Sixth FormCourse Information

2016 - 2017w w w. d r a p e r s a c a d e m y. c o m

Settle Road, Harold Hill, Romford RM3 9XR • T: 01708 371331

Art and DesignThe main purpose of this course is to develop your creativity and skills so you can interpret and convey your ideas, as well as a specialist vocabulary and an appreciation of the place of art in contemporary society.

We offer the following specialisms: Art, Craft and Design, Fine Art, Textile Design, and Three-Dimensional Design.

Entry RequirementsStudents ideally would have studied Art at GCSE and gained at least a grade B. Any student who hasn’t studied GCSE Art will be required to show a portfolio of their work.

Examining Board : AQA - If you require further information please speak to Mrs Mulley or Mrs Parry-Smith.

Unit 1: A Portfolio of WorkIn this unit candidates will write their own project brief with guidance from their teacher. This unit will be completed by the end of January.

Unit 2: Externally Set AssignmentThe starting point for unit 2 is set by the exam board, AQA. The candidate will have a preparatory period followed by supervised time of 10 hours in which to produce a final piece or pieces. This unit will be complete by the end of April.

Unit 3: The Personal InvestigationThis is a practical unit with written elements in which candidates are expected to develop a personal investigation.

Unit 4: Externally Set AssignmentThe starting point for this project is set by the exam board, AQA. The candidate will have will have a preparatory period followed by supervised time of 15 hours in which to produce a final piece or pieces.

BiologyIf you are interested in the human body, how it responds to its’ internal and external environments and the genetics then biology is an ideal subject for you.

Biology builds on the concepts and skills developed in the GCSE and it is particularly suitable for students who have the skills and knowledge associated with a GCSE Additional Science course or equivalent. Students who study A level Biology may go on to a Biology-related degree course.

Entry RequirementsStudents need to achieve a B at GCSE Biology and Maths or a B in core and additional Science.

Examining Board : AQA - If you require further information please speak to Miss Paolino.

Assessed on:• Biological Molecules.• Cells. • How organisms exchange substances with their

environment.• Genetic information, variation and relationships

between organisms.• Practical Skills.

• Energy transfer in and between organisms.• Organisms and their response to the internal and

external environment.• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems.• The control of gene expression.• Synoptic assessment including practical skills.

Business StudiesBusiness Studies offers you the chance to learn about today’s increasingly complex and challenging business environment.

During the course you will develop a wider understanding of real life business scenarios whilst incorporating the theory behind how businesses operate and the factors affecting business success. During the course you will gain valuable skills such as creativity, problem solving and team work.

Entry RequirementsIt is preferred that all candidates have a B in GCSE Business Studies, however students who have not studied Business Studies previously need a C in English and Maths GCSE.

Examining Board : AQA - If you require further information please speak to Mr Giles.

Assessed on:• What is business?• Managers, leadership and decision making.• Decision making to improve marketing, operational

financial and human resources performance.

• Analysing the strategic position of a business.• Choosing strategic direction.• Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies.• Managing strategic change.

ChemistryStudy A level Chemistry to find out the answers to these and other fascinating questions. The course will extend your knowledge about chemistry in a range of different contexts and the impact it has on industry and many aspects of everyday life. You will learn to investigate and solve problems in a range of contexts, and require a high level of study and application, but this is rewarded with a qualification which is extremely valued by all universities.

Entry RequirementsStudents need to achieve a B at GCSE Chemistry and Maths or a B in core and additional Science.

Examining Board : AQA - If you require further information please speak to Mr Folgheraiter.

Topics covered:• Development of practical skills in chemistry• Foundations in chemistry• Periodic table and energy• Core organic chemistry

• Physical chemistry and transition elements• Organic chemistry and analysis• A separate Practical Endorsement will be awarded to A Level

candidates who can demonstrate competency in the laboratory.

Computer ScienceA level computing is an excellent combination with many A level subjects such as Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Technology, and ICT. A level Computing is a highly valued qualification by Universities and employers.

This specification is excellent preparation for those students intending to pursue computing, mathematics, engineering, technology and related subjects at degree level, or for anyone considering any kind of career in computing and ICT. The specification includes assessment of coursework, the best way to assess the candidate’s level of practical skills in computing.

The specification content has been revised to include greater emphasis on programming and removal of topics entirely ICT based.

Entry RequirementsStudents require a minimum B for Computer Science at GCSE level as well as a minimum C for GCSE mathematics.

Examining Board : OCR - If you require further information please speak to Mr Mannan.

Drama and Theatre StudiesDrama and Theatre Studies provides students with practical and creative opportunities to explore drama in various ways.

Students develop their understanding of performance through the exploration of different play texts, creating original devised performances and written analysis of performance work.

Entry RequirementsStudents must achieve a C in Drama GCSE. An audition maybe required for those who haven’t studied Drama at GCSE.

Examining Board : Edexcel - If you require further information please speak to Ms Lee or Mrs Stanley.

Assessed on:• The 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.

Unit 1: Exploration of Drama and TheatreThe focus of this unit is to use practical drama to explore two contrasting plays. There are three components - the exploration, the written documentation of the exploration (3000 words) and a written evaluation of a live performance (2000 words).

Unit 2: Theatre Text in PerformanceThis unit is externally assessed and focuses on applying skills obtained in Unit 1 to produce a performance of a published play and either a monologue or duologue.

Unit 3: Exploration of Dramatic PerformanceThis unit focuses on the creation and performance of a unique and original piece of theatre together with a supporting 3500 word essay.

Unit 4: Theatre Text in ContextThis is a written unit that requires the detailed study of one set play text and one prescribed historical period of theatrical development.

English Literature“How different is GCSE to A Level English Literature?” THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE.

You will be expected to read critical books depending on what you are studying. You will find that the skills you learned at GCSE level are relevant but they provide the “foundation”; the knowledge and understanding needed to respond to new and challenging texts will have to be learned and applied effectively.

You will have to work independently and ensure that you come fully prepared to all lessons. This will involve extensive background reading and often demands for you to ‘lead’ the discussion based on your reading or research.

You will have to write coherently, using specialist terminology. There is no room for poor grammar or inadequate ideas based on poor research or preparation. Your essays need to demonstrate ability to communicate accurately, your knowledge, understanding and judgements of texts.

The reading and website lists are designed to help you improve your understanding and skills in this subject.

Entry RequirementsIt is preferred that all candidates have at least a 6 in English Literature and Language GCSEs.

Examining Board : AQA - If you require further information please speak to Mrs Haq, Ms Kostalas or Mr Godfrey.

Texts studied:• Othello• Anthology: Love Through the Ages Pre-1900• The Great Gatsby• Regeneration• The War Poems of Wilfred Owen (ed. Jon Stallworthy)• My Boy Jack• Plus coursework on your own choice of texts

To do the best you can in this course, you can begin by:

• Reading all literature; non-fiction and critical works World War One, looking at a wide range of texts on ‘Love through the ages,’ learn to read critical books which will help you explore alternative ideas and viewpoints, particularly in reference to the novels or poems you will be studying.

• Joining a library.

• Reading such publications as E Magazine and The English Review.

• Meeting all homework and coursework deadlines.

• Attending compulsory screening of core texts.

• Responding to your teachers’ comments and advice about how to improve your performance in this subject.

FrenchStudents examine issues within two main topics during the first year: Social issues and trends and Artistic Culture. They will also undertake a detailed study of either a film or a literary text. Students will develop their abilities to communicate in written and spoken French and deepen their understanding of the cultures of the countries where French is spoken.

In the second year a literary text is studied in detail as well as deeper consideration of political and social issue in France. We encourage students to read and listen to as much French as possible and there will also be weekly sessions with a native speaker of French. There will be opportunities for work experience in France.

Entry RequirementsStudents must gain a Grade B in French at GCSE to study this course.

Examining Board : AQA - If you require further information please speak to Miss Hall.

Where will this course lead? Students can move onto study languages at university. Pupils often study:

• International business with languages.• Economics with Languages.• Music with Languages.• International Development Studies.• Maths with Languages (for international accounting) • Sciences with languages (for translation of medical and scientific terms as well as international commerce)• Translation and interpretation (especially from a political point of view) but also for business contracts. • Law and languages. (international law, human rights and the EU)

GeographyLearn about the world you live in! In a fascinating and inspiring new syllabus you will learn about the physical interactions occurring at a global scale as well as zooming in on parts of the world both close to home as well as some far flung destinations. With perhaps comfortingly familiar GCSE topics such as hazards and population sitting side by side with brand new topics such as the carbon cycle and global governance, there has never been a better time to study geography at A level. Geography is a great subject to pair with sciences, maths or other humanities subjects because of the wide range of transferable skills it incorporates.

Entry RequirementsStudents should achieve a grade C in Geography at GCSE. For those who have not studied the subject at GCSE a grade C in English and Maths is required.

Examining Board : AQA - If you require further information please speak to Miss Morgan.

Assessed on:• Physical Geography and People and the Environment• Human Geography and Fieldwork Investigation.• Global systems and global governance.• Water and carbon cycles.

• Coastal systems and landscapes.• Changing places.• Either urban environments, population or resources.

Government and PoliticsGovernment and Politics is around us all the time; it affects all of our lives daily from the decision making processes about your health and education to whether the street lights are working and the roads are clean.

We welcome students onto the course who have a thirst for ideas and want to understand how government works in the UK and USA. This is an excellent choice of A level for candidates who wish to continue onto higher education at University.

Entry RequirementsStudents need to achieve a B at GCSE Chemistry and Maths or a B in core and additional Science.

Examining Board : AQA - If you require further information please speak to Mr Aukett.

Individual Geographical Investigation:• You will undertake a research project involving you participating in at least 4 days fieldwork across the two years to

really get to do some hands on geography! The coursework may be on any aspect of the syllabus but your teachers will guide you.

Unit 1: People and PoliticsIn this unit you will learn about democracy and participation, the ideas and policies of political parties, how elections work in the UK and alternatives to this, along with the role of pressure groups in the political system.

Unit 2: Governing the UKThis is an introduction to the processes of government in the UK. You will study Parliament, the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Constitution and the Judiciary.

Unit 3: Representative Processes in the USAHere you will learn about political processes in the USA and evaluate them in terms of participation and full democracy.

Unit 4: Governing the USAThis topic develops your understanding of the institutional framework of US government; you will study the Constitution, the Presidency, Supreme Court and Congress.

HistoryThe study of History helps us to understand past mistakes, deal with current problems and prepare for future challenges. It informs every moment of every day.

Students who study History gain key academic skills such as analysis, comprehension, emotional understanding and empathy, literacy skills, debating skills and decision making and above all will develop a greater appreciation of the world around them and their place in it.

Entry RequirementsIt is strongly preferred that all applicants have at least a grade B at GCSE History. For students who haven’t studied the subject at GCSE they require a grade C in English and Maths.

Examining Board : AQA - If you require further information please speak to Mrs Little.

Britain: Democracy, Protest and Reform 1785 – 1870At the end of the eighteenth century, much like the world around us at the beginning of the twenty-first century, people were experiencing technological changes and ideological shifts which would have a profound effect on politics, society and the economy. Students study how people adapted to these changes, challenged authority and shaped the industrialised Nation that Britain would become.

The Unification of Italy 1830 – 1870The focus of this unit is on the process of Italian unification and the key political, economic, social and cultural factors influencing the nature of this process. It considers the extent to which popular pressure for change was undermined by forces from above and how the emergence of Piedmont was a driving force in Italian unification.

The Witch Craze in Britain, Europe and North America c1580 - c1750This unit gives an overview of the historical context of population growth, increasing poverty, popular beliefs, religious changes and how the beginning of more scientific and rational explanations led to the decline of the witch craze. Key case studies such as the Demon Drummer of Tedworth, the life and activities of the self-styled witch finder general Mathew Hopkins and the trials and executions in Salem are explored to enable the students to understand and debate the impact of various factors on the course of the witch craze at different times and in different regional areas.

CourseworkStudents will develop skills in the analysis and evaluation of interpretations of history in a chosen question, problem or issue as part of an independently researched assignment. Students will be required to form a critical view based on relevant reading and required to analyse, explain and evaluate the interpretations of three historians.

Assessed on:

MathsAn A level in Maths provides students with the opportunity to study the subject in greater depth and prepare them for many degree courses that are available at universities. For this course you should have a real passion and a genuine interest in the subject.

If you are interested in Further Maths please speak to Mr Pegg.

Entry RequirementsStudents will need to achieve a grade A/A* at GCSE to qualify for A level Maths.

Examining Board : AQA - If you require further information please speak to Mr Pegg.

Topics coverd over various units:

• Algebra & Functions, Quadratics, Equations, Inequalities, Sketching Curves, Coordinate Geometry, Sequences & Series, Differentiation & Integration.

• Polynomials, Sine/Cosine rule, Exponentials & Logarithms, Coordinate Geometry, Binomial Expansion, Radian Measure, Geometric Sequences & Series, Trigonometric Functions, Differentiation, Trigonometric Identities & Integration.

• Algebraic Fractions, Functions, Exponential & Log Functions, Numerical Methods, Transforming Graphs, Trigonometry, Further Trigonometric Identities & Differentiation.

• Partial Fractions, Parametric Equations, Binomial Expansion, Differentiation, Vectors & Differentiation.

PhysicsPhysicists explore the fundamental nature of almost everything we know of. They probe the furthest reaches of the earth to study the smallest pieces of matter. Join them to enter a world deep beneath the surface of normal human experience.

The application of discoveries made in Physics has led to the development of virtually every item of a technological nature that you can think of. The course will extend your knowledge of Physics to a more detailed level and require a high level of study and application, but this is rewarded with a qualification which is extremely valued by all universities.

Entry RequirementsStudents need to achieve a B at GCSE Chemistry and Maths or a B in core and additional Science.

Examining Board : AQA - If you require further information please speak to Miss Elliott.

Assessed on:• Measurements and their errors.

• Particles and radiation.

• Waves.

• Mechanics and materials.

• Electricity.

• Periodic Motion.

• Further Mechanic.

• Thermal Physics.

• Magnetic Fields.

• Nuclear Physics.

• Either Urban Environments, Population or Resources.

A separate Practical Endorsement will be awarded to A level candidates who can demonstrate competency in the laboratory.

Product DesignThis creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries.

They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing products of their choice.

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

Entry RequirementsIn order to study A level Product Design students must achieve at least a grade B at GCSE in a related Technology subject.

Examining Board : AQA - If you require further information please speak to Mr Bangs.

Assessed on:Core technical principles and core designing and making principles.

Mixture of short answer, multiple choice and extended response.

Specialist knowledge, technical and designing and making principles.

Mixture of short answer, multiple choice and extended response questions.

Product Analysis

Commercial Manufacture

Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles and specialist knowledge.

Substantial design and make task.

Written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of final prototype.

PsychologyHave you ever wondered why it is that some people suffer from stress and mental illness? Why some people fear snakes yet a few keep them as pets?

Psychology looks at questions like these in the study of the human mind and behaviour. It is a science with cutting edge research that has real world applications to issues in everyday life, ranging from things like depression to relationships, to the paranormal.

Entry RequirementsWe would prefer students to have achieved a grade B in GCSE English and Maths.

Examining Board : AQA - If you require further information please speak to Miss Ager.

Areas coverd:• Memory

• Attachment

• Social Influence

• Approaches in Psychology

• Biopsychology

• Psychopathology

SociologySociology is the study of society. We look at how society influences the person and consider questions like: ‘what motivates us to do the things that we do?’.

We look at real life examples in the news ranging from statistics relating to divorce through to reasons as to why people were involved in the Riots in 2011.

You need to be interested in contemporary views of the UK/World and watch Channel 4 News on a regular basis.

Entry RequirementsStudents require a minimum grade C GCSE Maths and English and an interest in the news and how society operates.

Examining Board : AQA - If you require further information please speak to Mr Bryant.

Topics covered:• Family

• Education

• Methodology

• Theory

• Beliefs and Society

• Crime and Deviance

At present there are three exams that are set at the end of Year 13. These all carry equal marks (33%).

To be successful in this A level, students need to watch and understand BBC/Channel 4 news, and read a quality newspaper at least once a week.

• Research Methods

• Issues and debates

• Relationships

• Stress

• Forensic Psychology