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D E N E F I E L D S C H O O L

Our level 3 offer

3D Art, Craft & Design BTEC Level 3 Diploma

Art & Design A Level (Fine Art)

Biology A Level

Business Studies A Level

Business Studies BTEC Level 3 Diploma

Chemistry A Level

Computing BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate

Design Technology Product Design A Level

Drama & Theatre Studies A Level

English Literature A Level

English Language & Literature A Level

Geography

Graphic Communication & Textiles Fashion A Level

Health & Social Care BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate

History A Level

Information Technology (IT) BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate

Mathematics A Level

Media Studies A Level

Modern Foreign Languages A Level (French & German)

Music A Level

Philosophy & Ethics A Level

Photography A Level

Physical Education A Level

Physics

Psychology A Level

Sociology A Level

Travel and Tourism BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma

Application Form


3D Art, Craft & Design BTEC Level 3 Diploma

Minimum entry requirements

Please see the entry requirements on the application form.

Personal qualities required

Students need to be self motivated and have good organisational, practical

and time keeping skills. Students should also have a keen interest in the

history of art, design, and photography, as well as current trends in the

creative industries, to provide themselves with a basis for their work and

investigations.

Course structure & assessment

This is a two-year course.

The BTEC Level 3 National Diploma is the equivalent of two A Levels. Students

undertake a range of units during the course comprising of 720 guided

learning hours (18 taught hours per two week cycle). The units cover the

study of 3D art, design and photography through a series of practical

assignments, supported by written elements. Marks are awarded through

regular portfolio assessments throughout the course. At the end of the course

students will complete a project set by the exam board, and will produce a

response under exam conditions.

Areas of study include: Ceramics, Textiles, Furniture Design, Architecture,

Interior Design, Photographic Outcomes, Sculpture, Jewellery Design,

and Model Making. The units are as follows:

• Managing a Client Brief

• Developing and Realising Creative Intentions

• Professional Practice in Art & Design

• 3D Design Materials, Techniques and Processes

• 3D Design Craft Materials, Techniques and Processes

• Photographic Materials, Techniques and Processes

• 3D Modelling

• Working to Scale

• Extending 3D Design Materials, Techniques and Materials.

Course requirements

This is a practical course, with written elements, that requires students to

undertake self-driven research and practical tasks associated with

professional art, design and photographic principals. There is an

expectation that all students will complete work outside of lesson time

as well as keeping an excellent record of attendance.


Art & Design A Level (Fine Art) Minimum entry requirements



To study Art & Design successfully, students should have an open and

creative mind, a critical eye, and the ability to manage their time well.

While Art & Design is both interesting and fun, it is also hard work and

students must be prepared to put in the hours when necessary. Lessons are

mainly workshops where students explore different practical aspects of Art

& Design. Students are encouraged to explore their own ideas and interests

and develop individual portfolios of work.


This course is a two-year A Level course, with external assessment at the end

of two years of study. At the mid-point of Year 12, students will be given the

opportunity to opt for a shorter one-year AS version of this course.

Course structure and assessment is essentially the same as our long standing

and successful GCE in art.

Unit 1 (60% total A Level marks): coursework portfolio. Students produce a

portfolio which exemplifies work carried out throughout the two years of

study. This will include drawing and painting, printmaking, photography,

and evidence of the study of the works of other artists. This unit is marked by

Denefield staff, and moderated by the exam board.

Unit 2 (40% total A Level marks): externally set assignment. From 1 February

in Spring Term of Year 13, students will produce preparation work, which

leads onto a fifteen hour supervised exam in May. This unit is marked by

Denefield staff, and moderated by the exam board.

Course requirements

It is expected that students will use the art studios outside lesson time as

well as keeping an excellent record of attendance in lessons. Students

are required to produce further work at home. The course usually offers

students the opportunity to take part in a number of study visits.


Biology A Level Minimum entry requirements



Students will need to be interested in studying biology at a higher level and

committed to hard work. Students should have good practical skills and

demonstrate a sound understanding of biological principles at GCSE.

Literacy and numeracy skills are vital due to the extensive subject specific

vocabulary, emphasis on the critical examination of data and the need to

research a wide variety of scientific topics. During lessons students will be

expected to take part in a variety of different activities including practical

experiments, class discussions or lectures and formal presentation of work.

Course structure

The AS course covers core biological topic areas: biological molecules,

cells, organisms exchanging substances, genetic information and variation

and relationships between organisms.

Students studying for the full A Level will study all of the AS units and some

additional topics:

• energy transfers in and between organisms,

• organisms responding to changes in their environment, genetics and

populations, evolution and ecosystems and the control of gene

expression.

Assessment

The course is assessed through formal examination.

AS: Two, 1hour and 30 minute examinations each worth 50% of the

course

Both papers will cover all of the four AS units and will include assessment

of practical skills

A Level: Three, 2 hour examinations worth two at 35% and one at 30% of

the course

Paper 1: will cover all units (1-4) of the AS Biology course and an

assessment of practical skills

Paper 2: Units 5-8 of A Level course including practical skills.

Paper 3: A synoptic paper containing questions on all eight units of the

AS and A Level courses including practical skills.


Business Studies A Level




Students need to be self-motivated, have good organisational and time-

keeping skills and be willing to undertake independent research.


In Year 12 students start with the foundation topic of ‘What is Business?’ and

move onto decision making within the functional areas of marketing,

operations, finance and human resources. All of the topics taught in Year

12 allow students who choose to take Business Studies as an AS Level to sit

their examinations at the end of the first year and those continuing into Year

13 to gain the foundation knowledge required for the examinations.

In Year 13 the students build on their foundation knowledge by considering

strategy and the impact of technology, environmental and ethical

influences on strategic decision making and functional areas. Students will

also cover how businesses manage change through the strategies used.

If the course is studied as an AS Level qualification the students sit two

examinations at the end of Year 12 both lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The first examination assesses their knowledge of the topics and includes

data response questions. The second examination comprises of an

unseen case study with seven questions covering all topics based on the

case study. Both of the examinations have an equal weighting of 50%.

If the course is studied as an A Level qualification the students sit three

examinations all lasting 2 hours. The first examination focuses on their

knowledge of the topics with short answer and essay questions. The

second examination assesses the student’s data response skills. The final

examination comprises an unseen case study with six questions covering

all topics based on the case study. Each examination has an equal

weighting of 33.3%.

This is a theory-based course that requires students to undertake self-

driven research into companies and involves a high level of independent

study. There is an expectation of students to work both on their own and

in groups throughout the course as well as maintaining an excellent

record of attendance.


Business Studies BTEC Level 3 Diploma




To study BTEC Business Studies, students need to be self-motivated and be

willing to work independently.


The course comprises eight units that are either coursework, controlled task

or exam based. These units cover:

Exploring business – Students learn about the purposes of different

businesses, their structure, the effect of the external environment, and how

they need to be dynamic and innovative to survive. This unit is an internally

assessed piece of coursework.

Developing a marketing campaign – Students gain the skills relating to and

an understanding of how a marketing campaign is developed. This is an

externally assessed unit where students complete a controlled task based

on a case study. Personal and business finance – Students learn the purpose

and importance of personal and business finance. They will develop the

skills and knowledge needed to understand, analyse and prepare financial

information. This is an externally assessed unit where students complete a

two hour written examination.

Managing an event – Students will work as part of a small group to plan, co-

ordinate and manage a business or social enterprise event and evaluate the

skills gained. This unit in an internally assessed piece of coursework.

International business – Students learn how UK businesses develop strategies

to trade globally. Learners will also consider the facts that influence the

implementation of these strategies. This unit is an internally assessed piece of

coursework.

Principles of management – Students learn how the role of management

and leadership in the work place contributes towards business success. This

is an internally assessed unit where students complete a controlled task

based on a case study.

Recruitment and selection – Students learn how the recruitment process is

carried out in a business. The unit gives them the opportunity to participate

in selection interviews and review their performance. This is an internally


Pitching for a new business – Students learn the practical skills and acquire

the knowledge needed to undertake the necessary preparation and steps

to set up and pitch for funding for a micro business. This is an internally


Course requirements

Assessment is a combination of coursework, controlled tasks and

examinations and will require students to undertake self-driven research.

There is an expectation of students to work both on their own and in groups

as well as maintaining an excellent record of attendance.


Chemistry A Level




Chemistry students will need to be confident working with practical apparatus

and manipulating scientific data and formulae. A sound grounding in GCSE

Science principles is an absolute must. An eye for innovation, openness to

learning new high level concepts and excellent personal study skills will, of

course, help as well.

Course structure

Lessons are a mix of practical and theory related to real, every day chemistry

where students will explore reactions, metals chemistry, organic chemistry,

investigation and analysing techniques. Class work will be backed up with

significant quantities of extended learning.

• AS students study:

Foundations in Chemistry – Students will pick up from their GCSE knowledge

and take the model of the atom further. They will look into bonding in more

detail and will explore how our current views of the atom and chemical

reactions were formed.

• Periodic Table and Energy – Students will use qualitative and quantitative

skills to investigate reactions and periodicity. Students will also be able to

calculate energy changes and reaction rates.

• Core Organic Chemistry – Students will increase their understanding of

hydrocarbons, alcohols and alkanes and will investigate unknowns using

spectroscopic techniques.

A2 students:

Students working towards the full A2 course will study all of the AS units, then

continue to develop skills in physical chemistry, the transition elements and

organic analysis.

Students will need to demonstrate their practical chemical skills in each lesson

to build up a log book for assessment at the end of the course.

Assessment

AS - two unit exams, each 1 hour 30 minutes long and each paper is worth

50% of the overall AS qualification.

Paper one will cover content from the inorganic and some physical

chemistry topics of the course. Paper two will cover content from the

organic and the remaining chemistry topics. Both papers will contain

questions testing the understanding of the practical chemistry work completed

throughout the year.

AS papers will contain both short and long answer questions, and will end

with a section of multiple choice questions.

At A2, students will sit three unit exams, each 2 hours long.

Paper one is worth 35% of the overall A Level and will cover content from the

inorganic and some physical chemistry topics of the course.

Paper two is worth 35% of the overall A Level and will cover content from

the organic and some physical chemistry topics of the course.

Paper three is worth 30% of the overall A Level and will cover practical

chemistry skills, data analysis and topics from throughout the A Level.


Computing BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate

TWO YEAR COURSE ONLY

Please note this course is a two year commitment. You cannot gain a

qualification at the end of year one.



Equivalencies

Equivalent in size to one A Level.

General Information

This qualification is designed to support learners who are interested in learning

about the computing sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to

progressing to a wide range of higher education courses.

This course consists of four units, three mandatory units plus one optional unit.

Unit 1: Exam – Principles of Computer Science, two hours, 90 marks

Taking the test: Work to be submitted via the exam booklet – set and marked

by Pearson.

Unit 2: Exam – Fundamentals of Computer Systems, one hour and 45 minutes,

80 marks – set and marked by Pearson.

Unit 7: IT Systems Security and Encryption – assignment set and marked

internally.

Unit 8 : To be confirmed – assignment set and marked internally.

Mandatory units are:

Principles of Computer Science

Fundamentals of Computer Systems

IT Systems Security and Encryption


Students are assessed through units of work and two examinations.

Students produce:

written assignments

practical activities

observations

The new BTEC National in Computing uses a combination of assessment

styles to give students confidence that they can apply their knowledge

to succeed in the workplace – and have the study skills to continue

learning on higher education courses and throughout their career. This

range of vocational assessments – both practical and written – mean

students can showcase their learning and achievements to best effect

when they take their next step, whether that is supporting applications

to higher education courses or potential employers.


Design Technology Product Design A Level


Please see the entry requirements on the application form


Students will need to be confident working with a range of both traditional and

non-traditional textiles techniques. They should be familiar with using a sewing

machine as well as other textiles tools and equipment. Students should be

creative, interested in textures, fabrics and clothing and proactive in

experimenting with new techniques. The world of textiles is fascinating and lots

of fun. However, to be successful students must work hard and know how to

manage their time well.

Lessons are mainly workshop and tutorial based where students are supported to

generate a variety of creative responses to design briefs through using a wide

range of materials, processes and techniques. Students are encouraged to

work across all areas of textiles: print, knit, weave, fabric construction, surface

decoration, fabric manipulation and embellishment, garment/accessory

construction.


This is a two year course with external assessment taking place at the end of

year 2. Midway through Year 12, students may opt for a shorter one year AS

course.

Students work towards meeting four assessment objectives in two

components:

Component 1 – Portfolio, 60%

Comprised of the work produced by students from September in Year 12 through to

January Year 13. Evidence of research, analysis, traditional techniques eg drawing,

printmaking, knit, weave, embroidery and photography as well as non-

traditional media eg heat transfer, CAD/CAM. It will evidence development and

final outcomes in response to a range of design briefs.

Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment, 40%

From 1 February in spring term of Year 13, students will produce preparation work,

which will lead onto a fifteen hour supervised exam in May. This unit tests students’

ability to work independently in response to a brief set by the exam board.

AS - Unit 1 Coursework portfolio with final piece. 60% of AS, to be Art

Unit 2 AS externally set assignment – coursework portfolio and final piece

40% of AS, supervised time ten hours

A2 - Unit 3 Coursework portfolio personal investigation supported by written

element of 1000 – 3000 words, finishing a final piece 25% of A Level,

Unit 4 Externally set assignment 40% of A Level

A final piece is completed in a 15 hour exam.

Possible career routes include: fashion or textile design, fashion buying, retail or

marketing.

Course requirements

It is expected that students will use the facilities in the design and technology

studios outside of lesson time to work on their projects independently. Students are

expected to come to all lessons fully prepared for work so that lesson time can be

used effectively to support them with the development of their personal projects.

Students are also required to work on their projects at home and undertake

independent research. We hope to offer a number of study visits across the two-

year course.


Drama & Theatre Studies A Level




Students will need to be confident working and performing with others,

innovative, open to learning new practical techniques and to have a sense

of humour.


In both the AS and the A Level qualifications there is 60% non-exam

assessment and 40% exam assessment. Both qualifications require students to

study, explore and interpret performance texts to support their understanding

and knowledge, and to aid them in demonstrating their analytical and

evaluative skills.

During the AS qualification students will study three performance texts:

One full text (chosen by the centre) for the ‘Process to performance’

component.

Two further extracts from texts, from a set list to fit a thematic title. These are

explored practically throughout the course and students are assessed in the

final exam assessment.

During the full A Level qualification students will study five performance texts:

One full text (chosen by the centre) for ‘Exploring and performing texts’

component.

A second full text (chosen from a selection of eight set texts) which is

studied in depth during the course and tested during the ‘Deconstructing

texts for performance’ exam assessment.

An extract from a text, chosen by the centre, to support student

understanding for the ‘Practitioners in Practice’ devised performance.

Two further extracts from texts, from a set list to fit a thematic title. These

are explored practically throughout the course and students are assessed

in the exam assessment.

Course requirements

Students must be aware of the importance of the written components as

this is not a purely practical subject.

There is an expectation of students to contribute to group work outside of

lesson time as well as keeping an excellent record of attendance in

lessons. Students should be aware when applying for part-time

employment that rehearsals will take place after 3.15pm and as the work

is collaborative their peers will suffer when a member of a group is

absent.


English Language & Literature A Level Minimum entry requirements

Grade B required in GCSE English Language and English Literature


Students will need to be willing to join in class discussions and be creative

and eager readers of lots of different types of writing.

Lessons are mainly discussion based or set around a series of short tasks.

Some lessons will be skills based, aimed at learning new terminology or

improving writing. Students, in pairs, will occasionally be asked to lead

seminar- style lessons.


Year 12 students study:

Views and Voices (1 hour 30 mins exam)

Students will study closely a prose set text and a poetry set text. The exam

consists of a compulsory question on each text.

People and Places (1 hour 30 mins exam)

Students study an AQA anthology about Paris. The exam consists of a

question based on the anthology texts; in addition, students will produce a

piece of re-creative writing and an accompanying commentary.


Telling Stories (3 hour exam)

The unit involves studying a poetry set text and a prose set text. In the

exam there is a question on each of the set texts plus a question based

on the AQA Paris Anthology.

Exploring Conflict (2 hours 30 mins exam)

Students will study a drama set text. One question will be based on the

drama text; in addition, students will produce a piece of re-creative

writing and an accompanying commentary.

Making Connections (Coursework)

Students will conduct a personal investigation exploring a technique or

theme in both literary or non-literary texts.

Course requirements

There is an expectation that students will contribute to group work and

make a commitment to learn subject specific terminology.

All required set text reading must be completed over the summer break

before the start of term. There is an expectation also that 669/999

extended learning will be completed every term.


English Literature A Level Minimum entry requirements

Grade B required in GCSE English Language and English Literature.


English Literature students will need to enjoy reading and joining in class

discussions.

Lessons are mainly discussion based, responding to prior reading, or skill

based, aimed at learning new terminology or improving writing. Students

will sometimes be asked to lead seminar-style lessons. So, shake your spear

at Shakespeare! Go wild for Oscar Wilde! Think you’re hard? Try Thomas

Hardy! Get lost in Jane Austen!



Love Through the Ages – Shakespeare and Poetry (1 hour 30 mins exam)

Students will study closely a Shakespeare text and answer one extract

based question about it in the exam. In addition, there will be a question

based on one poem from an anthology provided by the exam board.

Love Through the Ages – Prose (1 hour 30 mins exam)

Students study two novels. The exam will be in two parts: the first will be a

response to an unseen prose extract; the second a comparative response

to the two novels you have studied.


Love Through the Ages (3 hour exam)

The unit involves studying one poetry text, one prose text and a

Shakespeare play. In the exam the Shakespeare question is based on an

extract from the play; there is an essay on two unseen poems; and an

essay comparing the poetry and prose texts you have studied.

Texts in Shared Contexts (2 hours 30 mins exam)

Students will study three texts: one play, one poetry and one prose.

Questions will be about the text plus a question on an unseen extract.

Independent Critical Study: Texts across Time (Coursework)

Students will compare two texts and write one extended essay and a

bibliography.

Course requirements

There is an expectation that students will contribute to group work and

make a commitment to reading widely and learning subject specific

terminology.

All required set text reading must be completed over the summer

break before the start of term. There is an expectation also that 669/999

extended learning will be completed every term.


Geography A Level Minimum entry requirements



Students need to be prepared to participate in discussion work and

complete the appropriate reading tasks in preparation for class work.

Students will have the opportunity to role play, work in groups and

independently, discuss, debate and investigate. We will also provide

students with the opportunity to study away from the school both locally

and further afield.

Students studying A Level Geography are expected to have the

opportunity to participate in learning outside the classroom (fieldwork).


Year 12

Unit 1 Physical and human geography are taught as discrete subjects in the

Sixth Form and generally by two different teachers. This unit covers a

multitude of topics including water and carbon cycles, hot environments

and hazards.

Unit 2 Focuses on global systems and governance, changing places and

also urban environments.

Year 13

Unit 3 is a combination of both units one and two.

Unit 4 Coursework

This unit uses statistical tests and interpretation of weather maps to give

students the opportunity to extend an area of subject content into a

more detailed fieldwork study. This is a 3000 – 4000 word study.


Graphic Communication & Textiles Fashion A Level




Graphic Design students will need to be confident working with a range of

media both using freehand techniques as well as integrating art &

design/CAD software. Students should be open to learning new practical

techniques and skills, and be proactive.

Lessons are mainly practical workshops where students are encouraged to

generate a variety of creative responses through a wide range of materials,

processes and techniques. Students will explore the elements of graphic

design, defined as the communication of visual meaning though personal

solutions to image based problems.


This is a two-year course with external assessment taking place at the end

of Year 13. Midway through Year 12, students may opt for a shorter one-

year AS course.

Students work towards meeting four assessment objectives in two

components.

Component 1 – Portfolio 60%

Comprised of the work produced by students from September in Year 12

through to January Year 13. It will contain evidence of research, analysis,

traditional techniques eg drawing, printmaking, photography as well as

non-traditional media eg digital image manipulation and CAD. It will

evidence development and final outcomes in response to a range of

design briefs.

Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment - 40%

From 1 February in Spring Term of Year 13, students will produce

preparation work, which leads onto a fifteen hour supervised exam. This

unit tests students’ ability to work independently in response to a brief set

by the exam board.

Possible career routes include: illustration, marketing, advertising,

architecture, web design, game design, graphic design to name just a

few.

AS

Unit 1 Coursework portfolio with final piece 60% of AS, to be Art

Unit 2 AS externally set assignment – coursework portfolio and final piece

40% of AS, supervised time ten hours.

A2

Unit 3 Coursework portfolio personal investigation supported by written

element of 1000 – 3000 words, finishing a final piece, 25% of A Level,

Unit 4 Externally set assignment, 40% of A Level,

A final piece is completed in a 15 hour exam.

Course requirements

It is expected that students will use the facilities in the design and

technology studios outside of lesson time to work on with their projects

independently. Students are expected to come to all lessons fully

prepared for work so that lesson time can be used effectively to support

them with the development of their personal projects. Students are also

required to work on their projects at home and undertake independent

research. We hope to offer a number of study visits across the two-year

course.


Health & Social Care BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate




Students will need to be confident in their oral and written communication as

the qualification is delivered creatively, enabling learning to be as active,

practical and work-related as possible. Alongside this, it provides the

opportunity for students to gain knowledge and understanding of a wide

range of subject areas relating to health and social care.


Students will cover a number of mandatory units as well as a wide range of

optional and specialist units. There are three mandatory units and one optional

unit, which are selected based on the interests and career aspirations of the

students.

Units:

• Human Life Span development

• Working in Health and Social Care

• Meeting individual care and support needs

• Supporting individuals with additional needs

Course Content

The extended certificate is coursework based and there will be two

1hour 30 minute exams in the first year of the course. A key feature is

also the opportunity for students to produce a personal and

professional development portfolio, which links many aspects of their

course, as well as their own experiences. It prepares students for

employment in the appropriate vocational sector and it is suitable for

those who have decided that they wish to enter a particular area of

work. Other students can progress onto university courses


History A Level




Students will be expected to research and present findings, debate and

discuss ideas and make notes. Students need to be prepared to ready

widely and work hard. There is no ‘right’ answer, as such, at this level, and

students will be expected to reach reasoned judgements which they can

justify and defend both verbally and on paper. Students will need to be

prepared to answer questions on historical documents, through short

answers and essays. Students will have opportunities to develop their skills

through active debate and visits to conferences.


A combination of assessment techniques will be used. Students will

undertake extended writing and essays in all units, in order to present

historical explanations, assess the significance of events, individuals, beliefs

and movements, and to reach substantiated judgements. Students will

evaluate sources in Units 2, 3 and 4 in order to reach judgements and to

address historical claims and debates. Students are assessed in three

examinations and one piece of coursework in Year 13 which accounts for

20% of the final grade.

Unit 1 Students will study the concept the ‘American Dream’. Students

will study why people wanted to achieve the American Dream and

will assess how successful and attainable the notion of the ‘American

Dream’ was in reality.

Topic: In search of the American Dream: the USA, c1917 – 1992.

Unit 2 Students will study a period of South African history in order to

develop an in-depth understanding of attitudes, beliefs and structures

of society. They will delve into intrigue and politics in their study of the

development of the ‘rainbow nation’.

Topic: South Africa, 1948 – 1994, from apartheid state to ‘rainbow

nation’

Unit 3 Students will undertake an in-depth study to explore the nature of

challenges and conflict relating to the issue of poverty and therefore

the impact on public health. They will explore issues such as how the

British government supported the development of public health and

how the degradation of Britain was due to poverty.

Theme: Poverty, public health & the state in Britain, c1789 - 1939

Unit 4 Students will carry out an enquiry which will address the changing

role of women over a period of at least 100 years. They will examine

both the short-term significance of an individual, movement or event, as

well as the factors affecting change throughout the whole period.

Enquiry: The changing role of women c1850-1950


Information Technology (IT) BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate


Course Information

This can be studied as a one year or two year course.



Equivalencies

Equivalent in size to one A Level.

General Information

Suitable for learners whose main focus may not be on Information

Technology, but for whom an element of software and computing systems

knowledge would be complementary.

This course consists of 4 units, 3 mandatory units plus one optional unit.

Unit 1: Exam – Information Technology Systems Ext, maximum 2 hours,

supervised – set and marked by Pearson.

Unit 2: Exam – Creating Systems to Manage Information, maximum of 10

hours arranged over a number of sessions.

Creating the task: Learners will need to create an online database and

record all this in a ‘test log and evaluation’ document.

Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business, assignment set and marked internally.

Unit 5: Data Modelling, assignment set and marked internally.

Mandatory units are:

Information Technology Systems

Creating Systems to Manage Information

Using Social Media in Business


Students are assessed through units of work and two examinations.

Students produce:

written assignments

practical activities

observations

The new BTEC National in Information Technology uses a combination of

assessment styles to give students confidence that they can apply their

knowledge to succeed in the workplace – and have the study skills to

continue learning on higher education courses and throughout their

career. This range of vocational assessments – both practical and written –

mean students can showcase their learning and achievements to best

effect when they take their next step, whether that is supporting

applications to higher education courses or potential employers.


Mathematics A Level



Students must be taking A Level Mathematics as well – this is not a stand-

alone course.


If students enjoy thinking logically and problem solving or are considering a

career in engineering, astronomy, electronics, technology, programming,

surveying, banking, accountancy, medicine, teaching, operational

research or statistical and actuarial work, then mathematics is the course

for you.

Statistics is particularly useful if students are taking biology, geography,

economics or business studies at A Level.

Decision is a new branch of mathematics which is linked to computing and

business studies.

Where possible, the mathematics is taught through an investigative

approach.

Mechanics can be useful if students wish to study Engineering.

Further Mathematics A Level is incredibly useful if students plan to take

mathematics at university.


Year 12

Students will take FP1 as standard and then two more applied modules.

These will be selected from:

Statistics 1, Decision 1, Statistics 2, Decision 2.

Year 13

If students choose to take the course to Year 13, they will study FP2 along

with two more applied modules to be select from:

Statistics 1, Decision 1, Statistics 2, Decision 2, Mechanics 1, Mechanics 2

(based on what they have already taken).

Course content

FP1, FP2: complex numbers, matrix algebra, numerical solutions, proof,

differential equations, inequalities, Maclaurin and Taylor series, polar

coordinates.

Statistics: probability, data collection, representation and analysis.

Decision: algorithms, algorithms on graphs, the route inspection problem,

critical path analysis, linear programming, matchings.

Mechanics: mathematical modelling, vectors, Newton’s laws of motion,

kinematics and statics of a particle, moments, centres of mass, work and

energy principles, projectiles, collisions.


Media Studies A Level




Media Studies students will need to be open minded and enjoy working

with others. Students will need to show a genuine interest in current media

issues and be willing to discuss their ideas in class.

Lessons are mainly discussion and small task based, where students will

explore the key concepts of media and learn how to apply these to a

variety of different media texts. Sometimes research will form a part of the

lessons and occasionally the students themselves will run seminars on pre-

planned topics. For coursework, students will also be using lesson time to

produce moving image and print products.


Year 12

Investigating media (2 hour exam)

Students will explore different forms of media such as TV, film fiction,

documentary, news and sport. The exam will involve some short answer

questions on an unseen piece of media and an essay question based on

the cross-media case study explored in class.

Creating media (coursework)

Students will research, plan and create two linked practical production

pieces using the relevant codes and conventions. These pieces will then be

evaluated by the students.

Year 13

Media: critical perspectives (2 hour exam)

Students will explore a range of cross media issues and debates as well

as learning a number of media theories. These will be applied to pre-set

topic areas such as representations in the media and the impact of

new/digital media.

Media: research and production (coursework)

Students will conduct research into a media text or theme and write this

up as a critical investigation. A linked production piece will also be

created.

Course requirements

There is an expectation that students will immerse themselves widely in

the world of media both inside and outside of lessons, for example by

reading newspapers regularly and that they will maintain an excellent

attendance record. There is a lot of essay writing involved so students

should not be misled into thinking that they will just be watching films.


Modern Foreign Languages A Level (French & German)




If students are interested in languages and communication and enjoy learning

about other cultures and ways of life, then this course is for them. It opens up

many exciting opportunities for future study, employment and travel.

If students are interested in the business world, in travel, in literature or

journalism, then they are likely to enjoy languages at A Level. Having

language skills shows that they are a strong communicator and sets them

apart from the hundreds of other applicants who are limited to English. These

skills are increasingly in demand for a wide range of customer service roles.

Having a language to AS or A Level significantly improves their employability –

and their pay: recent studies show that language skills can earn students an

extra £5000 a year. The UK has a shortage not just of specialist linguists, but

also of people who can combine language skills with other specialism, such as

law or engineering.

Students with an analytical and logical mind and those who are creative do

well at AS and A Level in languages. Students will learn how to communicate,

present and problem-solve more effectively – and in another language.

• Reading and discussion on current issues

• Using ICT: research & presentation

• Working with others: role play & debate

Learning and communication skills for speaking and writing; how to plan and

present a logical argument and demonstrate an ability to analyse information.


This is a two year course to A2. Students may sit an AS at the end of the first

year and then decide whether to continue to A2.

Core content:

• Social issues and trends

• Artistic culture

• Grammar

Options:

• Literary texts and films

Assessments

• Paper 1 – Listening, reading and writing Including translation into English

of a short passage (70 words)

Written exam – 1 hour and 45 minutes, 80 marks, 40% of AS.

• Paper 2 – Writing including translation into French/German of a short

passage (70 words) and a question on a set text or on a set film.

Written exam – 1 hour and 15 minutes, 60 marks, 30% AS.

• Paper 3 – Speaking

Oral exam – 12 – 14 minutes, 60 marks, 30% of AS

Discussion of two themes based on a stimulus card (one on aspects of

French/German speaking society and one on artistic culture).


Music A Level


Grade B at GCSE Music or Grade 5 ABRSM/Trinity College music theory

Ability to play up to Grade 4 or above in your main instrument


Students should have an open and analytical mind, a passion for creating

music and the ability to manage their time well. While the course is both

interesting and fun, it is also hard work and students should be able to play

an instrument to grade 4 or 5 standard at the beginning of the course and

have an understanding of music theory. An interest in all types of music,

including classical, is essential. The course is split into the three components

of composing, listening and performing. Composition lessons will revolve

around studying theory in the style of baroque composers before extending

this to learning the musical styles of other musical eras. Students then use

these techniques creatively to submit their own compositions; technical

studies and exercises will also need to be completed. Listening lessons will

revolve around listening for stylistic and musical features of different styles as

well as analysing several pieces of music in depth where students will be

required to complete essay style questions. Performance lessons are mainly

workshop based where students are given the opportunity to develop their

skills in their main instrument.


Year 12

Unit 1 Influences on music: Students will be required to learn about

styles of music from a variety of historical periods including classical,

choral, popular and theatre before completing a listening question and

essay-based question linked to these styles.

Unit 2 Creating musical ideas: Students will be required to complete their

own composition or arrange in one of the styles learnt above.

Unit 3 Interpreting musical ideas: This requires students to complete a

specialist solo, group or technology based performance on an

instrument (including music technology software) of their choice.

Year 13

Unit 4 Music in context: Further develops the skills learned in Unit 1.

Unit 5 Developing musical ideas: Composition based and develops on

Unit 2.

Unit 6 A musical performance: Develops on Unit 3.

Course requirements

It is expected that students attend at least two extra-curricular

activities in the department and are prepared to learn ensemble

vocal skills.


Philosophy & Ethics A Level



AS - Three 1hour 30 minute written papers

A2 - Three 2 hour written papers

Why study Philosophy and Ethics?

Students who do not accept things at face value and love asking ‘why’ and

questioning things deeply? Through taking Philosophy and Ethics they will

examine some of the most profound questions to have been raised over the

last 2000 years.

Philosophy and Ethics can lead to many exciting career opportunities. Its

academic skills are valued in university courses such as journalism, law, history

and medicine as well as the more obvious philosophy, politics and social

sciences. It is similarly appealing to a wide range of employers, from the world

of finance to management and science - anything that involves expressing

yourself clearly and articulately.


Students do not need to believe in God; that is not what Philosophy and Ethics

is about! They need to be prepared to participate in debate and discussion

focussed on current issues, and how these relate to different areas of

philosophical and ethical theories.

Course structure and assessment

Year 12 - Philosophy of Religion (1hour 30 minute exam)

• philosophical issues and questions raised by religion and belief including the

nature and influence of religious experience

• challenges to religious belief such as the problems of evil and suffering

• philosophical language and thought.

Ethics (1hour 30 minute exam)

• Three normative ethical theories such as deontological, teleological or

character based ethics (at least two of which must be religious approaches)

• The application of ethical theory to two personal, societal or global issues of

importance.

Development of Religious Thoughts (1hour 30 minute exam)

In relation to Christianity students will study:

• religious beliefs, values and teachings

• sources of wisdom and authority

• practices that shape and express religious identity

Year 13 - Ethics (2 hour exam)

Students will progress to study issues raised by the question of whether humans

are truly free, the use of ethical language, conscience and developments in

religious moral codes.

Philosophy of Religion (2 hour written paper)

This is a development of the philosophy element of the course studied in Year

12. Students will question the attributes of God - ‘if God knows your future, are

you free?’, and study the works of two scholars in the development of

philosophical thinking.

Development of Religious Thought (2 hour exam) on significant social and

historical developments in theology or religious thought.

Course requirements

Lessons are delivered in a wide range of different ways; the nature of the

course means that there is a lot of discussion, debate and extended writing,

but we also include opportunities for active learning.


Photography A Level




Students should have an open and creative mind, a critical eye, and the

ability to manage their time well. While Photography is both interesting and

fun, it is also hard work and students must be prepared to put in the hours

when necessary. Lessons are mainly workshops where students explore

different practical aspects of camera work, digital image manipulation and

darkroom practice. Students are encouraged to explore their own ideas and

interests and develop individual portfolios of work.


Year 12 and 13

This course is a two-year A Level course, with external assessment at the end of

two years of study. At the mid-point of Year 12, students will be given the

opportunity to opt for a shorter one year AS version of this course.

Course structure and assessment is essentially the same as our long standing

and successful GCE in art.

Unit 1 (60% total A Level marks): coursework portfolio. Students produce a

portfolio which exemplifies work carried out throughout the two years of study.

This will include the exploration and analysis of the works of other photographers

and artists, taking images with 35mm SLR and DSLR cameras, working with image

manipulation software such as Photoshop, and darkroom practice. This unit is

marked by Denefield staff, and moderated by the exam board.

Unit 2 (40% total A Level marks): externally set assignment. Students produce

preparation work from 1 February in the Spring Term of Year 13, culminating in a

fifteen-hour supervised exam in May. This unit is marked by Denefield staff, and

moderated by the Exam board.

Course requirements

It is expected that students will use the art studios, darkroom and M108 outside

lesson time as well as keeping an excellent record of attendance in lessons.

Students are required to produce further work at home. The course will offer

students the opportunity to take part in a number of study visits.


Physical Education A Level




Students will need the following to maximise their potential in the practical and

theoretical elements of the course:

• excellent organisational skills

• excellent time management

• a high standard of personal fitness

• a genuine interest in sport and physical education

• involvement in regular competition in at least one sport

• the ability to work independently and use their initiative


AS Level - Linear qualification

Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport

Written exam: 2 hours - 84 marks - 70% of A Level

• Section A: Applied physiology

• Section B: Skill acquisition and sports psychology

• Section C: Sport and society and technology in sport Non-exam assessment: Practical performance in physical activity and sport

• Students assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided version of one

activity.

• Plus: written/verbal analysis of performance.

• Internal assessment, external moderation 90 marks 30% of A Level

A Level - Linear qualification

Paper 1: Factors affecting participation in physical activity and sport

Written exam: 2 hours – 105 marks – 35% of A Level

• Section A: Applied physiology

• Section B: Skill acquisition

• Section C: Sport and society Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport

Written exam: 2 hours

105 marks 35% of A Level

• Section A: Exercise Physiology and biomechanics

• Section B: Sport psychology

• Section C: Sport and society and technology in sport Non-exam assessment: Practical performance in physical activity and sport

• Students assessed as a performer or coach in the full sided version of one

activity, plus: written/verbal analysis of performance.

• Internal assessment, external moderation 90 marks 30% of A Level

Course requirements

There is an expectation that students will complete work outside of lesson time as

well as keeping an excellent record of attendance. Students will also be

encouraged to become involved in the extra-curricular sport programme.


Physics A Level




Students need to have a keen interest in fundamental science - the key to

understanding the world around and beyond us. Physicists require an

enquiring mind, the ability to enjoy a challenge and to like solving problems,

often using mathematics. Patience, care and attention to detail are required

for the practical aspects of the subject and, a commitment to hard work and

a willingness to devote time to study outside of lessons is essential.

AS students:

The AS course covers the core physics areas of: measurements and their errors,

particles and radiation, waves, mechanics and energy and electricity.

A Level students:

Students studying for the full A Level will study the AS units and these additional

topics: further mechanics and thermal physics, fields, nuclear physics plus one

option from: astrophysics, medical physics, engineering physics, turning points

in physics or electronics.

Assessment

Both AS and A Level are assessed through formal examination at the end of the

course and this includes practical skills.

Paper 1 and 2 – AS

Each paper is 1½ hours long and will cover any content from the AS topics and

make up 50% of the AS marks each. They will include all types of questions in the

A Level, but at a lower level, helping students progress to the more demanding A

Level questions. Additionally, Paper 2 will contain questions on practical skills and

data analysis and a section of multiple choice questions.

Papers 1, 2 and 3 – A Level only

Each paper is 2 hours long and will contain a series of short and long answer

questions, as well as a section of multiple choice questions in Papers 1 and 2.

Paper 1 (34%) will cover the AS topics and periodic motion.

Paper 2 (34%) will cover the compulsory A Level topics and Paper 3 (32%) will

cover the optional topic, practical skills and data analysis.


Psychology A Level




Students must have an organised and structured approach to their learning.

Because Psychology will be new to them, good listening skills are very important.

Additional skills, including effective note taking and good essay writing, will be

developed during the course itself.

Course structure and assessment

In Year 12 students can opt to study AS Psychology, which is counted as a free-

standing qualification.

Students can also choose to complete the full A Level Psychology course over

Year 12 and Year 13.

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology

Social influence – conformity, obedience, and how people resist influence from

others;

Memory – short and long term memory, explanations of forgetting, and how to

improve police interviews;

Attachment – explanations of attachment, studies of orphanages and how

early attachments affect later adult relationships.

Psychopathology – Abnormality (phobias, depression and OCD) and their

treatments;

Paper 2: Psychology in Context

Approaches in Psychology – Learning, Cognitive, Biological, Psychodynamic

and Humanistic approaches;

Biopsychology – nervous system, fight or flight responses, brain and ways of

studying it;

Research Methods – scientific processes, data handling and analysis,

probability and statistics.

Paper 3: Issues and options in Psychology

Issues and debates in Psychology – free will and ethical implications of

psychological research;

Relationships – explanations of attraction, relationship satisfaction and

breakdown, virtual relationships;

Eating Behaviour – explanations of anorexia nervosa and obesity, success and

failure of dieting;

Forensic Psychology – offender profiling, including anger management and

restorative justice.

Examinations

AS Psychology: Two 1½ hour exams in June of Year 12, worth 50% of AS each.

(Paper 1 and Paper 2).

A level Psychology: Three 2 hour exams in June of Year 13, worth 33.3% of A

level each (no exams at the end of Year 12). (Papers 1, 2 and 3).

The questions are a mixture of multiple choices, short answer and extended

writing.

Course requirements

In lessons students will look at a variety of psychological studies that represent

the range of psychologists’ interests and the methods they use. They then apply

psychological knowledge and skills to deconstruct some of the research and

carry out experiments themselves. All lessons are focussed on exam success

and students use different styles of learning to achieve the best they can. These

include presentations, posters, leaflets, essay writing and many others.


Sociology A Level




Students must have an organised and structured approach to their learning.

Because Sociology will be new, good listening skills are very important.

Effective note taking and good essay writing skills, amongst others, will be

developed during the course itself.


In Year 12 students can opt to study AS Sociology, which is counted as a free-

standing qualification.

They can also choose to complete the full A Level Sociology course over Year 12

and Year 13.

AS – Year 12

Paper1 : Education with Theory and Methods

Education

Methods in Context

Paper 2: Topics in Sociology

Families and Households

Theory and Methods

A level – Year 12 and Year 13

Paper1: Education with Theory and Methods

Education

Methods in Context

Theory and Methods

Paper 2: Topics in Sociology

Families and Households

Beliefs in Society

Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

Crime and Deviance

Theory and Methods

Examinations

AS Sociology: Two 1hour 30 minute exams in June of Year 12, worth 50% of AS each.

Paper 1 and Paper 2.

A Level Sociology: Three 2 hour exams in June of Year 13, worth 33.3% of A Level

each (no exams at the end of Year 12). Papers 1, 2 and 3.

The questions are a mixture of short answer and extended writing.

Course requirements

In lessons, students learn about different sociological approaches, evaluate them

and then apply them to real life issues, such as divorce rates and knife crime.

Students also discuss different issues often highlighted in the news, including

politics.

All lessons are focussed on exam success and students use different formats of

learning to achieve the best they can. These include presentations, posters,

leaflets, essay writing and many others.


Travel & Tourism BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma




To study Travel & Tourism BTEC, students need to be self-motivated and be

willing to work independently.


The course comprises six modules that are all coursework based. These will

cover:

Investigating the travel & tourism sector: students will develop their

knowledge and understanding of the travel and tourism sector, its

component industries, their role and the interrelationships within the sector.

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of how the sector has

developed over the last 50 years, what it is today and how it is being

affected by current trends and factors.

The business of travel & tourism: students will gain knowledge and

understanding about travel and tourism as a business and appreciate that

travel and tourism organisations operate and have a role to play in a

business environment. They will learn about how travel and tourism

organisations gain competitive advantage to meet their aims and be

successful, and will demonstrate business skills in presenting a business case

for a feasible business enterprise.

The UK as a destination: students will develop their skills in locating destinations in

the United Kingdom and also gain an overview of the UK tourism product and

how it attracts and meets the needs of domestic and inbound visitors. Students

will develop their understanding of the factors that affect tourism to and within

the UK.

This unit supports the development of research skills through the exploration of UK

tourist destinations and their locations.

Customer service in travel & tourism: students will gain an understanding of how

excellent customer service contributes to the success of travel and tourism

organisations. Students will develop knowledge and skills to provide customer

service and achieve sales in travel and tourism situations.

European destinations: in this unit students will gain skills to enable them to locate

and explore the diverse destinations that make up the European travel market.

They will develop their knowledge of the appeal of destinations for different

leisure experiences and gain an understanding of the factors affecting the

development and decline of selected destinations.

Long haul destinations: students will gain a knowledge and understanding of

long-haul travel destinations. They will develop skills in locating major long-haul

destinations, as well as the skills needed to plan a multicentre long-haul tour.

Course requirements

Assessment is coursework based and requires students to undertake self-driven

research into the travel and tourism industry and involves a level of independent

study. There is an expectation of students to work both on their own and in

groups throughout the course, as well as maintaining an excellent record of

attendance.

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