so is Mathematics at the head of all knowledge."       -  Traditional Indian saying

Mathematics has applications in many fields:  e.g. Physics, Accounting, Geography, Biology, Computing, and Medicine.   It has been described as ‘The Queen and Servant of Science'. It has often provided a good training in how to reason and solve problems, which employers in many careers readily recognise.  And it can be fun!

We offer the following 3 choices:

A level Mathematics & Further Mathematics (Double Subject)
A level Mathematics (Single Subject)
AS level Mathematics

A level Mathematics & Further Mathematics (Double Subject)

This consists of 12 units (or ‘modules') taken over 2 years.    Out of these, 7 are Pure Maths and 5 are Applied Maths.  

Year 1: C1, C2, C3, C4 (Pure)  and  M1 (Mechanics), S1 (Statistics)

Year 2:  FP1, FP2, FP3 (Further Pure) and M2, S2, D1 (Decision Maths - some call it ‘Discrete Maths')

This double subject option is for those who are very keen on Maths and who are likely to consider studying Maths, or a closely related subject, at university.

A level Mathematics (Single Subject)

This consists of 6 units spread over 2 years.  

Year 1:  C1, C2 (Pure)    M1 (Mechanics)
Year 2:  C3, C4 (Pure)    S1 (Statistics)

Are you unsure whether to choose Double Subject or Single Subject? 
If so, then it would be sensible to choose the Double Subject option at the start, with the possibility of changing at the end of the initial assessment period.  It will not be easy to change from Single Subject to Double Subject.

AS level Mathematics
This consists of 3 units taken in the first year.  It is the same as the Single Subject A-level Year 1 (see above).

Entry requirements
Students will normally be required to have a Grade C or above in GCSE Higher tier Mathematics or equivalent

For more information on this course, please go to http://www.edexcel.org.uk/

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A LEVEL PHYSICS

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL Specification 8PH01 & 9PHOI

Physics is a subject of enormous breadth. It examines the workings of the Universe with its billions of stars and ranges down to the behaviour of tiny particles inside atoms from which we and everything around us are made. Areas of study include natural philosophy and raise many questions that current research seeks to answer. There has never been a more exciting time as regards the development of new ideas in Physics.

The knowledge and methods of working gained through the study of Physics find applications in many varied fields such as:
*  Scientific research - what is the nature of reality
* Engineering  - the appliance of science to change our surroundings
* Computing and Electronics - producing ever increasing complexity
* Medicine, scanners, nuclear medicine, and micro- and nano- technologies
* Financial World  -  modelling financial systems
* Management - developing problem-solving skills
* Media storage and communication technology
 
Physics is increasingly extending into every area of our lives - it has given us computers, the Internet, mass media and modern transportation systems and new diagnostic and treatment facilities in medicine.

Qualification
The AS and A level courses give an excellent introduction into all aspects of Physics. We follow the Edexcel Syllabus which aims to develop the students’ interest and enthusiasm for Physics; to appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and the contribution of the sciences to the economy and society; to further develop the understanding of “How Science Works”, begun in the GCSE course; to develop and understand essential knowledge of different areas of Physics and how they inter-relate.

The Syllabus consists of the following units:

AS Level – Year 1
* Mechanics and Materials
* Waves, Electricity and the nature of light
* Exploring physics as applied in a live situation and by practical experiment.

A2 Level – Year 2
* Further Mechanics, Fields and Forces, Sub-atomic Particle Physics
* Thermal Energy, Nuclear Decay, Oscillations, Astrophysics and Cosmology
* Experimental Physics, including the planning, execution and reporting of the student’s own work.
 
The classes are best described as informal with discussion actively encouraged.

Experimental skills are considered very important in Physics and these are developed in a dedicated Physics Laboratory. Emphasis is given to progress in current research and we use scientific literature, videos, etc to keep up to date and to promote discussion.

Assessment
Assessment will be by examinations and an experiment based on a physics-based visit or case study of an application of physics.

Entrance requirements
Students will normally be required to have a Grade C or above in GCSE Physics or equivalent and be competent in their expression of ideas in English. 

 For more information on this course, please go to http://www.edexcel.org.uk/

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AS LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY

EXAM BOARD: AQA Specification 1181

Psychology A level is one of the fastest-growing subjects in Britain. It is of interest to students both of the sciences and the humanities.

Qualification
The AS level course consists of two units

AS Level

Unit 1: Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research methods

50% of the total AS marks, I hour 30 minutes;  Structured compulsory questions based on the above topics.  Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one 12-mark question requiring extended writing in which QWC will be assessed.

Unit 2: Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences

50% of the total AS marks, 25% of the total A2 marks, 1 hour 30 minutes;   Three compulsory structured questions, one based on the Biological Psychology content, one based on the Social Psychology content and one based on the Individual Differences content;  Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one or more 12-mark questions requiring extended writing in which QWC will be assessed.

Assessment
Assessment is by means of written examination only..

Entry requirements
No previous study of Psychology is required but students will normally be required to have a Grade C or above in GCSE English and Maths or equivalent.

For more information on this course, please go to http://www.aqa.org.uk/

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A LEVEL GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL

The aim of the course is to develop an understanding of the general rules under which we all live.  The course provides the opportunity for debate, discussion and argument, providing students with the opportunity to form their own opinions about the society in which we live, safe in the knowledge that any conclusions they come to are not constrained by a simple right or wrong.  The course will aim to give students a desire to know and understand more about the world around them, and actively go out and find out more about it, bringing anything they do find to a classroom discussion.

For the first year of the course, the students will learn abou the UK, looking at issues such as:
How democratic is the UK?
How effective are elections in the UK?
How do the political parties in the UK differ?
What is the British constitution?
What are the functions of Parliament?
What is the role of the Prime Minister and the cabinet?
How successful is the judicial system?

In the second year, the students will look at the USA, where the topics will include:
Written constitution
Presidential elections
Political parties
Congress
Presidency
Federal bureaucracy
Supreme Court
Civil rights and liberties

Assessment
Assessment will be by examination

Entry requirements
No previous knowledge of Politics is required.  Students should have a good command of English.

For more information on this course, please go to http://www.edexcel.org.uk/

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A LEVEL SOCIOLOGY

EXAM BOARD: AQA Specification 2190

"Studying Sociology may not change your life but it should change the way you look at life, at people and at society, both in the United Kingdom and worldwide"
-adapted from AS Sociology for AS, 2008

The key point to understand about Sociology is that it has a particular way of looking at society and social life; in fact it has several ways of doing this, but they all have one thing in common- they do not take anything at face value. If you are interested in challenging pre-conceived ideas about the way society works, then Sociology could be for you.

Sociology links closely with AS/A Level Government & Politics, Psychology, Economics, History, Law, English and even Geography (through Globalisation and consideration of different cultures).  Sociology is a highly regarded subject by universities (including Oxford and Cambridge), as it helps to develop skills of critical evaluation, analysis and communication, all essential skills at university level and beyond. Sociologists can expect to find employment in a wide variety of fields, including government (through social work and social policy), the media, law (including criminal justice), marketing, medical services, and education/academia. Many sociology graduates work as community relations advisers for banks, insurance companies, and even in advertising and other commercial organisations through public opinion polls, motivational research and customer/employee relations. Transferable skills learnt through study of Sociology are important, so employment in other fields using these is possible as well. 
 
Qualification
The new AQA course specification for Sociology at AS and A Level, starts with the new AS units in September 2008, followed by new A2 units starting in September 2009 (the existing A2 course will run for 2008/9 only). This new redrafted specification has been designed to:

Provide an appropriate foundation for further study of Sociology and related subjects in higher education

Provide a worthwhile course for candidates of various ages and from diverse backgrounds (including international students) in terms of general education about British culture and beyond, and lifelong learning

Prepare a solid foundation for candidates intending to pursue careers in the field of Social Sciences.

AS Level - Year 1
At AS Level, candidates studying this specification will acquire knowledge of contemporary social processes and social changes. Candidates will be encouraged to develop their own sociological awareness through active engagement with the contemporary social world.

The AS specification has 2 units:

Unit 1
Culture and Identity
Families and Households
Wealth, Poverty and Welfare.

Assessment
Written Paper:  1 hour
Weighting:  40% of total AS / 20% of total A Level marks
Candidates choose one topic from three and answer one question. Each question consists of five parts.

Unit 2:
Education
Health
Sociological Methods.

Assessment
Written Paper:  2 hours
Weighting:  60% of total AS / 30% of total A Level marks

Candidates choose one topic (Education or Health) and answer:
(a) one question on the chosen topic. This question consists of four parts
(b) one question on sociological research methods in the context of the chosen topic. This question consists of one part.
In addition, candidates answer one question on free-standing research methods. This question consists of four parts.

A Level – Year 2
In the second year, candidates will continue to focus on contemporary society but they should demonstrate a wider range and greater depth of knowledge and understanding and more highly developed skills of application, analysis, interpretation and evaluation.   The A2 specification has 2 units:

Unit 3
Beliefs in Society
Global Development
Mass Media
Power and Politics.

Assessment
Written Paper:  1 hour 30 minutes
Weighting:  20% of total A Level marks

Candidates choose one topic from four and answer one compulsory question and one question from a choice of two. The compulsory question consists of either two or three parts and the optional question consists of one essay.

Unit 4:
Crime and Deviance
Stratification and Differentiation
Theory and Methods.

Assessment
Written Paper:  2 hours
 Weighting:  30% of total A Level marks

Candidates choose one topic (Crime and Deviance or Stratification and Differentiation) and answer:
(a) one question on the chosen topic. This question consists of two parts.
(b) one question on sociological research methods in the context of the chosen topic. This question consists of two parts.
In addition, candidates answer one question on theory and methods. This question consists of one essay.

Entry Requirements
No prior knowledge is required for AS Sociology, but you should possess good communication skills, including an acceptable level of English language (minimum grade C at GCSE or equivalent) as note-taking and essay writing are prominent features of AS and A2 Sociology studies.

For more information on this course, please go to http://www.aqa.org.uk/

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A LEVEL SPANISH

EXAM BOARD: AQA

The units will draw from the following range of topics:

Media: Television, Advertising, Communication technology
Popular Culture: Cinema, Music, Fashion/Trends
Healthy Living/Lifestyle: Sport/Exercise, Health and wellbeing, Holidays
Family/Relationships:  Relationships within the family, Friendships, Marriage/Partnerships

Assessment
The language skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking are assessed by examination

Entry requirements
Students will normally be required to have a Grade C or above in GCSE Spanish or equivalent.

For more information on this course, please go to http://www.aqa.org.uk/

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