Highlands SchoolS I X T H F O R M P R O S P E C T U S

ContentsWelcome from the Headteacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Welcome from the Deputy Headteacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Welcome from the Director of Sixth Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Student Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Aiming high . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6University Destinations of Sixth Form students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8How to apply for a place in the Sixth Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Making the best subject combination choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Subject specific entry requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

SUBJECTSArt (Fine Art) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Biology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Business (L3 BTEC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Chemistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Computer Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Design & Technology - Product Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Drama & Theatre Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Economics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Geography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Mathematics (Further) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Media Production (L3 BTEC ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33MFL: French / Spanish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Physical Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Physics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Politics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Psychology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Religious Studies, Philosophy & Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Sociology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

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Welcome from the HeadteacherWelcome to Highlands School Sixth Form. I hope that this prospectus will provide students, parents and carers with an insight into the very special place that Highlands is to study and that it will help inform your decisions regarding post-16 education.

Highlands is an ‘Outstanding’ school (OFSTED 2011 and 2014) at which students consistently outperform national expectations in terms of both attainment and progress. We are a Teaching School, which means that the Government has recognised the strength we have in terms of teaching and learning, developing teachers and supporting other local schools. We are a very popular, high performing school that puts quality teaching at the heart of all we do.

At Highlands we think about more than just exam results. We know that the extra-curricular provision of a Sixth Form isimportant for enhancing the learning of students on post-16 courses, for strengthening UCAS applications and personalstatements and for enhancing character and values. In recent years Highlands students travelled to Barcelona, Namibiaand New York. Students studying physics visited Poland as part of the Erasmus programme. Next year the Physics &Chemistry departments plan to visit to Finland, Poland and France. Our students take part in the Duke of Edinburghprogramme, Sixth Form sports teams and ski trips.

At Highlands Sixth Form students leave with excellent academic results but also with extra-curricular experiences andan appreciation for the world beyond school that will stay with them forever.

Supporting students to make the right university or career choices is a priority at Highlands. We have a dedicated team ofstaff who bring outside speakers into the school to develop students’ understanding of the world of work (Robert Pestonand Jon Butterworth - professor of physics at UCL, are recent examples). We have a special pathway for students wishingto enter careers such as law or medicine, study at Russell Group universities or who wish to study at Oxford or Cambridge.We have a commitment to support each student into the career or university of their choice.

Student leadership is a strength at Highlands. I meet regularly with the Head Boy and Head Girl. They represent the SixthForm Committee which, in turn, represents all the Sixth Formers. Through consultation with the Head Boy and Head GirlI have already made changes to the school this year, in the areas of recycling and uniform. Students that join HighlandsSixth Form take a genuine role in leading the school.

One of the reasons that Highlands is such an oversubscribed school is that we are a genuine community school; inclusiveand caring. Pastoral support for our Sixth Formers is as comprehensive as it is for the lower school. We have a team ofexperienced tutors who support students with their welfare and the school also has a full time counsellor, a pastorallead for each year and a strong form tutor system. Highlands is a family and we care for each other and make each otherfeel supported, especially during the sometimes stressful periods that are part of Sixth Form life.

I hope that this prospectus provides you with a sense of what a wonderful school Highlands is. If you wish to learn more,please don’t hesitate to contact the school and we will do all we can to further help you.

Vincent McInerney Headteacher

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Welcome from the Deputy HeadOur sixth form vision is to be the sixth form centre of choice for all our community – an outstanding, high achievinginstitution which inspires and challenges our young people.

Our aims are to:• Developing a world class curriculum offer which challenges, engages and nurtures our students so that they are able to thrive in their chosen pathways• Developing a culture of excellence through establishing standards, norms and an ethos.• Developing our students as leaders so they act as role models to those within and beyond our school community

Your two years in the Sixth Form will be one of the most significant periods of your life; a time when your achievements,aspirations and experiences will shape your future. It is a time to engage academically and socially and develop your resilience, leadership and subject mastery. Our students work exceptionally hard and our staff here are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, be that as teachers, tutors, or mentors. We offer the very best in expert guidance forthe future, preparing you for the most competitive courses at some of the world’s leading universities and apprenticeships.We open your eyes to careers in areas that you might not have known previously. Our renewed emphasis on science, technology, engineering and maths as a bespoke career pathway will provide you with unparalleled experience and support.

We expect all of our sixth form students to be excited by the prospect of joining our ambitious sixth form. We welcome applications to join our sixth form community from students wishing to work in strong partnership with usWith best wishes

Mia LloydDeputy Headteacher

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Welcome from the Director of Sixth FormI’m delighted that you are considering taking the next steps in your education here at HighlandsSixth Form. At Highlands it is not just what our students achieve academically that matters, but what type of young people they become and what they choose to do when they leave us. It is for this reason that we have built a diverse and challenging curriculum, along with excellentenrichment opportunities for our students. We are an inclusive Sixth Form, with a welcoming, diverse and grounded community in which our students feel cared for and supported.

Our aim is for every young person to reach their full potential, whether that be higher education,apprenticeship or employment. We believe that all students succeed when they study in a structured and supportive environment with a strong pastoral system, offering guidance specifically tailored to each individual’s needs.

Our students achieve excellent academic results giving them access to the best universities and some exciting work opportunities. We offer a wide and varied curriculum delivered by expert teachers and the latest Ofsted report highlightsthe outstanding progress made by our students.

Alongside academic studies, we take the wider aspects of Sixth Form life very seriously. Our aim is to help all of our SixthFormers become confident young adults equipped with excellent social skills and a sound awareness of the world aroundthem. We will actively seek to develop effective leadership skills in all of our Sixth Form students and our aim is to helpyoung people to build their character and resilience.

Our enrichment programme is wide ranging. It aims to be stimulating, challenging and enjoyable; giving our studentsplenty to think about and preparing them to be global citizens of the twenty first century. As part of the enrichmentprogramme, students will meet experts and speakers who will motivate and help prepare them for life beyond school.Trips, clubs, societies and social events also form key parts of our Sixth Form experience.

I know that students will be happy and successful at Highlands Sixth Form, making excellent progress that will providethem with the qualifications, skills and experience they need to excel in the future. Making a decision about Sixth Formis a very big step and it is important that students together with their parents, take time in choosing the best post 16pathway. I encourage all applicants to visit our open evening, speak to our staff as well as students, and make the decision to take their next step at Highlands Sixth Form.

Aygul HusseyinDirector of Sixth Form

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Student LeadershipAt Highlands we believe that young people are the leaders of tomorrow. As a school we seek real opportunities to enablestudents to experience leadership and to develop their leadership potential. Our students are given a range of opportunitiesto take on responsible roles. All of our Sixth Form students are encouraged to involve themselves in both Highlands andthe local community. We expect all of our year 12 students to complete a minimum of 20 hours of service to a member ofstaff, student or group of students. All Sixth Formers are encouraged to volunteer to help with Highlands and communityevents, developing their transferable skills. These experiences will enhance their CVs and UCAS applications, ready fortheir life after Sixth Form.

The Sixth Form Leadership team is selected each year by the students and staff through an election style campaign andvoting system. Students are encouraged to apply to be a member of the leadership team at the end of Year 12, with studentsputting themselves forward as candidates for Head Girl and Head Boy. They then make presentations to the lower schoolas well as the Sixth Form via assemblies, outlining their aims, vision and values for the future. The whole school voteresults in a shortlist of candidates from which the Head Girl and Head Boy are finally selected at an interview with theHeadteacher, the Director of Sixth Form and the current Head Girl and Head Boy. The student leadership team is pivotalto the running of the Sixth Form and School. The team chairs the Sixth Form Committee and meets regularly with theHeadteacher to discuss issues and make changes to both the Sixth Form and the school.

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Aiming HighHere at Highlands we work hard to ensure that all students reach their maximum potential. To ensure that the mostable students make outstanding progress in the Sixth Form, we identify them using their GCSE results. Typically thesestudents enter the Sixth Form with seven or more GCSE grades at 7,8 and 9 including English and Maths.

To enable our students to make applications to the most sought after universities and courses we have created a programme of activities to facilitate their applications. The programme involves visits to higher education institutes, as well as aspirational talks from Highlands Alumni. Students can also make use of our specialist FROG VLE site to findopportunities to extend their learning.

Extended Project QualificationOur outstanding Extended project qualification (EPQ) course is offered to students aiming at the elite universities andlast year achieved results of 93% A*- B. Studying an EPQ demonstrates valuable proof of your capacity for independentlearning, as well as your passion for the subject you want to study at a higher level.

An EPQ is an excellent taster of university-style learning as it is effectively an independent research project which can,but does not have to relate to an A Level subject that is being studied. It is important therefore that students choosetopics that they are interested in and relate to further study so they are motivated to complete it. For example, an aspiringmedic could write a research article analysing the difficulties associated with management of the NHS. This could helpstudents substantiate evidence for their desire to study a specific degree course. Students who achieve top grades atEPQ have also been offered lower tariffs by Russell Group Universities.

Oxbridge programmeThe school has developed a bespoke programme for students who wish to apply to Oxford and Cambridge. This beginsin the first term of Year 12 and involves specialist advice for Oxbridge applications from a team of expert departmentleads. The programme includes support for specialist aptitude tests, interview skills and practice interviews. It also involves specialist workshops delivered by Oxford and Cambridge colleges, as well as the opportunity to visit each university.

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University Destinations of Sixth Form Students 2020 2019 2018

Highlands Highlands HighlandsRussell Group* 23% 25% 21%Top Other** 30% 29% 34%Local 13% 11% 15%Other 34% 35% 30% *Russell Group represents 24 universities who are research intensive universities**Other top universities include the following:

Aston University University of Loughborough University of Bath Oxford Brookes University Brunel University University of ReadingCity University, London Royal Holloway, London University of East Anglia University of Surrey University of Essex University of SussexGoldsmiths University, London University of Swansea Keele UniversitySchool of Oriental & African Studies, London University of Lancaster University of Leicester

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How to apply for a place in the Sixth FormWe welcome applications from any student who is predicted to meet the entry requirements detailed below.

Applications from current Highlands students must be made on the official school form. Applications from external studentsmust be made online via the link on the website.

External applications must include a confidential reference from the current school. The reference form can be downloadedfrom the website The online application form is available on the school website at: www.highlands.enfield.sch.uk

Admissions CriteriaA Level: A minimum of 6 Grades 9-4 with at least 3 Grades 9-6 at GCSE including Maths (Grade 5) and English (Grade 5)

and a grade B/6 in each of the subjects to be studied at A Level.

BTEC: A minimum of 6 Grades 9-3 with at least 3 Grades 9-4 at GCSE including maths (Grade 4) and English (Grade 4)

Age LimitStudents can only begin a course if they are under 18 years of age on the first day of term.

External StudentsThere are a minimum of 10 guaranteed places for external students. Applicants who can demonstrate that their predictedgrades meet the Highlands entry requirements will have their application held on file until confirmation of grades inAugust. Offers of places will then be made and in the case of over-subscription the standard entry criteria will be applied.These are, in order of priority: students holding a statement of educational need, students with siblings at the school,distance from school.

Offers of places at Highlands SchoolBased on evidence available from the application form and reference, students who satisfy the admissions criteria willbe made a conditional offer. A firm offer will only be made following confirmation of GCSE results in the summer.

Induction PeriodAll internal students entering the Sixth Form are to attend an induction period in the first week of July. This is to ensurethat students are on suitable courses and that their approach to their learning and that of Sixth Form life is appropriate.

EnrolmentStudents will be required to attend school on a specified date after GCSE results to confirm their place and ‘sign-on’.This is normally in the final week of the summer holiday.

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Probation PeriodAll students must satisfactorily complete the six week probation during September and October before their place isconfirmed. During this period regular checks are made on:• Attendance,• Behaviour for Learning,• Contribution to the Sixth Form,• Dress Code,• Effort • Finishing of work.

Appeals ProceduresParents of students who are not offered places mayappeal to the Governors of the school.

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Essntial A Level Subjects Useful Additional Subjects

Medicine / DentistryBiological / Life Sciences

Chemistry and Biology Mathematics, Further Mathematics

Physical SciencesEngineering

Mathematics and Physics Chemistry, Further Mathematics

Mathematics Maths, Further Mathematics Physics, Computer Science

EconomicsActuarial Science Mathematics Economics,

Further Mathematics

HumanitiesEnglish, History, Geography,MFL, Psychology, Biology,

Religious Studies, Sociology

PsychologySome require Biology

or ChemistryBiology, Psychology, Chemistry,

English, Sociology, Religious Studies

Law Some require English English, History

Computer Science Mathematics Further Mathematics, Physics,Computer Science

The Arts,Social Sciences,

English

English Lit, History, MFL, Mathematics, Drama, Art

Economics, Geography, Religious Studies, Sciences,

Sociology

BusinessAccounting

Mathematics, Business, Economics

Teacher Training A national curriculum subjectEnglish, Mathematics,

Geography, History, Sciences,Religious Studies, Sociology

Making The Best Subject Combination ChoicesWhen considering your choice of course it is important to keep in mind the essential subjects required by universities.Some subjects are more frequently required for entry to degree courses than others. These are often referred to as ‘facilitating’ subjects because choosing them at advanced level keeps open a wide range of options for university study.These facilitating subjects are:• Biology • Chemistry• English Literature • Geography• History • Physics• Modern and Classical Languages • Mathematics and Further Mathematics

If you don’t know what you want to study at university then it’s a really good rule of thumb that taking two facilitatingsubjects will keep a wide range of degree courses open to you.

This table gives an indication of the essential and useful subjects for some popular university courses and there are some information videos in the apply section of our school website. You can also consult individual university websites for full requirements.

The Russell Group publication ‘Informed Choices’ is also a useful internet guide. There is a link to this document on our website.

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Subject Specific Entry RequirementsSUBJECT GCSE CRITERIAArt (Fine Art) 6 in GCSE Art

Biology 6 in GCSE Biology or 6/6 in Combined sciences with 6 in Biology module

Business (L3 BTEC) 6 Grade 9-3 with Grade 4 in English & Maths

Chemistry 6 in GCSE Chemistry or 6/6 in Combined Sciences with 6 in Chemistry module

Computer Science 6 in GCSE Maths

D&T - Product Design 6 in DT (Resistant Materials or Graphics)

Drama & Theatre Studies 6 in GCSE Drama or evidence of active interest in drama

Economics 6 in GCSE Maths

English Literature 6 in GCSE English Literature

English Language 6 in GCSE English Language

French 6 in GCSE French

Geography 6 in GCSE Geography

History 6 in GCSE History

Mathematics 6 in GCSE Maths

Mathematics (Further) 7 in GCSE Maths

Media (L3 BTEC) 6 Grade 9-3 with Grade 4 in English & Maths

Music 6 in GCSE Music PLUS proven ability to read Music

Photography 6 in GCSE Art or a high-quality portfolio of work

Physical Education 6 in GCSE PE PLUS 2 GCSE Science grade 5s or better

Physics 6 in GCSE Physics or 6/6 in Combined with 6 in Physics module. 6 in GCSE Maths

Politics 6 in a related Humanities subject (eg History, RE) or 6 in English

Psychology 6 in GCSE Humanities or 6 in English Language PLUS 2 GCSE Science grade 5s or better

RS, Philosophy & Ethics 6 in GCSE RS / Humanities

Sociology 6 in GCSE Humanities or 6 English Language

Spanish 6 in GCSE Spanish

Courses and options are subject to alterations and cancellation due to insufficient student numbers.Provisional offers are made based on predicated grades

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A LevelsA Levels are two year courses with challenging exams at the end of the course which test the whole of the syllabus.There are no longer any units or resit opportunities during the two years.

Students will choose to study THREE A Levels throughout Years 12 & 13. Some of our most able students will studyFOUR A Levels.

Subjects available at A Level

Art (Fine Art) Economics Mathematics (Further) Politics

Biology English Language MFL: French Psychology

Chemistry English Literature MFL: Spanish RS, Philosophy & Ethics

Computer Science Geography Music Sociology

D & T –Product Design History PE

Drama & Theatre Studies Mathematics Physics

Whenever possible Highlands School will deliver these subjects through lessons based on site. The provision of any individual subject is based on student numbers with a minimum group size of 11. Highlands is an active member of the Enfield Sixth Form Consortium and we are able to offer minority subjects through collaboration with local schools.

BTEC National Level 3BTEC Nationals are Level 3 (A Level equivalent) work-related qualifications and are assessed through written examinationand coursework. The courses provide specialist, work-related learning, delivering the knowledge, skills and understandingstudents need to prepare for their chosen career. BTEC Nationals offer progression to higher education or directly intoemployment. The qualification is equivalent to 3 A Levels and is graded at Distinction*, Distinction, Merit and Pass.

We offer a choice of:• Business• Creative Media Production (Film, Television and Interactive Media)

Full details of the BTEC courses can be found later in this booklet.

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Art (Fine Art)Exam Board: AQA.

Entry RequirementsGrade 6 or better in GCSE Art.

Course ContentStudents will work in at least two of the following areas of art, craft and design: Fine Art, Graphic Design, Textiles,Three-Dimensional Design and Photography. They may explore overlapping areas and combination areas producingpractical and critical/contextual work in their chosen areas.

UnitsUnit 1: Coursework portfolio consisting of observational drawings and material based workUnit 2: Controlled test - Students select one of five starting points and are required to produce preparatory work and

a finished piece or piecesUnit 3: Personal investigation - based on an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by a written element of no less

than 1000 words and no more than 3000 words, leading to a finished piece or piecesUnit 4: Controlled test.

Progression Routes• A higher education course in fine art, graphic design,

textile design, 3D design, or a career in one of these areas.

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BiologyExam Board: AQA.

Course ContentYou will develop practical skills by planning experiments, collecting data, analysing experimental results and makingconclusions. You will also learn how scientific models are developed, the applications and implications of science, thebenefits and risks that science brings and the ways in which society uses science to make decisions.

Year 12 topics:Topic 1: Biological Molecules Topic 2: CellsTopic 3: Organisms exchange substances with their environment Topic 4: Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Year 13 topics:Topic 5: Energy transfers in and between organismsTopic 6: Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environmentsTopic 7: Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems Topic 8: The control of gene expression

There is a compulsory field trip in Year 13.

Progression Routes• An undergraduate degree in life sciences,

medicine, environmental or forensic science.• Employment, for example in the areas of biological

testing, biotechnology, independent research and the food industry.

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Business (L3 BTEC)Exam Board: Edexecel.

Entry Requirements6 Grade 9-3 including Grade 4 in both English & Maths and one other Grade 4.

Course ContentYou will develop knowledge of business from a number of perspectives. You will also develop practical research skillswhich will allow you to investigate how businesses of all sizes operate. Students who choose to study BTEC Business willalso take part in work experience and would be asked to attend work related visits in order to complete key assessments.

First year. 9 units, including:• The Business Environment• Business Resources• Marketing• Business Communication• Food Retailing• Human Resource Management

Second year. 9 units, including: • Creative Product Promotion• Aspects of Employment Law• Business Accounting• Managing Business Events• Starting a Small Business• International Business

AssessmentThere are written examinations and coursework tasks which are taken throughout the course.

All units are assessed and graded on a Pass, Merit and Distinction grade. You coursework will be internally assessed andwork is then sent off for verification.

Progression RoutesBTEC Business can lead to further study in any aspect of accounting, business, finance or management at university.This course can also lead to a wide variety of careers in business, finance, insurance, banking and management aftercompletion.

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ChemistryExam Board: AQA.

Course content The course covers Physical, Inorganic and Organic chemistry.

Year 12 topicsPhysical Chemistry 1:Atomic structure, amount of substance, bonding, energetic, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, Lechatelier’s principle and Kc.Inorganic Chemistry 1:Periodicity, group 2 the alkaline earth metals and Group 7(17) the halogens.Organic Chemistry 1:Alkanes, haloalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, organic analysis.

Year 13 topicsPhysical Chemistry 2:Thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium constant, electrode potentials, acids, bases & buffers.Inorganic Chemistry 2:Periodicity, transition metals, reactions of inorganic compounds in aqueous solutions.Organic Chemistry 2:Isomerism, carbonyl groups, aromatic chemistry, amines, polymerisation, amino acids, proteins & DNA, organic synthesis, chromatography.

Progression Routes• A degree course such as Chemistry, Pharmacy, Medicine,

Medical Science.• Careers such as Chemical Engineering, Veterinary Science,

Quality Control, Polymer Engineering and related programmes.

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Computer ScienceExam Board: OCR.

Entry RequirementsGrade 6 or better in GCSE Maths OR Grade 6 or better in GCSE Computing.

Course ContentThe characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices: • Software and software development • Exchanging data • Data types, data structures and algorithms • Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues• Elements of computational thinking • Problem solving and programming • Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms

Assessment Overview1. Computer systems - 2½ hr written exam - 40% of A Level total2. Algorithms and Programming - 2½ hr written exam - 40% of A Level total3. Programming Project - Coursework component - 20% of A Level total

Progression Routes• A degree in computing, IT or related fields, such as Software Engineering (Programming Degree).

Employment in the area of, for example, programming or IT Technician role.

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Design & Technology - Product DesignExam Board: AQA.

Entry RequirementsGrade 6 or better in GCSE Resistant Materials or Graphics.

Course ContentThis creative and thought-provoking course gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence tosucceed in a number of careers, especially those in the creative industries.

Students will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology,whilst enjoying opportunities to put their own learning into practice by producing prototypes of their choice.

Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills soughtby higher education and employers.

UnitsPaper 1: Technical principles 2 hours and 30 minutes 120 marksPaper 2: Designing and making principles. 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marksNEA: Non-exam assessment Approx. 45 hours 100 marks 50% of A Level.

Progression Routes• This qualification supports progression into further

education such as a university or college course to study a HND or Degree.

• Training or employment, such as any appropriate design-related course.

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Drama & Theatre StudiesExam Board: Edexcel.

Entry RequirementsGrade 6 or better in an expressive arts subject; however students with a sustained and active interest in the arts outsideof the curriculum, or students with strong writing skills in their GCSE (in English or the written element of GCSE Drama)will also be considered.

Course ContentDrama and Theatre Studies aims to extend your knowledge, skills and understanding of drama and apply this to yourown creative work. The emphasis is on working with play texts, improvisation, devised work and performing. Your studieswill be done from the point of view of a director, designer, performer and critic and allows you to develop both yourperformance and analytical skills.

AssessmentA piece of coursework where you will develop and perform a unique piece of theatre from a stimulus using a dramapractitioner as an influence.

A practical exam where you perform two scripted pieces – one group and one monologue or duologue.A written exam where you will write as an actor, designer, director and theatre critique about the study of two set texts.

Progression Routes• Students on this course will be able to progress to study drama at universities and drama schools.• The course opens up opportunities in the professional world of Arts Administration, Stage Management and other Arts related areas.• Studying drama supports applicants studying law, medicine. and other career paths that rely on good communication skills.

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EconomicsExam Board: OCR.

Entry RequirementsGrade 6 or better in GCSE Maths and Grade 6 or better in a humanities subject.

Course ContentA key aspect of life and survival requires input from businesses. One of the key pillars of economic theory is that“Human wants are unlimited”. As a result humans have to ‘do without’ some goods and services. However, the goods and services which are delivered to consumers, in an attempt to satisfy their wants are produced by businesses. This relationship supports the basic idea of a course in Economics.

Course ContentUnit 1: MicroeconomicsUnit 2: MacroeconomicsUnit 3: Themes in Economics

AssessmentWritten examinations including case studies and essay.

Progression RoutesThis course can lead to further study of economics, politics, law, business, finance or social sciences at university.

Future careers include: banking, management, insurance and actuary sciences.

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EnglishExam Board: EDEXCEL.

Students may study either English Language or English Literature or both as two separate A Levels.

Entry RequirementsGrade 6 or better in GCSE English/Literature.

Course ContentIf you enjoyed English at GCSE and actively enjoy reading and researching around a topic, this could be the right optionfor you.

English is a course that encourages your independence of thought and an enthusiasm for Language/Literature. It is veryimportant that you develop your own ideas in your responses to texts, building on and enhancing the skills you havegained at GCSE.

You will study a rich range of complete texts, extracts and shorter texts from a broad spectrum of types. You will not be ‘taught’ texts in the same way as you were at GCSE. You will be expected to have a personal relationship with texts.Your ideas about Linguistics/Literature will be challenged. You will be asked what the purpose of Language/Literatureis and why we study it. You will be asked to explore how writers achieve effects in their works and what choices theyhave made to impact upon the reader. You will consider the ideologies and points of view of writers and their socialand political context.

Progression RoutesEnglish is a broad and inclusive subject that prepares you well for the demands of Higher Education. It is one of themost popular subjects to study at university level.

English is a very useful subject for any career where you communicate with people. Occupations such as journalism, education and marketing are all keen to employ successful English graduates. Career opportunities are abundant to anindividual with a degree in English because skills gained from this area of study can be easily applied to many careerareas. Individuals possessing the ability to think clearly and critically, to analyze and interpret data, and communicateresults are in great demand by employers.

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English LanguageThe course is structured around 4 modules. In Year 12 students study “Language: Context & Identity” and “Child Language”both of which are tested through external examinations. In Year 13, students revisit “Language Variation” and “ChildLanguage” as well as completing a further examination in “Investigating Language”. In this A Level year, students will alsocomplete a piece of non-examined assessment, a coursework folder on “Crafting Language” where they will submit twopieces of writing from the same genre and an extended commentary, reflecting and analysing their own written work.

English LiteratureThe course is structured around 4 modules. In Year 12 students study “Poetry & Drama” including a modern anthology of poems and A Streetcar Named Desire. While during the “Prose” components students study Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. In Year 13, students study each component separately, “Drama”, “Prose” and “Poetry”. In this A Level year, students will also complete a coursework piece, comprising of an independent comparative essay.

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GeographyExam Board: AQA.

Entry RequirementsGrade 6 or better in GCSE Geography.

Course ContentThis A Level offers some familiar topics such as Hazards, Urban Change and Coastal Systems but there are also somenew topics with a twist which link in to university skills and demands. These include Global Governance (organisationsworking at an international / cross border level – eg NATO, EU, UN , NAFTA and NGO’s) and the Water and Carbon Cycles.There is also an independent Geography Fieldwork Investigation which requires students to write up a 3,000-4,000piece of work from their own data collection and research.Component 1: Physical GeographyComponent 2: Human GeographyComponent 3: Geography fieldwork

InvestigationAssessmentBy written examination (80%) & Coursework (20%).

Progression Routes• Geography offers a path to university or other forms of

higher education.• Career paths after university are highly varied as geography is rated highly by employers for the range of skills that it fosters.

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HistoryExam Board: OCR.

Entry RequirementsGrade 6 or better in GCSE History.

Course Content‘The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind. For in history you have a record of the infinite variety of humanexperience plainly set out for all to see; and in that record you can find yourself and your country both examples andwarnings; fine things to take as models, base things, rotten through and through to avoid.’ Livy.Unit 1: Coursework on British History (Y100) (25%)Unit 2: Pitt to Peel (Y110) (20%)Unit 3: Russia 1894 – 1941 (OCR 219) (15%)Unit 4: China 1839 – 1989 (OCR 317) (40%)

AssessmentA Level: Coursework 20% of final grade and three written exams of varying length making up 80% of the final grade.

Progression Routes• History offers a path to university or other forms of higher education to continue the study of history or related subjects such as Law, Politics or Journalism. • You could also pursue a career in areas such as research, politics and social service.

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MathematicsExam Board: Edexcel.

Entry Requirements - Grade 6 or better in GCSE Maths

Course ContentMathematics is a course worth studying not only as a supporting subject for the physical and social sciences, but in its own right. It is challenging but interesting. It builds on work you will have met at GCSE, but also involves new ideas produced by some of the greatest minds of the last millennium.

Mathematics is divided into the following branches:

Pure MathematicsYou will be extending your knowledge of algebra and trigonometry as well as learning some brand new ideas such as calculus. This is the study of the more abstract elements of Mathematics: it teaches the knowledge and skills that underpin the whole course.• Topic 1 – Proof • Topic 2 – Algebra and functions • Topic 3 – Coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane • Topic 4 – Sequences and series • Topic 5 – Trigonometry • Topic 6 – Exponentials and logarithms • Topic 7 – Differentiation • Topic 8 – Integration • Topic 9 – Vectors.

MechanicsMechanics deals with the action of forces on objects. It is therefore concerned with many everyday situations, e.g. themotion of cars, the flight of a cricket ball through the air, the stresses in bridges and the motion of the earth around the sun. Such problems have to be simplified or modelled to make them capable of solution using relatively simplemathematics. Many of the ideas you will meet in the course form an almost essential introduction to such importantmodern fields of study such as cybernetics, robotics, bio-mechanics and sports science, as well as the more traditionalareas of engineering and physics.

Statistics When you study statistics you will learn how to analyse and summarise numerical data in order to arrive at conclusionsabout it. Many of the ideas in this part of the course have applications in a wide range of other fields, from assessingwhat your car insurance is going to cost to how likely it is that the Earth will be hit by a comet in the next few years.Many of the techniques are used in sciences and social sciences. Even if you are not going on to study or work in thesefields, in today’s society we are bombarded with information (or data) and the statistics units will give you useful toolsfor looking at this information critically and efficiently.

AssessmentThree 2 hour written examinations taken at the end of Year 13.

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Progression RoutesAdvanced GCE Mathematics is a much sought-after qualification for entry to a wide variety of full-time courses in highereducation. There are also many areas of employment that see a Mathematics A Level as an important qualification andit is often a requirement for the vocational qualifications related to these areas.

Higher Education courses or careers that either require Advanced GCE Mathematics or are strongly related include:Economics MedicineArchitecture EngineeringAccountancy Geography (BSc)Teaching PsychologyPhysics Computing

Mathematics (Further)Entry RequirementsGrade 7 or better in GCSE Maths.

Essential for those that want to study mathematics at university and also to support engineering and physics.Students who select Further Maths must also select Mathematics, so this route accounts for two option choices.

TopicsProof, Complex numbers, Matrices, Further algebra and functions, Further calculus, Further vectors, Polar coordinates,Hyperbolic functions, Differential equations. Further Statistics & Mechanics.

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Media Production (L3 BTEC)Exam Board: Edexcel.

Entry Requirements6 Grade 9-3 including a Grade 4 in English and two other Grade 4.

Course ContentThe following units will give you all of the information, knowledge and analytical techniques you will need to produceyour own moving images to the same standard as that which is broadcast. Most of these units, however, will not betaught just in the classroom, but will be explored through practical work.Year 12Unit 04: Pre - ProductionUnit 06: Media CampaignsUnit 08: Responding to a Commission External AssessmentUnit 10: Film Production - FictionUnit 12: Website ProductionUnit 15: Advertising ProductionUnit 43: 3D Digital Animation

Year 13 Unit 01: Media Representations External AssessmentUnit 02: Working in the Creative IndustriesUnit 03: Digital Media Skills External AssessmentUnit 05: Specialist Subject Investigations External AssessmentUnit 20: Single Camera TechniquesUnit 21: Film editing

AssessmentOver the two-year duration of the course, you will complete thirteen units, four of these units are marked externally byexternal examiners. The remaining nine units are marked internally by your lecturers. All units are graded Pass, Merit orDistinction.

ProgressionMany of our students choose either an academic pathway through university or choose a vocational pathway, gainingapprentice positions in various media companies including the BBC, Channel 4, ITV as well as gaining employment onfeature films and visual effects houses. Student success is high, with previous students forming their own company and producing and directing commercials for KFC and Tesco. We have seen success with our students entering thebroadcasting sector working on high end programmes including Love Island, I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here andBritain’s Got Talent. It can also lead to employment in areas such as video technology, shooting drama, video editing, layeringsound on screen, designing graphics and idents for screens, factual programme production techniques, producing advertisements.

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MFL: French/SpanishExam Board: AQA.

Entry RequirementsGrade 6 or better in GCSE French or Spanish.

Course ContentPaper 1: Listening, reading and writing What’s assessed?• Aspects of French/Hispanic society.• Artistic culture in the French/Hispanic world. • Multiculturalism in French/Hispanic society. • Aspects of political life in French/Hispanic society. • Grammar. How it’s assessed• Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes. • 100 marks. • 50% of A Level.

Paper 2: Writing What’s assessed?• One text and one film or two texts from the list set in the specification. • Grammar. How it’s assessed • Written exam: 2 hours. • 80 marks in total. • 20% of A Level.

Paper 3: SpeakingWhat’s assessed? • Individual research project. • One of four themes i.e. Aspects of French/Hispanic society or Artistic culture in the French/Hispanic world or Multi-culturalism in French/Hispanic society or Aspects of political life in French/Hispanic society. How it’s assessed • Oral exam: 21–23 minutes (including 5 minutes preparation time). • 60 marks in total. • 30% of A Level.

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MusicExam Board: Edexcel.

Entry RequirementsGrade 6 or better in GCSE Music and an ability to read music.

Course ContentThe qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills that you achieved in GCSE Music. You will be expectedto be proficient with a musical instrument, roughly equivalent to grade 5 or above ABRSM. Unit 1: PerformingUnit 2: ComposingUnit 3: Listening and Appraising

AssessmentAssessment will take the form of internal composition and performance, and external written and listening papers.

Progression Routes• Degree studies or diplomas.• Music industry, film/TV music. • Music is recognised as an entry qualification for a wide range of Higher Education courses and employment opportunities.

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PhotographyExam Board: AQA.

Entry RequirementsGrade 6 or better in GCSE Art or Graphics or evidence of photographic skill in a portfolio.

Course ContentStudents will produce practical and critical/contextual work in one or more areas including portraiture, landscape photography, still-life photography, documentary photography, photo-journalism & experimental imagery.

Areas of study include: history of photography (equipment, materials, photographers and photographic movements),general photographic theory, darkroom skills for black and white photography, digital photography, using Photoshopand photographic contextual studies.

UnitsUnit 1: Coursework: a portfolio of developmental workUnit 2: Controlled assignmentUnit 3: Personal investigation - a major assignment, supported by developmental work and visual and other recordings of and responses to different artists’ work by theme, style or time periodUnit 4: Controlled assessment

Progression Routes• A higher education course in photography, media or art and design.• A career in one of these areas.

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Physical EducationExam Board: OCR.

Entry RequirementsGrade 6 or better in GCSE PE or Science.

Course ContentUnit 1: Applied anatomy and physiology, Exercise physiology and Biomechanics (30%)Unit 2: Skill acquisition, Sports psychology (20%)Unit 3: Sport and society, Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport (20%)Unit 4: Performance or Coaching, Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (30%)

The course content has been designed to allow learners to study Physical Education in an academic setting, enablingthem to critically analyse and evaluate their physical performance and apply their experience of practical activity in developing their knowledge and understanding of the subject.

Progression RoutesThis course will prepare learners for the further study of PE or Sports Science courses as well as other related subjectareas such as psychology, sociology and biology. Learners will also develop the transferable skills that are in demand by further education, Higher Education and employers.

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PhysicsExam Board: Edexcel.

Course ContentBy studying Physics you will gain knowledge and understanding in the content areas described below. You will also learn how to think analytically, enabling you to analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information, ideas and evidence. You will gainan appreciation of how scientific models are developed and evolved, the applications andimplications of science, the benefits and risks that science brings and the ways in whichsociety uses science to make decisions.

Year 12 topics:Topic 1: Working as a PhysicistTopic 2: MechanicsTopic 3: Electric circuitsTopic 4: MaterialsTopic 5: Waves and the particle nature of light

Year 13 topics (in addition to the above):Topic 6: Further mechanicsTopic 7: Electric and magnetic fieldsTopic 8: Nuclear and particle physicsTopic 9: ThermodynamicsTopic 10: SpaceTopic 11: Nuclear radiationTopic 12: Gravitational fieldsTopic 13: Oscillations

Progression RoutesYou could use Physics to support other qualifications or move on to further studiesor employment, including:• An undergraduate degree in Physics, Engineering, or just about anything else! Of all the subjects listed for entry on to a degree, physics came second only to maths in the number of times it was listed as essential in a recent report by the Russell Group of UK universities.• A career in environment and climate, space, energy, medicine, building and structures, law and finance, education, sports and games, music and television, transport, cutting edge technology, or something completely different!

Whatever you do the knowledge and skills you gain by studying physics will be useful.Physics is more than a subject - it trains your brain to think beyond boundaries.

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PoliticsExam Board: AQA.

Entry RequirementsGrade 6 or better in a GCSE humanities subject.

Course ContentPolitics is all around us and our lives are often governed by the decisions of others, whether that be laws that determinehow we live or institutions that provide services we use every day, from the Health Service, the police, schools, courts,the media or the local council.

Politics looks at who holds power within the UK and the ways that different power holders interact with each other,particularly when compared to other systems such as the USA. It also examines the political ideas we hold and howthis has shaped the type of country and people we are today.

Course ContentCourse is made up of three Units:• The government and politics of the UK• The government and politics of the USA, and comparative politics• Political ideas.

Progression RoutesThis course is ideal if you’re considering studying politics, sociology, ethics, advertising or journalism at university and is highly regarded by employers in industries including politics, international organisations, the media, government and the civil service.

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PsychologyExam Board: AQA.

Entry RequirementsGrade 6 or better in GCSE English PLUS 2 GCSE Science grade 5 or better.

Course ContentYou will learn about a selection of major ways of understanding human behaviour. You will discover a key topic of research;learn about important studies related to that topic, and find out how research is conducted in that area. You will learnto use statistical tests to help interpret data. You will have an opportunity to study some uses of Psychology in the realworld.

11 different units across 3 A level exam papersIncludes Memory, Social influence, Gender, Schizophrenia and Forensic psychology alongside research methods andmathematical and scientific skills.

AssessmentWritten examinations including multiple choice, short answers questions and short essay.

Progression RoutesOccupations such as journalism, nursing and marketing.

Because it sits on the boundary between Arts and Science subjects, Psychology combines elements of both. If you choose the Arts route, psychology shows a competence in scientific thinking and numeracy that will add breadth to your skills.

Similarly, the Science route can often lack the opportunity to show your ability to construct a well argued essay, but Psychology will show you can do this.

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Religious Studies, Philosophy & EthicsExam Board: AQA.Specification code: 7062.

Entry RequirementsGrade 6 or better in GCSE English or a Humanities subject.

Course ContentThe course is wide ranging and interesting looking at some of the deepest questions to ever face humanity - What isthe truth? Does God exist? Do we know the meaning and purpose of existence? How do we know the right thing to do?Should we allow Euthanasia, Abortion, Capital Punishment and Animal Experimentation? Are there two sides to thestory? Furthermore, the course explores the implications of Artificial Intelligence in Ethics – taking you into cuttingedge territory.

In terms of techniques and skills the two main Assessment Objectives are Knowledge (AO1) and Analysis/Evaluation(AO2). More weight is given to evaluation as it is a higher level skill. In the second paper Christianity is analysed andany pupil with a strong background/knowledge in Christianity would have an advantage although the course is designedfor all to do well.

Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion and EthicsPaper 2: Christianity & Dialogues with Philosophy

AssessmentBy written examination, there are various mediumlength to long essays over the two papers and thismakes the course particularly suitable to those whoenjoy extended writing.

Progression RoutesPhilosophy itself offers a path towards university orother forms of higher education. Students interestedin philosophical issues could pursue a career inBusiness, Journalism, Politics, Law or any of thebranches of Social Care or Human Resources as wellas Teaching, Environmentalism, Communications andAdvertising.

The course develops a number of skills that aretransferable and useful in a variety of careers.Analysis of evidence, evaluation and essay writingskills will develop. Any future which requires you toquestion and consider options will welcome youafter this course.

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SociologyExam Board: AQA.Specification code: 7192.

Entry RequirementsGrade 6 or better in a GCSE Humanities subject or Grade 6 GCSE English.

Course ContentYThe course covers a wide range of topics relating to how society works, or should work. The four main areas are Education, the Family, Beliefs and Crime and Deviance. During the course you will also be developing practical researchskills, by designing, carrying out and analysing your own sociological research.

Sociology is for you if you want to explore and understand society. Why do some people do well at school and others don’t? Why do some people have children and others don’t? Why do some people join cults and others don’t? Why do some people commit crimes and others don’t? Also if you enjoy debating and evaluating social theory and indicating strengths and weaknesses the course gives a lot of weight to those skills. Sociology can make the world around you “come alive” and every day there will be examples for you to onsider. You will never see society the same again!

AssessmentWritten examinations including source material and essays. There are various long essays over the three papers and this makes the course particularly suitable to those who enjoy extended writing.

Progression RoutesSociology develops a number of skills that are transferable and useful in a variety of careers. Analysis of evidence, evaluation and essay writing skills develop as do research skills. Sociology can directly lead you into higher education courses such as Law, Social Policy/Politics or Anthropology. Many areas such as Business, Marketing, Journalism, Social Research, Teaching, Management Consultancy, HR and Public Relations all require skills learnt in Sociology.

Determination • Aspiration • Respect • Equality

“This is a high performing school where students make rapidprogress and reach high standards across a broad range of

subjects, including English and Mathematics.

Students’ high levels of achievement continue into the Sixth Form,with high standards attained in a range of subjects.

”OFSTED

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Highlands SchoolS I X T H F O R M P R O S P E C T U S

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T: 0208 3701100

E: postbox@highlearn.uk

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