Subject

Course Details

Art & Design

In AS Art, Craft and Design students learn to further develop their practical skills and ideas so that they can create exciting and imaginative pieces of artwork. They also continue to study the work of professional artists and designers.

AS Art and Design consists of two units of work. Unit 1 is the Portfolio worth 60% of the final mark, where students are required to work in a range of 2D and 3D media, including drawing and painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and digital media. Themes studied will include the natural world, architecture, decorative imagery and developing design work from primary and secondary sources.

Unit 2 is the Externally Set Task worth 40% of the final marks, where students choose their theme to demonstrate their skills and areas of interest developed in the first unit. A more independent and individual approach is expected at this stage.

Biology

AS BIOLOGY

Exam board: AQA

The AS Biology specification provides numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality and equip students with the essential practical skills they need to link with the theoretical content. The AS content includes:  biological molecules such as carbohydrates, proteins and enzymes; animal, plant and prokaryote cells;  genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms and how organisms exchange substances with their environment. There are 2 exams at the end of year 12 and no coursework. Any content from the above topics is assessed on both papers, including relevant practical skills. There is an increased focus on Mathematical skills. 130 marks are for short answer questions. The remaining 20 marks are for biological comprehension and extended response questions. AS and A level qualifications are linear. This means that students will sit the AS exams at the end of their AS course and can achieve an AS grade without continuing with A2. In addition, there are 6 required practicals for which a separate certificate is awarded.

Cambridge Technicals L3 Business

The course is aimed at providing basic and coherent knowledge of business concepts, developing a creative and analytical knowledge with clear practical emphasis of business operations and performance in meeting their aims and objectives successfully. The focus will be on: the different forms of business organisation, legal aspects, business plan, sources of finance, training and development, communication channels and ICT, marketing, research and development and reasons for business location. You will learn how to estimate cash flow, produce financial plans, monitor, interpret, evaluate and compare the performance of businesses in the UK and the global economy. 

The skills that will be developed will include: teamwork, independent learning and research skills through assignments, oral and written presentation skills, analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to relate to people in a business environment with confidence and self-assurance.

This is an ideal qualification to complement number of AS/A2 courses leading to Degree course in Business, Finance, marketing, Human Resources and operations management; leading to employment in  responsible positions in business such as Banks, Marketing, TV, Retail, Employment and Training organisations, Financial Institutions, Insurance and Education.

Chemistry

Chemistry is a branch of science which is concerned with materials of every description. The Advanced level course (AQA) will allow you to apply your knowledge of chemical principles to investigate properties and substances and to change one substance into another.

In the first year of the course, among other topics, you will build on your understanding from GCSE to consider Atomic Structure, Bonding, Periodicity while being introduced to Organic Reaction Mechanisms, detailed Redox chemistry and Modern Analytical Techniques such as Mass Spec and IR. Practical work forms an important part of the course and you should expect to carry out class laboratory practical’s on a regular basis and keep a record of these in a lab book.

There are two external examinations taken in the summer term and a formal practical examination that includes a minimum of 6 teacher assessments of practical skills.

Computing

OCR AS Level Computer Science H046

Computing Principles (01) – H046

This unit This component will introduce learners to the internal workings of the Central Processing Unit (CPU), the exchange of data and will also look at software development, data types and legal and ethical issues. It is expected that learners will draw on this underpinning content when studying computational thinking and developing programming techniques..
 50% of total AS level. 70 marks
01 hour and 15 minutes- written paper

Algorithms and problem solving component (02) – H046

This component will incorporate and build on the knowledge and understanding gained in the Computing principles component. Pupils will learn the following:

1.       understand what is meant by computational thinking

2.       understand the benefits of applying computational thinking to solving problems

3.       be able to use algorithms to describe problems

50% of total AS level. 70 marks

01 hour and 15 minutes- written paper

Cambridge Technical L3 in ICT

The Cambridge Technical Extended certificate provide opportunities to develop skills demanded by employers.

The qualifications aim to develop students’ knowledge, understanding and skills of the principles of IT and Global Information Systems. Students will gain 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, and the importance of legal and security considerations. Designed in collaboration with experts spanning the breadth of the sector, the Level 3 Cambridge Technical in IT focus on the requirements that today’s universities and employers demand

In Year 12 students study

1: Fundamentals of IT (Mandatory- Externally assessed unit):
Information learnt in this unit will create a solid foundation in the fundamentals of hardware, networks, software, the ethical use of computers and how businesses use IT.

2: Global Information (Mandatory- Externally assessed unit):
 The purpose of this unit is to demonstrate the uses of information in the public domain, globally, in the cloud and across the Internet, by individuals and organisations.

3: one other unit

Units 1&2 allow students to gain the equivalent to an AS level

Construction

1 year course

Unit 1: Safety and Security in Construction

Through this unit, learners will gain the knowledge and understanding to be able to plan how to minimise risk to their own and others health and safety in different contexts. Students will identify the role of the Health and safety executive. Explain existing health and safety control measures in different situations and Describe measures used in construction to minimise risk to security. This unit will be externally assessed in term 3 through online testing.

Unit 2:

Students will be able to set the criteria for completion of tasks such as, level of tolerance, timescales and quality. They will prepare for construction tasks by checking materials for defects, organising materials, measuring and marking out materials develop techniques for different construction tasks including, brickwork tiling woodwork and plumbing. They will produce a final product which will demonstrate that they have developed their practical skills to meet the assessment criteria.  This unit will run in parallel to units 1 and 3.

Unit 3: Planning Construction Projects

Students will gain an overview and understanding of the activities and responsibilities of those involved in construction projects. They will gain an understanding of how built environment development projects are realised. Students will be given an assignment in which they will develop and manage a project from planning construction Projects to handover.

Drama

Students follow the new Edexcel AS specification. The course is broken down into the following components:

Component 1: Exploration of performance

This is practical performance coursework. It is worth 60% of overall grade.

Component 2: Theatre makers in practice

This is a written exam based on exploration of a complete text and a live theatre evaluation. It is worth 40% of overall grade.

Economics

Economics is a study of human behaviour in making choices about scarce resources and their distribution amongst competing uses. The course therefore enables students to:

·         Develop an understanding of economic concepts and theories through a critical consideration of current economic issues in a global context;

·         Apply economic concepts and theories in a range of contexts and to appreciate their value and limitations in explaining real-world phenomena;

·         Analyse, explain and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the market economy and the role of government within it.

·         Evaluate economic arguments and evidence as well as making informed judgements in a variety of different contexts.

The skills that will be developed will include: an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of economics to  develop an ability to think as an economist;  which will encompass analytical and problem-solving skills, research, presentation and teamwork skills, communication and ICT skills and  application of number (mathematical and statistical) skills. This Advance Level course can be combined with Maths, History, Politics or Sociology options which create a wide range of opportunities for many University courses. There are a wide range of career opportunities that are available including teaching, Banking, management and research, social and global professions.

Engineering

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering

The Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering is a 60-credit and 360-guided-learning-hours

(GLH) qualification that consists of two mandatory units plus optional units that provide for a combined total

of 60 credits (where at least 45 credits must be at Level 3 or above).

Unit 1: Health and Safety in the Engineering Workplace

Unit code: T/600/0249

QCF Level 3: BTEC National

Credit value: 10

Guided learning hours: 60

Learning outcomes

·         On completion of this unit a learner should:

·         Understand the key features of health and safety legislation and regulations

·         Know how to identify and control hazards in the workplace

·         Be able to carry out a risk assessment, identifying control measures

·         Understand the methods used when reporting and recording accidents and incidents.

Unit 4: Mathematics for Engineering Technicians

·         Unit code: A/600/0253

·         QCF Level 3: BTEC National

·         Credit value: 10

·         Guided learning hours: 60

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit a learner should:

·         Be able to use algebraic methods

·         Be able to use trigonometric methods and standard formula to determine areas

·         Be able to use statistical methods to display data

·         Be able to use elementary calculus techniques.

Unit 5: Mechanical Principles and Applications

·         Unit code: F/600/0254

·         QCF Level 3: BTEC National

·         Credit value: 10

·         Guided learning hours: 60

Learning outcomes:

On completion of this unit a learner should:

·         Be able to determine the effects of loading in static engineering systems

·         Be able to determine work, power and energy transfer in dynamic engineering systems

·         Be able to determine the parameters of fluid systems

·         Be able to determine the effects of energy transfer in thermodynamic systems.

Unit 16: Engineering Drawing for Technicians

·         Unit code: T/600/0266

·         QCF Level 3: BTEC National

·         Credit value: 10

·         Guided learning hours: 60

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit a learner should:

·         Be able to sketch engineering components

·         Be able to interpret engineering drawings     that comply with drawing standards

·         Be able to produce engineering drawings

·         Be able to produce engineering drawings using a computer aided drafting (CAD) system.

Unit 35: Principles and Applications of Electronic Devices and Circuits

·         Unit code: K/600/0300

·         QCF Level 3: BTEC Nationals

·         Credit value: 10

·         Guided learning hours: 60

Learning outcomes:

On completion of this unit a learner should:

·         Understand the function and operation of diodes, transistors and logic gates

·         Be able to build and test operational amplifier-based analogue circuits

·         Be able to build and test combinational and sequential logic circuits

·         Be able to use computer-based simulation software packages to construct and test the operation of analogue and digital circuits.

Unit 66: Theory of Flight

Unit code: A/600/7123

·         QCF Level 3: BTEC Nationals

·         Credit value: 10

·         Guided learning hours: 60

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit a learner should:

·         Understand the nature, physical parameters and use of the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA) and subsonic airflow over aerofoil sections

·         Understand the generation and interaction of aircraft lift and drag forces

·         Understand aircraft stability and control

·         Understand the nature of subsonic, transonic and supersonic airflow.

English Literature

At AS level, students develop their ability to read – and write – analytically. London Academy students follow EdExcel’s English Literature course, studying Tennessee Williams’ ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ for the Poetry and Drama exam and Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ during the first term. The rest of the year is spent on 28 modern poems (from ‘Poems of the Decade’, published in 2011) and Margaret Atwood’s ‘A Handmaid’s Tale’, which students compare with ‘Frankenstein’ in the Prose exam in May. Once exams are over, students prepare for their A2 coursework.

Geography

Year 12 Geographers follow the new 2016 Edexcel AS Level Geography course. This is split into two units:

Paper 1: Dynamic Landscapes which focuses on the physical geography topics of Tectonics and Coastal Change.

Paper 2: Dynamic Places which has a human geography focus through studying the topics of Globalisation and Rebranding Places.

The completion of two days of fieldwork is compulsory as part of the new AS specification, and is likely to be completed early in the Spring term. Students will be assessed on the fieldwork they complete in both Paper 1 and Paper 2 examinations. All students will be entered for the AS qualification in the summer term of Year 12. Should they wish to continue to A Level, they will be required to retake their Year 12 exams again in Year 13.

Health and Social Care

In KS5 students follow the OCR Applied Health and Social care course It is a subject that gives students the Opportunity to study things from a vocational perspective which enables Students to use and gain additional skills and insight into what is required to be successful in a career in any sector of C health, social care or early years.

Students in Year 12 study health and social care at  AS level which  makes up half an A-level ,  the AS level Compromises of three mandatory units Promoting Quality Care  an examined unit  that looks at  the rights and responsibilities of service users and how they are protected and provided by service users and their organisations, the exam lasts 90 minutes.

The two coursework units are as follows Communication in Care Settings and Promoting Good Health

 To make it a full A-Level student need to continue studying it at A2 in Year 13 where the same format is applied 

History

Students following the Edexcel AS History course will study Units 1F and 2F. Unit 1F is called In Search of the American Dream 1917-96 and covers the changing political environment, the quest for civil rights, society and culture in change, the changing quality of life and the Reagan presidency. Students will be examined through essays and analysis of historical interpretations on Reagan. In Unit 2F they study South Africa 1948-94: from apartheid state to ‘rainbow nation’, looking at the response to apartheid, radicalisation of resistance and the consolidation of National Party Power, Redefining resistance and challenges to National Party power, and the end of apartheid and the creation of the ‘rainbow nation’. Students develop skills of source analysis and in their exam will answer questions based on evaluating unseen sources.

Law

Law is a popular subject at 6th Form with a growing number of students opting to study the subject each year. Pupils are expected to develop their legal skills by reading around the subject and pursuing lines of enquiry beyond the classroom.

Pupils cover a comprehensive range of topics over the course of the two years of study.

At AS, students cover Unit 1 and Unit 2, each assessed at the end of the year by an external examination – these are worth 50% each. Unit 1 covers: law making in the UK and influences on parliamentary law making, the use and control of delegated legislation and the work of criminal courts and lay people in the justice system. Unit 2 covers: the principles of criminal liability, criminal law (focussing on non-fatal offences), criminal process and sentencing, the principles of civil liability, the tort of negligence, civil process and remedies.

Maths

In Year 12, students follow the Edexcel modular specification where they complete both core and applied modules, in which a combination of three units awards students a Mathematics AS level. Students are expected to complete independent work whereby they consolidate knowledge of topics completed in class. Students are given homework and practice examination questions to support their learning in the classroom. Students complete topic tests as well as a mock examination in January. Students have the opportunity to complete the UK Senior Maths Challenge.

The most able mathematics students are also given the option of following the Further Mathematics AS level course. Students complete two decision maths modules and a Further Pure Mathematics module. Students are asked to complete a significant proportion of the work independently based on the learning that has been completed in lessons. Assessment based on end of topic tests and mock exams which are completed in January.

MFL

In Year 12 students look at a wider range of topics and broaden their grammatical understanding of the language by studying complex structures, tenses and vocabulary. Students study two topic areas: ‘Social issues and trends’ and ‘Artistic culture’. They also study a specific cultural topic which is a film in the target language. There is a 12-14 minute Speaking exam that covers the two topic areas and includes discussing an unseen stimulus card. Students also have a Listening, Reading and Writing exam that includes translation from target language into English. Students sit a second Writing exam that includes a translation from English into target language and an essay about the film studied.

Music

Our KS5 students follow the Edexcel A Level specification. This includes three elements: performance, composing and a listening exam. For Component 1: Performance, the students are required to put together a recital of music lasting 6 minutes at AS Level and 8 minutes for A2. The standard grade for music performed at AS Level is Grade 6 and for A2 is Grade 7. For Component 2: Composition, students are required to compose two pieces of music, one free choice and one set to a brief where students must meet certain criteria. For Component 3: Appraising, students sit an exam of 1 hour and 30 minutes at AS and 2 hours at A2 where students must evaluate set works from a broad range of music – 12 at AS and 18 at A2. Students must understand the contextual value of music and be able to explain and evaluate historical and musical influences.

Physical Education

In years 12 and 13 students will be given the opportunity to participate in both recreational sport/exercise and represent the school in competitive matches against other school in both local and national tournaments. The school has a newly equipped weights gym which open to all students free of charge. There are also a number of evenings where team training session and recreational sport is offered to the 6 form. Students will also be given the opportunity to study a qualification in Sport and Exercise Science 

PSHEE

The Years 12-13 course is designed to enhance students’ understanding and awareness of the personal, health, social, and economic issues important to the development of young adults. Areas of study include Healthy living, Anxieties and worries, Self-esteem and image, Drugs & alcohol education, Career progression and employability.  Debate and discussion, group activities, workshops, extended assemblies and independent reflection are important elements of the course. Students also during form time cover topics from the OCR citizenship course so as to promote and discuss British Values. Topics covered range from identity and nationhood, to EU, UN and the criminal justice system. 

Photography

AS Photography consists of two units, each worth 50% of the final marks. Unit 1 is the Portfolio, where students are required to experiment with a range of digital photography techniques and processes and also have the opportunity to explore traditional dark room photography. Projects draw inspiration from photographers working in a range of genres including still life, portraiture, landscape and documentary. Themes include ‘Nature and Environment’ and ‘Our Society’.

Unit 2 is the Externally Set assignment, where students choose their theme to demonstrate their skills and areas of interest developed in the first unit. A more independent and individual approach is expected at this stage.

Physics

AS Level

The AS Level of the GCE Physics A Specification provides a smooth transition for year 12 students from topics covered on the Edexcel GCSE Additional Science Course to A Level. This is the starting point for A Level Physics and provides students the opportunity to start the course with topics that are familiar or new.

The AS level provides the opportunity to venture into the field of particle physics to provide a new interest and dimension to their knowledge of the subject, but also develops topics already familiar to students. Paper 1 assesses students’ core knowledge of the course, and Paper 2 deals with the investigative and practical skills to be developed in students throughout the course and tests their ability to synthesise knowledge. This specification provides a wide range of opportunities to develop how science works by linking the general criteria on the nature of science to specific topics throughout the specification. To get onto the AS Level students will be required to have at Bs at least two sciences (including Physics GCSE if taken, and in Units P1 and P2 if not) and maths.

Core content- AS

1 Measurements and their errors

2 Particles and radiation

3 Waves

4 Mechanics and materials

5 Electricity

Professional Cookery

 City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma in “introduction to professional cookery for the catering industry”.

A full time course taking in all of the elements required for employability in the catering industry using a real working environment. Covering food hygiene, Health and safety and cooking methods. Made up of practical skills tests and written course work completed over a one year period.

Psychology

Students will gain a clear understanding of the core topics in Psychology relevant to contemporary society today. These include; Memory, Social Influence, Attachment and Psychopathology.  In order to fully understand these topics and the position of psychology within the sciences, they will need to carry out practical investigations within the classroom and in their private study time. Participation in current university is encouraged as to broaden their understanding of the role of psychology within society. 

RE

At KS5 students follow the new OCR Specification H173 for Religious Studies. This entails learning about classical philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle whose ideas are linked and compared to prominent Judaeo-Christian philosophers. This is coupled with the study of ethical theories such as natural moral law, utilitarianism, etc and is applied to ethical situations such euthanasia and business.

Sociology

Year 12 Sociology students begin the AS level exploring key ideas and concepts that are present in all areas of Sociological study. Students investigate social processes, such as socialisation and social control and social structures, such as gender, ethnicity and social class. Students are introduced to the theories of Marxism, functionalism, feminism, interactionism and postmodernism and are encouraged to use opposing arguments from each perspective to explain divisions within British society. Using in depth analysis and evaluation, students explore the Sociology of the family and education, tackling issues such as power relationships, changes to and within the family and education structures and the functions of the family and the education system according to the competing sociological perspectives. Students also learn the different research methods used by positivist and interpretivist sociologists and apply these methods to the study of education.  Students learn to make complex sociological arguments presented verbally in class discussion and in written format through essays.    

Textiles

AS Textiles consists of two units, each worth 50% of the final marks. Unit 1 is the Portfolio, where students are required to develop work in a range of areas such as domestic textiles, textiles for fashion, printed, dyed and mixed media textiles. Students will be required to demonstrate a range of skills including drawing, repeat pattern designs and illustration, screen printing, heat transfer printing, stitch, hand and machine embroidery and applique. Themes studied will include the natural forms and architectural or man-made structures and developing design work from primary and secondary sources.

Unit 2 is the Externally Set assignment, where students choose their theme to demonstrate their skills and areas of interest developed in the first unit. A more independent and individual approach is expected at this stage.