Subject

Course Details

Art & Design

A2 Art and Design consists of two units, each worth 50% of the final marks. Unit 1 is the Personal Investigation, where students are required to identify their own area of study to produce a body of creative practical art work as well as an in-depth piece of written research. Possible themes include contemporary artists or designers, genres such as portraits, or current topics such as the use of recycled materials in art and design.

Unit 2 is the Externally Set assignment, where students choose their theme to demonstrate all the skills, areas of interest and understanding developed throughout the course. This final unit provides an excellent grounding for progressing to higher education.

Biology

A LEVEL BIOLOGY 

Exam board AQA

The A Level Biology course builds on material from AS. The specification provides numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality and to equip students with the essential practical skills they need to link with the theoretical content. The year 13 content includes energy transfers in and between organisms, how organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environment, genetics, populations, evolution, ecosystems and the control of gene expression. The A level Biology qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit 3 A-level exams at the end of their 2 year A-level course. Only these exams count towards the final A level grade. There are 3 exams and no coursework. All papers incorporate relevant practical skills and there is an increased focus on Mathematical applications. Exam paper 1 assesses year 12 content only, Paper 2 assesses year 13 content only and paper 3 assesses content from the whole 2 year course. 190 marks are for short and long answer questions, 30 marks are for extended response questions, 15 marks are for critical analysis of data and 25 marks are for an essay. In addition, there are 6 additional required practicals for which a separate certificate is awarded.

Business Studies

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 second year you will consider the chemistry of Transition Metals and Aromatic molecules based on Benzene whilst exploring the fundamental principles that govern chemical reactions from the study of Thermodynamics.   You will also continue to build on your knowledge from the first year, across the three main disciplines of Physical, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry. Complex organic synthesis is considered in combination with further analytical techniques such as Proton and C13 NMR. 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 three external examinations taken in the summer term and a formal practical examination that includes a minimum of 12 teacher assessments of practical skills.

Computing

Applied ICT

OCR Applied ICT (Advance GCE)

The level of performance expected in A2 reflects the more demanding Advanced GCE material, including the higher-level concepts and a requirement to draw together knowledge and skills from across the course.

A2 units enable students to develop understanding of the components, functions and applications of information systems within a range of organisations; In addition to that students apply their knowledge and problem solving skills in a themed scenarios close to real world situations.

A2 Units: Optional- Must choose three units

G048 Working to a brief –100% Coursework
G050 Interactive Multimedia product- 100% Coursework
G053 ICT Website Development -100% Coursework
G049 Spreadsheet design – 100% Coursework

Students will have opportunities to work on different industry approved software applications in order to complete the set tasks for each unit of work, such as. i.e. Adobe Dreamweaver, Mediator, Adobe Fireworks, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word, Excel and Power point.

Construction

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 Edexcel A2 specification. The course is broken down into the following units:

Unit 3: Exploration of dramatic performance

This is practical performance coursework. It is worth 40% of A2 grade.

Unit 4: Theatre in context

This is a written exam based on a set play text and a prescribed historical period of theatrical development. This is worth 60% of A2 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:

A-     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

In English Literature at A2 level, students are given more opportunities to choose what they study. In the coursework unit, worth 20% of the final grade, students write a comparison of two texts, one of which is taught. Students can choose their second text from a range of suggestions – they are encouraged to read as many of these texts as possible during the summer before the start of the year. Otherwise, students read ‘Othello’ (as well as a range of critical approaches to the play) and a collection of Rossetti’s poetry. All of the AS texts also have to be revised in order to sit the four exams at the end of the year.

Geography

Our current Year 13 cohort are studying the 2008 Edexcel A2 specification. Students following the A2 Edexcel Geography course and complete two modules:

Unit 3: Contested Planet which involves the study of resource consumption, development and the technological fix.

Unit 4: Geographical Research module requires students to delve into topic of tectonic hazards and activity. Students will be guided to research the causes, effects, management and case studies surrounding the tectonic topic. Additional revision sessions and drop-in clinics are held on a regular basis to provide students with additional support as they complete their Geography A Level at London Academy.

Independent study is essential to succeed at A2 level Geography.

Graphic Communication

A2 Graphic Communication consists of two units, each worth 50% of the final marks. Unit 1 is the Personal Investigation, where students are required to identify their own area of study to produce a set of graphic design work as well as an in-depth piece of written research. Possible themes include contemporary graphic designers, genres such as film posters, or topics such as packaging.

Unit 2 is the Externally Set assignment, where students choose their theme to demonstrate all the skills, areas of interest and understanding developed throughout the course. This final unit provides an excellent grounding for progressing to higher education.

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 A level course will complete Unit 4 coursework based on the origins of the Cold War. After briefly studying the Cold War, the students will work on methods of historical research and how to analyse historical interpretations. They will then write a coursework assignment based on historical interpretations and their own judgement of the origins of the Cold War. Students will also learn in Unit 3 about British History: Protest, agitation and parliamentary reform c1780-1928. They will study reform of parliament, radical reformers, Chartism, the Contagious Diseases Acts, the WSPU and Trades union militancy. They will be examined on this unit by writing essays and evaluating sources in an exam in June.

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 A2, students build on their theoretical understanding of criminal liability from Unit 2 by learning how to identify, define, explain and apply a whole host of criminal offences and defences. The offences and defences covered include: fatal offences, non-fatal offences, property offences and general defences. A2 study culminates by exploring various concepts of law: justice, morality and fault. In this topic, students are required to analyse and evaluate the extent to which the English legal system promotes and achieves justice, morality and proof of fault by referring synoptically to all of the examples of statute and case law which they have been exposed to throughout AS and A2 study. Law A2 is also assessed by two external examinations, wroth 50% each (Unit 3 and Unit 4).

Maths

In Year 13, students follow the Edexcel modular specification where they complete both core and applied modules in which a combination of six units, three of which were awarded at AS level qualifies students with a Mathematics A 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. The mock examination combined with students AS Level result informs their predicted grade.  London Academy supports Cambridge candidates taking STEP and AEA papers and students complete the UK Senior Maths Challenge.

Further Mathematics students are given the opportunity to continue the course in year 13. Students complete another two applied maths modules and a Further Pure Mathematics 2 module. The 3 AS level modules make up 50% of the A2 Level grade. Students are asked to complete a significant proportion of the work independently based on the learning that has been completed in lessons. Assessment is based on end of topic assessments and mock exams that are completed in January.

MFL

In Year 13 students study three topic areas: ‘The Multicultural Society’, ‘Contemporary Social Issues’ and ‘The Environment’, as well as two cultural topics (a film in the target language and a period of history from the target language country). Students have a 15 minute Speaking exam that includes responding to a stimulus card, however the majority of the exam is dedicated to analysing the two cultural topics. The Listening, Reading and Writing exam includes translations from English to target language and from target language to English. 

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.

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.

Photography

A2 Photography consists of two units, each worth 50% of the final marks. Unit 1 is the Personal Investigation, where students produce a portfolio of original photography work, exploring a theme of their own choice as well as an in-depth piece of written research. Possible themes include contemporary photographers or other creative professionals, genres such as documentary, or current issues such as identity politics, the changing face of the urban landscape or social trends and customs. Students choose to work in a genre suited to their area of study.

Unit 2 is the Externally Set assignment, where students choose their theme to demonstrate all the skills, areas of interest and understanding developed throughout the course. This final unit provides an excellent grounding for progressing to higher education.

Physics

This is the full two year A Level course, and it covers the same materials as AS in addition to essential topics for progression to post A Level course in physics or engineering. This also includes optional topics such as Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Applied Physics, Electronics and one on Turning points in Physics. Again understanding how science works is a requirement of the A-level specification. For instance, to analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and causal relationships; use theories, models and ideas to develop and modify scientific explanations and also to appreciate the ways in which society uses science to inform decision making. Upon successful completion of A-Level students can pursue a range of university degrees in the areas of engineering, medicine, astrology, astronomy, nuclear and atomic physics, business and economics.  The A-Level comprises three papers. Paper one of which covers sections 1-6.1, .Paper 2 sections 6.2-8, and Paper 3 Compulsory section: practical skills and data analysis. The requirement is the same that AS Physics.

Core content- A-level

1 Measurements and their errors

2 Particles and radiation

3 Waves

4 Mechanics and materials

5 Electricity

6 Further mechanics and thermal physics

7 Fields and their consequences

8 Nuclear physics

Options

9   Astrophysics

10 Medical physics

11 Engineering physics

12 Turning points in physics

13 Electronics

Professional Cookery

City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma in “Professional cookery for the catering industry”

A full time course developing higher skills within the catering industry for advancement in a real working environment. Made up of practical skills tests and written course work which shows advancement in this specialised subject.

Psychology

Students will study current biopsychology developments, including the use of scanning techniques in helping to understand human behaviour. Topics include schizophrenia, relationships and Forensic Psychology. These topics be practically applied to real life. Students will be able to research current treatments and analyse and evaluate them objectively.  Research methods will include the use of inferential statistics to ensure accuracy of findings.

RE

At year 13 students are completing their year 12 course following the RS G581 and G582 OCR specification which includes learning of classical philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle with modern views of Dawkins and John Hick. Philosophical topics of miracles, end of life and religious experience are covered in this course.

Sociology

Year 13 Sociology focuses on consolidating knowledge and skills gained throughout the A level course. Students investigate issues within the topic of beliefs in society and apply their knowledge of different sociological perspectives to finding out about the changes to religion in contemporary Britain. Students evaluate the issues of secularisation, science and ideology, religious organisations, the role of religion in society and the role of different social groups within religion. The course concludes with an exploration of crime and deviance where students look into the causes of crime, forms of social control, the social characteristics of criminals and the new types of crime prevalent in a modern, globalised society. Students apply their knowledge of sociological theories and methods to the topic of crime and deviance. There are two external examinations at the end of year 13 which require students to link together all knowledge and skills gained throughout the entire A level course.     

Textiles

A2 Textiles consists of two units, each worth 50% of the final marks. Unit 1 is the Personal Investigation, where students are required to identify their own area of study to produce a body of creative practical art work as well as an in-depth piece of written research. Possible themes include contemporary artists, designers, craft makers and genres such as fashion garment or accessories, domestic items, or current topics such as the use of recycled materials in Textiles.

Unit 2 is the Externally Set assignment, where students choose their theme to demonstrate all the skills, areas of interest and understanding developed throughout the course. This final unit provides an excellent grounding for progressing to higher education.