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Stroud High School Sixth Forma learning partnership valuing respect, personal best... and a spirit of fun

Information Booklet2018 Entry

I am very proud to work at such an outstanding school of which the sixthform is an integral part. Stroud High School has a proven history ofeducational excellence and is committed to providing outstandingprovision for its students. We value the whole student, putting our girls atthe heart of what we do, with special attention given to achievingpersonal best. Our students’ happiness is important to us, and asuccessful student is a happy student.

Our sixth form provides a stimulating environment in which girls areencouraged to develop independence and initiative. We set highstandards and our sixth formers provide an example to our youngerstudents. Life at Stroud High School is about getting involved, trying yourbest and learning from the experience so that you can progress to thenext chapter in your life as confident and independent young women whowill make a positive contribution to society. I do hope that you are able tovisit our school or attend our Open Evening, so that you can see foryourself why Stroud High School is such a great place to study.

Best wishes

Head of Sixth Form

WelcomeA Message From the Head of Sixth Form

Starting out in sixth form can be a daunting experience. You will face newchallenges such as balancing the demands of rigorous academicrequirements with extracurricular activities, increased responsibility forindependent learning and a changing social life.

Whether you are moving up from Year 11 or joining us from anotherschool, the sixth form experience will be different. The demands of Alevel study are different to GCSE. You will have increased teaching timeper subject and the expectations for independent study are greater. Youwill have study periods to help manage this. In addition, the A levelcourses provide more opportunities for in-depth analysis. We will supportyou through this transition through our induction programme.

Life in the Sixth FormA Period of Transition – Why Sixth Form is Different

On joining Stroud High School Sixth Form you willbecome part of an 11-18 selective girls’ grammarschool.

We work in partnership with Marling School SixthForm to offer students a range of academic courses,enriching activities and environment in which toflourish whilst maintaining our own identity andprovision.

We understand the potential of young people at thisstage of their education and the collaboration aims toprovide an enjoyable learning experience.

A level lessons are taught across both school sites withthe majority of subjects being taught by both StroudHigh School and Marling School. Sixth form life iscentred around your home school and as such you willbe part of the Stroud High School house system andhave a Stroud High School tutor group.

We share in a vision of an outstanding sixth form,providing academic excellence, strong teaching andindependent study. We are very proud of our sixth formstudents, the high standards they achieve in theirlearning and the positive contribution they make to bothschools.

Our Partnership

Academic SupportWe will track your progress on a regular basisthroughout your time in the sixth form using data froma number of sources to give you a clear indication ofhow well you are doing. Your teachers will agree atarget grade for you in your subjects, which will bebased on national data. Your relationship with yourtutor will form a key part of sixth form life and is thefirst point of contact regarding support and advice.Your tutor will work closely with you to monitor yourprogress and ensure that you fulfil your potential. Youwill have opportunities throughout the year for one-to-one tutor meetings. They will also provide advice onfuture careers including references for university oremployment.

You will receive a sufficient number of study periods todevelop independence. These give you theopportunity to complete your work, whilst havingaccess to the resources in both schools. It is importantthat you use these study periods effectively. The keyto success (and reduction of stress later in the year) isto work during these periods and establish goodhabits. Our study rooms are supervised, so help isalways at hand.

UCAS/Careers AdviceThe large majority of our students continue on tohigher education and we have a team of dedicatedand experienced staff who can provide you withadvice and guidance on UCAS preparation and how toapply to universities in the UK and abroad. Details ofour UCAS programme and support for Oxbridge,Medicine, Veterinary, Dentistry and other competitivecourses can be found on our website. We also offer acomprehensive careers programme to aid you with allcareers decisions including guidance on preparingCVs for job applications and how to apply for higherlevel apprenticeships.

You will also have the opportunity to attend our annualFutures Day and Careers Fair during which you canhear a range of talks and presentations by highereducation providers and professionals from a varietyof industry sectors.

Financial Support – 16-19 BursaryStudents between 16 and 19 years old who think theywill struggle with the costs of full-time education areeligible to apply for the 16-19 Bursary. The aim of theBursary is to provide assistance to students whoseaccess to, or completion of, education is inhibited byfinancial constraints or barriers.

The Bursary can support students with travel costs,equipment, books and other course-related costs.Payment will be dependent on meeting agreedattendance, achievement and behaviour criteria as laidout in the school’s Student Learning Agreement.Please see our website for more details.

Pastoral CareYour well-being and happiness are very important tous and key to you enjoying your time here andachieving your personal best. Our Pastoral SupportOfficer and support assistants offer support on allaspects of school life and are available to talk to aboutanything that affects our students’ ability to besuccessful.

In particular we can provide assistance on issuesrelating to health, well-being, family and relationships;coordinating work for long-term absences; home-studyarrangements; practical support with workload; andworking with outside agencies. It is important that youfeel happy and confident so that you can besuccessful in your studies.

Supportive Environment

Why A Levels?A levels are a key component to progressing touniversity and higher level apprenticeships. They arewell-established and well-known to employers as wellas universities and are suitable for students who areunsure about the direction of their future career.

Choosing Your Programme of StudyDeciding which A levels to study is not a decision tobe taken lightly. Choosing the right combination canprove daunting, but if you are methodical, take yourtime, and ask lots of questions you will find thesubjects that are right for you. You will need to thinkcarefully about your interests and skills and aboutpossible directions post-18. These are subjects whereyou will be expected to do a large amount of readingand research in your own time.

Different skill sets are required for different subjectsand you should consider the skills involved in eachand compare them with your current abilities basedon performance at GCSE level. Remember that theskills required at A level may be very different andsignificantly higher than those at GCSE level.

Some subjects require practical skills such as usinglaboratory equipment, others having the confidence todebate and discuss controversial issues. Some mayinvolve significant background reading and essaywriting or require independent reading, others a lot ofcreativity. The way a subject is assessed might alsobe important to you, particularly if assessmentinvolves a lot of project work. These are all factors tobe considered before making your final choice.

Entry requirement for pursuing aparticular university course/career pathIf you have a clear idea of the course you wish tostudy at university, research the course entryrequirements carefully. Certain universities do requirecertain subjects for particular courses. For example,you will need to take at least two science subjects toapply for medicine and dentistry or a drama coursemight require that you have at least one essay-basedA level. Remember that different universities will havedifferent policies so research a wide range ofproviders.

Genuine interest in and enjoy the subjectsYou should have a real interest in the subjects youintend to study. Ensure you have researched thecontent and detail of the course beforehand. Beingmotivated to explore your subjects fully will ultimatelyplay a key role in determining eventual success.

Desire to discover a new subjectPrior knowledge of a subject is not always a pre-requisite – you may however be required to show anaptitude in another related subject. Some subjects arealso very different to what you may be used to at GCSE.Beware of taking a subject just because it soundsinteresting. If you wish to study a subject that you havenot studied at GCSE level, it is essential to find out moreabout the course content. Ask lots of questions ofstudents and teachers in that subject.

Remember it is worth investing time and effort inresearching your intended subjects to keep your optionsopen and enable you to make a well-informed decisionabout which subjects to take.

CurriculumWe provide an academic curriculum offering flexibilityand choice. All students are expected to follow aprogramme of three A level subjects alongside anadditional qualification from a range of options includingExtended Project Qualification (EPQ). The EPQ isvalued by universities, in particular the Russell Groupuniversities and some may include it as part of an offermade to a student. A level courses are 2 year linearcourses.

Where appropriate, students may study four A levelsdependent upon advice and guidance. In addition,students will follow the school’s pastoral programme andundertake enrichment sessions and supervised studyperiods. This broad and comprehensive curriculumensures that our students are well prepared for highereducation or the workplace.

Please note that all courses are subject to changedepending on student numbers. Any changes to theoffer will be announced in good time.

A Curriculum of Depth andBreadth

Support and advice for students new to the sixth formbegins before enrolment day. We hold our InductionDays during the last week of the academic year - for2018 entry these will be on 16 and 17 July 2018 -when you will have an opportunity to meet with subjectteachers and key members of staff.

The focus of our first Induction Day is to allow you toget to know the school and make sure you feelcomfortable coming to a new learning environment.This day is run by our current sixth form students witha welcome from the Head of Sixth Form and membersof the Sixth Form Administration Team.

We also provide information and further details onwhat to do on GCSE results day.

Our second Induction Day focuses on your A levelsubjects and is delivered by subject teachers. The aimof this day is to prepare you for the year ahead. Youwill meet teachers from your proposed areas of studywho will provide advice and guidance on the transitionfrom Year 11 to Year 12. You will also be givenpreparatory work to complete over the summer inorder to bridge the large gap between GCSE and Alevel study.

How to ApplyOur sixth form offers opportunities for students whofulfil the academic criterion of 5 or more full courseGCSEs in separate subjects at Grade 6 (or Grade Bwhere applicable) including Grade 5 or above in bothEnglish Language and Mathematics) subject to anyindividual course requirements. Students are requiredto achieve a minimum Grade 6 in the subjects theywish to study at A level. Currently we cannot supportstudents who need to re-take GCSEs. The maximumYear 12 cohort for September 2018 entry is 150including a minimum planned admission number of 30candidates from other schools (see Admissions Policybelow).

The application process begins with our Sixth FormOpen Evening which is run jointly with Marling SchoolSixth Form and which takes place at the beginning ofNovember. The evening provides an opportunity tofind out about our A level courses, their outlineprogrammes, their assessment methods and theenrichment and career opportunities associated witheach. There is also a chance to discuss coursechoices with the subject leaders of each departmentand with current sixth form students.

Sixth Form application forms are provided at the OpenEvening together with detailed information on thecourses available (the application process and formsare also available on the school website).

Our deadline for applications for 2018 entry is Friday2 February 2018.

Following submission of the application form,applicants are invited to attend an advisory discussionwith a senior member of the teaching staff to discusscourse choices and other aspects of life in the sixthform. It also provides applicants with an opportunity toraise any questions they may have about the sixthform and the school in general. These discussions willtake place on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 February2018. In March, applicants are sent a conditional offerconfirming subject choices. Final places in Year 12 aresubsequently confirmed following GCSE results day –for 2018 entry GCSE results day will be on Thursday23 August 2018.

Admissions

Induction for New Sixth FormStudents

Stroud High School Sixth Form Sixth Form andMarling School Sixth Form share a purpose-built sixthform centre which is located between the two mainschool sites. The building includes classrooms, twosupervised study rooms with ICT facilities, café areaand 160-seater lecture theatre.

The two schools also share a number of other facilitieson their adjoining sites such as a music hall withaccompanying music rooms and a design technologycentre.

Facilities

These are mandatory elements of our post-16provision.Monday Tutor Period

This is a tutor period in which a programme of visitingspeakers are brought in to cover a range of areas. Allstudents attend these sessions which cover the widercurriculum and Information, Advice & Guidance.

Wednesday Enrichment

Wednesday afternoons are set aside forextracurricular academic activities or enrichmentactivities. Examples include volunteering, workexperience, music lessons, sporting activity, ormembership of a club or society. This is organised bythe individual student. Students can also enrol on theAccess to Bristol course.

One-to-one tutor meetingsEach term you will be expected to meet with yourtutor to discuss your progress and any needs youmay have. This allows us to plan effectively to makesure that your time with us is productive and that youcan plan for your future.

Work Shadowing PlacementAll students are expected to complete a workshadowing placement during the last week of theacademic year (week commencing 17 July 2019 forstudents joining Year 12 in Sept 2018). This isorganised by the student, however the school is ableto provide contact details of institutions andindividuals who have provided placements in the pastto help facilitate finding a placement.

Additional Academic Opportunities/Extracurricular ActivitiesAs well as seeking academic success, we believe sixthform students should be given the opportunity todevelop skills and qualities which will prepare them forthe future. We encourage students to get involved in arange of activities to develop the broad range of skillsessential for the world of work or higher education. Youwill be offered every opportunity to assume positions ofresponsibility and to develop self-confidence andleadership skills whilst in sixth form.

Other opportunities include:Crest AwardDebatingDuke of Edinburgh Gold AwardEnterprise projectsExchanges to France, Germany and SpainHouse LeadershipInternational and national educational visitsMembership of the Sixth Form CouncilMentoring schemeRecreational sport / sports teamsSenior Orchestra, Senior Strings, Senior Girls’ ChoirSocieties and Clubs (including Chess, FemSoc,History, Film, Law, Mathematics, Medical, ParticlePhysics, Philosophy, Politics, United Nations)Global ExpeditionsVolunteering in the local community

Enhanced Curriculum

The school day8.40am – 8.50am Morning Registration8.50am – 9.50am Period 19.50am – 10.50am Period 210.50am – 11.10am Break11.10am – 12.10pm Period 312.10pm – 1.10pm Period 41.10pm – 2.10pm Lunch2.10pm – 2.25pm Tutor Period/Assemblies/ House Activities2.25pm – 3.25pm Period 5

The Sixth Form Building is open to students from8.00am - 4.30pm.

Term Dates 2018-2019Term 1Monday 4 September – Friday 20 October 2018Term 2Monday 30 October – Friday 15 December 2018Term 3Tuesday 2 January – Friday 9 February 2019Term 4Monday 19 February – Thursday 29 March 2019Term 5Monday 16 April – Friday 25 May 2019Term 6Monday 4 June – Wednesday 25 July 2019

Dress Code

Student Voice, Leadership and Action are an integralpart of Stroud High School. There are five houses atStroud High School – Arundel, Capel, Griffin, Kimminand Stanley – with specific roles within each housethat students are appointed to:

Head Girl Form LeaderDeputy Head Girl Rag RepHouse Leader

SHS Sixth Form Dress CodeStroud High School is an academic school. It offers Alevel courses that prepare students for a professionalcareer. The dress code requires students be smartand appropriate at all times.

Appropriate• School is your workplace• For a professional environment• For a classroom environment• Your mode of dress should reflect that of the teacher• NO…midriffs/low cut tops/underwear on show, thin-

strapped tops, excessive jewellery

• RECOMMENDED knee length skirt or dress orlong trousers, sleeved top/blouse, shoes

Smart• This would not necessarily be what you would wear

casually• The difference should be obvious on non-uniform

day• It should look like you have made an effort• It should look like you have dressed with a purpose• NO…sloganed t-shirts, worn/faded jeans,

leggings/jeggings, hoodies, casual wear

• RECOMMENDED… jacket, knee length skirt ordress or long trousers, sleeved top/blouse, naturalhair colour

All sixth form students should be dressed in a mannerthat it would be acceptable for them to show visitorsaround the school at any given moment.

Key Dates and Times

SHS Leadership Opportunities

1. Year 12 admissionsApplications for Year 12 should be completed by thepublished deadline on the application form. Please referto the school’s website www.stroudhigh.gloucs.sch.ukor contact the School Admissions Office on +44 (0)1453764441 for further details and a copy of the applicationform. In April applicants will receive notification as towhether a conditional place has been allocated.Conditional places will be confirmed after the GCSEresults day in August each year. New students mustsubmit their GCSE results of GCSEresults day. Please contact [email protected] or +44(0)1453 760156.

2. CapacityThe maximum Year 12 cohort of Stroud High School is150. The Sixth Form Leadership Team Panel may admitabove this figure in exceptional circumstances andwhere it believes no prejudice will ensue. All Year 11Stroud High School students who meet the publishedacademic entry requirements can expect to be allocateda place in the Sixth Form, as well as aplanned admission number of 30 external candidates1.

3. Academic entry requirementsStudents will need to meet all of the followingrequirements for entry into Stroud High School SixthForm:• Students should achieve a minimum of 5 full course

GCSEs in separate subjects at Grade 6 (or Grade Bwhere applicable). Core and Additional Sciencecount as separate subjects. Short course GCSEs donot count towards the full course GCSErequirements.

• Students should have a minimum of Grade 5 in bothEnglish Language and Mathematics (see below).

• Students should meet individual subjectrequirements as described in the prospectus, usuallyGrade 6 (or Grade B where applicable) in theirchosen subjects if previously taken at GCSE level, ora relevant subject as specified in the sixth formprospectus.

Students will normally choose no more than 2 newsubjects to study in Year 12. Students with insufficientformal GCSE qualifications but with demonstrableequivalent qualifications will be considered by the

Stroud High School Sixth Form Leadership TeamPanel, being guided by points equivalence andevidence of prior learning.

Internal and new students who have missed the entrycriteria may request consideration for a place by theStroud High School Sixth Form Leadership Team Panelwho may accept or reject applications. This may includethose students who narrowly missed the sixth form orsubject entry criteria.

4. Students continuing from Year 11 inStroud High School

Priority for admission to Year 12 will be given tostudents progressing into the Sixth Form from Year 11of the school (see oversubscription criteria below).

5. Students joining the school for the firsttime

We welcome applications from new students. Followingsubmission of an application form, applicants will beinvited to an advisory discussion with a member of theStroud High School Sixth Form Team. Conditionalplaces will be offered on the basis of the predictedGCSE grades supplied by the applicant’s school andstudents should contact the school and submit theirGCSE results within one week of GCSE results day, toconfirm their place. Please contact [email protected] or +44(0)1453 760156.

6. Oversubscription criteriaIf more students meet the academic standard for entrythan can be offered places, the following additionalcriteria in this order will be applied:

1. A student who is a Child in Public Care2 3.2. Students from Stroud High School.3. Students with the highest average GCSE points

score in student’s best eight full course separatesubjects using the following points equivalent forlettered grades: A*=8, A=7, B=6, C=5, D=4, E=3.

In the event of a tie break between two or morestudents when applying the above criteria a process ofrandom allocation will be followed by the GoverningBody, which will be supervised by someoneindependent of the school.

Admissions PolicyAdmissions to Stroud High School Sixth Form

7. Waiting ListIn the event that the student reaches the requiredacademic standard but there are no places available inYear 12, she will be placed on a Waiting List. The orderof this list will conform to the oversubscription criteria aslisted above (section 6). If the number of students fallsbelow the maximum Year 12 cohort number those onthe waiting list will be offered places, in accordance withthe oversubscription criteria. The waiting list for Year12 will be held until 31st October.

Students from Year 11 of Stroud High School who leftbut then wish to return will be treated as new applicants.

8. Year 13 TransferNew students who wish to transfer into Year 13 shouldin the first instance make contact with the Sixth FormOffice.

9. Fair Access ProtocolsStroud High School has signed up to the In-Year FairAccess Protocols held by Gloucestershire CountyCouncil. Should a vulnerable student4 within theseprotocols, who meets the academic entry requirements,require a place at the school, they will take precedenceover any student on the waiting list. Stroud High Schoolis committed to equal opportunity and follows theEquality Act 20105 and adhered to the requirements ofthe School Admissions Code 20126.

10. AppealsThere is a system of appeals against non-admission,and details of how to appeal are available from theschool. It is the school’s policy to accept only oneappeal application for each student in an academic yearunless there is a significant change of circumstances.

Thursday 9 November 2017 – Sixth Form Open EveningFriday 2 February 2018 – Deadline for applications to Sixth Form (Sept 2018 entry)Monday 19 February 2018 – Information, Advice & Guidance Meetings (new applicants)Tuesday 20 February 2018 – Information, Advice & Guidance Meetings (new applicants)Thursday 29 March 2018 – Conditional offer letter confirming choicesMonday 16 July 2018 – Induction DayTuesday 17 July 2018 – Induction Day

Application Process

Admissions Policy (cont)

Exam Results

Stroud High School Examination Results 2017 – Advanced Level

A* A B C D E UArt & Design: Fine Art 2 2 2 2 0 0 0

Art & Design: Graphics 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Art & Design: Photography 4 6 2 0 0 0 0

Biology 5 12 9 6 11 7 3

Business Studies 0 1 1 0 2 1 0

Chemistry 3 9 7 4 8 1 2

Computer Science 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

Drama & Theatre 0 2 3 1 0 0 0

DT: 3D Product Design 0 0 1 1 0 0 0

DT: Textiles Technology 1 1 0 1 0 0 0

English Language & Literature 0 0 3 2 1 0 0

English Literature 12 12 18 7 3 0 0

French 3 6 3 1 0 0 0

Geography 1 8 9 7 3 2 0

German 1 1 0 1 1 0 0

History 2 5 13 1 3 0 0

Mathematics 4 8 10 9 3 0 0

Mathematics Further 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

Music 0 1 3 3 0 0 0

Philosophy, Ethics & Belief 1 0 2 1 0 1 1

Physical Education 0 1 1 1 1 1 0

Physics 0 2 4 1 4 0 0

Politics & Government 4 9 2 2 0 0 0

Psychology 6 1 9 9 2 1 1

Sociology 2 3 2 4 4 0 1

Spanish 0 4 1 1 0 0 0Totals 52 95 106 65 47 14 8

Why Study Fine Art?The art industry is the third largest income generatorin the UK and there are numerous possibilities forart-based careers. Many of our students go on tofollow courses in non-related art subjects and takewith them transferable skills and a greater aestheticawareness. Students choose from a range ofthemes, use of media and approaches relevant toFine Art. The aim of this course is to providemaximum flexibility and will be tailored to meetstudents’ particular strengths and interests.

Course Details – Exam Board: AQACoursework Portfolio: portfolio of practical work withan emphasis on developing ideas and experimentingwith media; students submit one practical project withfinal outcomes and a body of supporting work.

Controlled Assessment: students select one startingpoint from an exam board question paper;preparatory time to complete practical work, researchartists and plan for the final piece (15 hourscontrolled time).

Personal Investigation: production of one combinedunit of written and practical work with a relatedwritten study into the work of an artist or designer(3000 words).

Controlled Assessment: students select one startingpoint from an exam board question paper;preparatory time to complete practical work, researchartists and plan, prepare and realise ideas into a finalpiece or outcomes (15 hours controlled time).

Entry RequirementsPlease see attached sheet.

(Classes are timetabled alongside Graphic Communication)

Why Study Graphic Communication?The art industry is the third largest income generatorin the UK and there are numerous possibilities for art-based careers. Many of our students go on to followcourses in non-related art subjects and take with themtransferable skills and a greater aesthetic awareness.Students choose from a range of themes, use ofmedia and approaches relevant to Graphics. The aimof this course is to provide maximum flexibility and willbe tailored to meet students’ particular strengths andinterests.

Course Details – Exam Board: AQACoursework Portfolio: portfolio of practical work withan emphasis on developing ideas and experimentingwith media; students submit one practical project withfinal outcomes and a body of supporting work.

Controlled assessment: students select one startingpoint from an exam board question paper; preparatorytime to complete practical work, research artists andplan for the final piece (15 hours controlled time).

Personal Investigation: production of one combinedunit of written and practical work with a related writtenstudy into the work of an artist or designer (3000words).

Controlled Assessment: students select one startingpoint from an exam board question paper; preparatorytime to complete practical work, research artists andplan, prepare and realise ideas into a final piece oroutcomes (15 hours controlled time).


(Classes are timetabled alongside Fine Art)

SUBJECT DESCRIPTORSArt & Design – Fine Art

Art & Design – GraphicCommunication

Why Study Photography?The art industry is the third largest income generator inthe UK and there are numerous possibilities for art-based careers. Many of our students go on to followcourses in non-related art subjects and take with themtransferable skills and a greater aesthetic awareness.Students choose from a range of themes, use of mediaand approaches relevant to Photography. The aim ofthis course is to provide maximum flexibility and will betailored to meet students’ particular strengths andinterests.

Course Details – Exam Board: AQACoursework Portfolio: portfolio of practical work usingdigital photography techniques with an emphasis ondeveloping ideas and experimenting with media;students submit two practical projects with finaloutcomes and a body of supporting work and are taughthow to use a 35mm film camera and traditionaldarkroom techniques.

Controlled Assignment: students select one startingpoint from an exam board question paper; preparatorytime to complete practical work, researchphotographers and plan for the final piece (15 hourscontrolled time).

Personal Investigation: production of one combinedunit of written and practical work with a related writtenstudy into the work of a photographer (3000 words).

Controlled Test: students select one starting point froman exam board question paper; preparatory time tocomplete practical work, research artists and to plan,prepare and realise ideas into a final piece oroutcomes (15 hours controlled time).


(Classes are timetabled alongside Graphic Communication)

Why Study Biology?Biology involves the study of a wide range of topicsranging from molecular biology to the study ofecosystems and from microorganisms to mammals. Itoffers the opportunity to examine the background toareas such as GM foods, conservation of species,cloning, vaccines and ‘factory farming’. The skillsacquired in the study of Biology equip students for avariety of careers in the health and clinical professionsas well as biologically related higher educationcourses. Other students use Biology as a valuablesubject to take them on to a wide variety of otherfurther and higher education courses.

Course Details – Exam Board: OCR AThe specification is divided into topics, each coveringdifferent key concepts of Biology. Teaching of practicalskills is integrated with the theoretical topics and theyare assessed through the written papers: there is noseparate practical exam.

Year 12 starts with foundation topics: cell structure;biological molecules; nucleotides and nucleic acids;enzymes; biological membranes; cell division, celldiversity and cellular organisation. Then the coursecontinues to explore topics about Exchange andTransport and Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease.

In Year 13 you will continue to study two furthermodules about Communications, Homeostasis andEnergy and Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems.Practical work is integrated into the lessons and isteacher assessed. You will be expected to complete aminimum of 12 practical activities to demonstratepractical competence. Performance is reportedseparately to the A Level grade.


Art & Design – Photography

Biology

Why Study Business Studies?This subject is of general interest and useful forwhatever career path you are going to follow, whetherin employment or running your own business. You willdevelop the necessary knowledge and understandingof the local, national and international environmentand the decision-making processes of business.

Business Studies is ideal preparation for thosestudents wishing to pursue further study in the field ofBusiness and/or Management, either as a mainsubject in its own right or in combination with othersubjects.

Students should be competent and comfortabledealing with mathematical calculations and theinterpretation of numbers and percentages.

You should possess, or be willing to develop, stronganalysis and evaluation skills plus an interest inbusiness.

Course Details – Exam Board: AQAExamination papers use a variety of assessmentstyles including multiple choice, short answer, dataresponse, essay and case studies so that studentsfeel more confident and engage with the questions.Real life case studies will be used wherever possibleto make it easier for students to relate to and applytheir knowledge and skills developed throughout thecourse.


Why Study Chemistry?Chemistry at Advanced Level is a prerequisite formany courses in higher education and for many areasof employment. The primary reason for choosing tostudy Chemistry would be because you enjoyedstudying the subject at GCSE level. It is a long-established and well- respected qualification that canallow progression into a number of career areasincluding the chemical, chemical engineering,materials science and biotechnology industries. Inaddition, Chemistry is essential for careers inmedicine, pharmacology and environmental science.Chemistry is also a well-respected subject in its ownright and suitable for entry into a wide range of otherprofessions. The unique skills which are learned in ascience discipline are transferable to many differentcareers and would most certainly improve youremployment prospects.

Course Details – Exam Board: OCRThe specification is divided into topics, each coveringdifferent key concepts of Chemistry. Teaching ofpractical skills is integrated with the theoretical topicsand they are assessed through the written papers:there is no separate practical exam.

Year 12 starts with foundation topics: atomic structure& bonding; shapes of molecules, intermolecularforces, the mole concept; and the periodic table. Thenthe course continues to explore other areas ofChemistry such as physical Chemistry (equilibria,energetics and reaction kinetics) and organicChemistry (alkanes, alkenes, mechanisms, isomerism,alcohols, haloalkanes and instrumental techniques:infra-red spectroscopy and mass spectrometry). InYear 13 you will continue to study two further modules:Physical Chemistry & Transition Elements (conceptsinclude: enthalpy, entropy, free energy, electrodepotentials, pH and buffers) and Organic Chemistry &Analysis (topics include: arenes, carbonyl compounds,carboxylic acids, amines, polymers, nuclear magneticresonance and gas chromatography). Practical work isintegrated into the lessons and is teacher assessed.You will be expected to complete a minimum of 12practical activities to demonstrate practicalcompetence. The practical endorsement is reportedseparately to the A level grade.


Business Studies

Chemistry

Why Study Computer Science?From Facebook to running nuclear power stations,software development is at the heart of modern living.With an emphasis on abstract thinking, generalproblem solving, algorithmic and mathematicalreasoning, scientific and engineering-based thinking,Computer Science opens the door to a wide range ofcareers and further study, both with universities andcolleges, IT companies and those who use computersin industry, commerce, the armed services andgovernment service. Roles span technical innovation,management, analysis, consultancy, training andresearch. Employers range from small companies tolarge multinationals with much scope for work andtravel abroad.

Course Details – Exam Board:OCR H446At the heart of Computer Science lies the notion ofcomputational thinking: a mode of thought that goeswell beyond software and hardware, and that providesa framework within which to reason about systemsand problems. Learners will develop an ability toanalyse, critically evaluate and make decisions.

Computer Science is a practical subject wherelearners can apply the academic principles learned inthe classroom to real world systems. The projectelement is a vital component which is relevant tofurther education, higher education and the workplacewhere students can tailor it to suit their own individualneeds, choices and aspirations. Through thisqualification, students can develop an understandingof and ability to apply the fundamental principles andconcepts of Computer Science including: abstraction,decomposition, logic, algorithms and datarepresentation; the ability to analyse problems incomputational terms through practical experience ofsolving such problems including writing programs todo so; the ability to articulate the individual (moral),social (ethical), legal and cultural opportunities andrisks of digital technology.


Course Details – Exam Board: AQA Drama and Theatre (40%): 3 hour

written exam (study of 2 set texts and evaluation oflive theatre).

Creating Original Drama (practical)(30%): create an original piece of drama from astimulus of your choice, in the role of an actor,director or designer. Assessed through performanceand written working notebook.

Making theatre (practical) (30%): apractical exploration of three extracts from threedifferent plays in the role of actor, director ordesigner. Assessed through performance and writtenReflective Report.


Computer Science

Drama & TheatreWhy Study Drama & Theatre?Drama and Theatre is for students who wish toincrease their practical and theoretical understandingof the theatre and performance. It is suitable forthose who are interested in a career in the creativearts, those who wish to study an A level whichcomplements English Literature or indeed for thosestudents who desire an interesting contrast betweentheir options. The course has a strong practicalelement but is sufficiently academic to meet highereducation requirements.

Students are expected to attend several theatrevisits organised by the department. Drama andTheatre suits students who enjoy a mix of individualskill development and group work. For thosestudents hoping to get into drama school, Dramaand Theatre is the most relevant A level subject totake but studying Drama also helps develop keytransferable skills useful in any industry, such ascreative thinking, negotiation, leadership, andcollaboration.

Why Study Art & Design Textiles?The Art & Design Textiles course allows students todemonstrate high levels of innovation and creativity.Students will learn a wide range of Textile skillsrefining their understanding of surface pattern anddesign. They will learn to appreciate the relationship ofform and function and working to the constraints of abrief. Students will produce practical and folio workfollowing projects in a range of disciplines, forexample, fashion design, fashion textiles, costumedesign, interior design, art textiles and installedtextiles. They will understand a variety of textilemethods, such as fabric printing and colouring, fabricconstruction and stitching (appliqué, patchwork,padding, quilting and/or embroidery). Students willalso learn how ideas, feelings and meanings can beconveyed and interpreted in images and artefactscreated in their chosen area of Textile Design.

Over the two years students will produce 2 portfoliosand two major made outcomes inspired by differentstyles and genres which can be used to supportapplications and interviews for Art based courses atdegree level.

There are a huge variety of careers that can follow atextile based degree, as we live in a world surroundedand incased with textiles, from fashion textiles, tointerior textiles to automotive and performancetextiles; jobs include, design, buying, textile designassistant, studio assistant, product assistant, fashionadviser, design consultant, merchandiser, print makerand textile technologist.

Course Details – Exam Board: AQAThis is an exciting and vibrant course deliveredthrough the investigation of the work of Artists andDesigners and developed through experimentation ofa wide range of media and skills. In the first yearstudents will produce a full portfolio of work and amade outcome. Year 13 students produce a folio ofwork and outcome in the personal assessment worth60% of the total A level and a 15 hour externally setassignment towards the end of the year making up theremaining 40% All units are controlledassessment/coursework based; there is no writtenexamination.


Why Study Product Design?Design and Technology courses provide anopportunity for students to develop their own creativity,capability and encourage entrepreneurial skills, toapply knowledge and understanding to a range oftechnological activities and to develop critical thinking.It allows you to ‘think outside the box’ and providescapability in a variety of life skills.

Students have used the course as a foundation for avariety of higher education courses or career paths. Inrecent years students have moved on to ArtFoundation courses or degree courses in architecture,product design, a wide variety of engineeringspecialisms, business management and teaching.

Course Details – Exam Board: AQAPaper 1: Technical principles (30% of A level)

Paper 2: Designing and making principles (20% of Alevel)

NEA (coursework): Practical application of technicalprinciples, designing and making principles (50% of Alevel). This is a substantial single design and maketask over 2 years.


DT – Art & Design Textiles

DT – 3D Product DesignResistant Materials and Graphic Products

English Literature

Why Study Economics?Economics is a social science that concerns the fabricof social relations. From the choices available to youon the high street to your career prospects, as well asbroad issues such as environmental sustainability andglobal poverty, an understanding of economicconcepts helps us to understand what is happeningaround us and why.

Students with an economics background areemployed by the Government, large corporations,charities and research organisations as professionaleconomists. They also enter management in both theprivate and public sector.

Higher education establishments offer a variety ofdegree courses, from pure Economics to acombination of Economics and many other subjects.Economics forms a major component of manybusiness and accountancy courses and at post-graduate level a qualification in Economics is essentialfor environmental, social or development studies.

Students should be competent and comfortabledealing with mathematical calculations and theinterpretation of numbers and percentages.

You should possess, or be willing to develop, stronganalysis and evaluation skills plus a broader interest ineconomic issues nationally and globally.

Course Details – Exam Board: OCRBefore the A level qualification can be given threemandatory components must be completed at the endof the course, focusing on microeconomics,macroeconomics, and themes in economics, with thelatter offering an opportunity for students to applytheories and concepts to up-to-date contexts.

The Economics content encourages students to ‘thinkas economists’ and develop the appropriate range ofanalytical, questioning and reasoning skills to achievethis objective. In addition the qualification will enablelearners to develop strong grounding in bothmicroeconomics and macroeconomics, drawing onlocal, national and global contexts.


Why Study English Literature?An A Level in English Literature is well regarded byuniversities and business institutions. It is an idealcomplement to all other subjects because it providescommunication, reflection, forward thinking andcreativity.

Taking English at degree level offers a wide variety ofcareer options in both the academic and vocationalarenas. The course not only allows you to developyour interest and enjoyment of literary study, but alsohones your skills of analysis, evaluation, problemsolving and communication which prepare you for theworld of work whatever career you decide to pursue.The breadth of opportunity the course offers allowsstudents who are passionate about reading to engagewith a range of texts from the Victorian novel to thecontemporary poetry scene.

Course Details – Exam Board: Edexcel

Shakespeare: Measure for Measure and Other Drama:Streetcar Named Desire

The Picture of Dorian Gray and Dracula

The poetry of John Keats and post-2000 poetrycompared to unseen poetry

Students produce one comparative assignment 2500-3000 words


Economics

Why Study Modern Languages?It is now commonplace for proficiency in languagesto be sought among employers. More and moreprofessions require you to work in a multilingualenvironment and there are few companies who donot have customers, if not branches, abroad. Justhave a look at some higher education prospectusesand you will see how many of them combinescience, ICT, engineering, management andbusiness studies with languages. Consider theadvantages you will have if you have the ability tospeak another language, coupled with a soundunderstanding of the politics and culture of thecountry or countries concerned. Not just travelcompanies, but also business, finance, technology,media, creative and science-based professions areall increasingly looking for graduates who can offera range of skills including language proficiency.

Course Details – Exam Board: EduqasComponent 1: SpeakingComponent 2: Listening, reading and translationComponent 3: Critical and analytical response inwriting

The themes covered in Year 12 are social issues andtrends and political, intellectual and artistic culture. InYear 13 students will explore the themes of diversityand difference and France from 1940-1950 - theOccupation and post-war years. Students study twoworks of French literature and two French films overthe two year course including the recent films“Intouchables” and “La Haine” as well as the texts “Noet Moi” and “L’Etranger”. Alongside lessons studentshave weekly speaking sessions with the FrenchLanguage Assistant who helps students to developconfidence and skill levels in spoken French.

Stroud High has a long running exchange with LycéeSt Joseph in Ancenis and as part of the Year 12course students are offered the opportunity to takepart in this exchange where they will undertakeseveral days of work experience in France as well asenjoying a day trip to a French city.


Why Study Geography?Geography helps to improve a number of valuablelearning and life skills such as ICT, communication,numeracy and literacy skills. It teaches you how tohandle and organise data and resources and istherefore seen as a good subject to study by futureemployers.

Geography is a varied subject and can be taken atuniversity either as a BSc or a BA. It is often availableas a joint honours degree, combining with subjectssuch as development, economics, and environmentaland sports sciences.It can lead to subject-linked careers such as townplanning, surveying, hydrology, meteorology andordnance survey planning or it can be used as adegree basis for further training in any subject.

Course Details – Exam Board: AQAA balance is maintained between Physical and HumanGeography with a greater emphasis on the interactionbetween these and the environment.

Core skills are assessed including Graphical,Cartographic, GIS and the application of knowledgewithin different contexts. Fieldwork is central to thecourse with a requirement of 4 days off-site fieldwork.Fieldwork will be assessed through coursework. InYear 12 all students will study Hazards, Water and theCarbon Cycle, Changing Places and Skills. In Year 13the units are Global Systems and Global Governance,Coasts, Population and the Environment, as well assome additional statistical skills.


French

Geography

GermanWhy Study Modern Languages?It is now commonplace for proficiency in languages tobe sought among employers. More and moreprofessions require you to work in a multilingualenvironment and there are few companies who do nothave customers, if not branches, abroad. Just have alook at some higher education prospectuses and youwill see how many of them combine science, ICT,engineering, management and business studies withlanguages.

Consider the advantages you will have if you have theability to speak another language, coupled with asound understanding of the politics and culture of thecountry or countries concerned. Not just travelcompanies, but also business, finance, technology,media, creative and science-based professions are allincreasingly looking for graduates who can offer arange of skills including language proficiency.

German is the Leaving aside theexciting opportunities to live and work in a German-speaking country, the CBI, the UK’s premier businesslobbying organisation, considers German to be one ofthe most useful foreign languages for organisations inthe UK.

Course Details – EduqasComponent 1: Speaking (30% of the qualification)Component 2: Listening, Reading and Translation(50% of the qualification)Component 3: Critical and analytical response inwriting (20% of the qualification)

Topics and Themes- Social issues and trends- Families and citizenship- Youth trends and personal identity- Education and employment opportunities- Being a young person in German-speaking society- Political, intellectual and artistic culture- Understanding the German-speaking world- Regional culture and heritage in Germany, German-speaking countries and communities- Media, art, film and music in the German-speaking world- Diversity and difference- Migration and integration- Cultural identity and marginalisation- Cultural enrichment and celebrating difference- The making of modern Germany: 1989 onwards- Initial and subsequent process of reunification- Social cohesion in present day Germany- The economic impact of a united Germany

We also recap all grammar points from GCSE as wellas introducing more advanced grammar points to helpyou through your A level studies. We use authenticmaterials from German media including newspaperand website articles, as well as film and news videoclips.

Our German assistant will also help you to improveyour confidence and ability in spoken German in orderto prepare you for the oral exam.

Students will also study one film and one book.


History

Mathematics

Why Study History?History is a fascinating subject in its own right – it isabout people, so if you find other people interesting,you will find history fascinating.

It also helps us make sense of the modern world welive in and has an important contribution to make tolife-long learning. It enables you to develop the abilityto communicate clearly, synthesise and criticallyevaluate information – transferable skills which providean excellent foundation for a number of careers andwhich are valued by employers.

Higher education institutions welcome historians ontoHistory specific/History-related courses as well asdegrees in law, journalism and business.

Course Details – Exam Board: OCRStudents will study:

Unit 1: British period study and enquiry – Y110: ‘FromPitt to Peel: Britain 1783-1853.’ The Enquiry topic forUnit 1 will be: ‘Peel and the Age of Reform 1832-1853’.

Unit 2: Non-British period study – Y216: ‘The USA inthe 19th Century: Westward expansion and Civil War1803-c.1890’.

Unit 3: Thematic study and historical interpretations –Y321: ‘The Middle East 1908-2011: Ottomans to ArabSpring’.

Unit 4: Non-exam assessment – Y100: ‘Topic-basedessay’. Unit 4 involves students carrying out anindependently researched essay of 3000-4000 wordsin length. The essay produced will be marked by theteacher(s) and moderated by the exam board (OCR).


Why Study Mathematics?You may wish to consider the continued study ofMathematics because you enjoy logical thinking, wantto find out more about how Mathematics is used in thereal world, derive satisfaction from problem solving orwish to delve deeper into the mathematical ideasintroduced at GCSE level.

Mathematics complements a vast number of othersubjects as well as being an important qualification inits own right and is an essential qualification for somecareer and higher education opportunities.

A good grade can lead to a wide range ofmathematical subjects at higher education andsupports scientific and technical subjects whichalways have a mathematical component.

Course Details – Exam Board: EdexcelA Level Mathematics consists of three elements, puremathematics, mechanics and statistics. Puremathematics develops aspects of the subject alreadymet at GCSE, such as quadratic equations, coordinategeometry and trigonometry, while introducing newfields such as calculus and logarithms.

The statistics content combines more sophisticatedways of interpreting and processing data, such aslinear regression and standard deviation, with anextension of the fundamentals of probability that wereintroduced at GCSE. Meanwhile Mechanics covers theuse of the formulae for uniform acceleration, inconjunction with the application of Newton’s laws ofmotion.

All three aspects are covered in Year 12 before beingre-visited in greater depth and complexity in Year 13.


Mathematics – FurtherStrong mathematicians can finish with two A Levels –one in Mathematics and the other in FurtherMathematics. Further Mathematics students will betaught in a separate group from the singleMathematics students, thus allowing for a pace oflearning more suited to highly able students.

Studying for this additional qualification will allowstudents to gain greater breadth and depth ofknowledge and understanding of the subject. Forinstance, students could have the opportunity to studydecision mathematics, which would be an entirely newstrand of the subject to them, while also taking theideas introduced in the Mathematics qualification to amuch more complex level. Clearly this ‘double’qualification is an extremely powerful one for thosestrong enough mathematically to study it.

Although it is rarely a stated requirement for entry tocourses in higher education it is highly recommendedthat students have studied it if they intend to studyMathematics, Engineering or certain scientific courses atsome universities.

Indeed, some students may find themselves at adisadvantage if they apply for such courses withouthaving studied Further Mathematics at A level.

Exam BoardEdexcel


Why Study Music?A level Music is aimed at students who wish to (i)develop their skills and understanding of music, (ii)study music or a combined arts subject in highereducation and pursue a vocation in music and/or thearts or (iii) broaden their experience and deepen theirunderstanding of both live and recorded music as partof lifelong learning. This course can lead to the studyfor a BMus or BA in Music or a combined arts course.Students who are particularly gifted instrumentalists orsingers (Grade 8+) could apply for a performingcourse at one of the conservatoires of music such asThe Royal Academy of Music or The Guildhall Schoolof Music.

Course Details – WJEC Eduqas*The course will broadly consist of the followingcomponents:

- The examination will teststudents’ listening skills, analysis skills and theircontextual understanding of music they have studied.

students will be required to study works/scoresfrom the Western classical tradition, (

) whichincludes two set works.

*Further information can be found on the examination board websiteat http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/music/as-a-level/)

Students will also study music from furtherAreas of Study selected from: (i) Rock and Pop; (ii)Musical Theatre; (iii) Jazz and

which will include .Students will be required to listen attentively tounfamiliar music from all the named artists/composersin their selected areas of study to identify andaccurately describe musical elements and use musicallanguage (including staff notation).

Solo and/or ensembleperforming as an instrumentalist or vocalist. Aminimum of 10 mins of performance in total isrequired (no more than 12 mins). This component is

marked.

: Composition to abrief set by the exam board. : Freecomposition. The combined submission must total aminimum of four and a half minutes and must notexceed six minutes. This component ismarked.


Music

Why Study Music Technology?Music Technology is aimed at students who wish todevelop their skills and understanding in musicsequencing and music recording techniques andstudents wishing to study music, music technology,popular music or a combined arts subject in highereducation. It can lead to the study of the subject atdegree level and a growing number of such courses areavailable at higher education level. It is ideal preparationfor students wishing to pursue a vocation in musictechnology, broadcasting and/or the arts and who wishto complete a complementary subject within their sixthform programme of study.

Course Details – Exam Board: EdexcelComponent 1: Recording (Externally assessed, 20% ofthe qualification)Content overview: Production tools and techniques tocapture, edit, process and mix an audio recording.Component 2: Technology-based composition(Externally assessed, 20% of the qualification)

situation ethics and natural moral law are debatedand applied and practical issues such as War andPeace and Sexual Ethics are considered. Thelanguage of ethics, such as what we mean by ‘good’and ‘bad’ is studied alongside a focus on key ethicistsand their particular theories. The ever-popular topic ofmedical ethics will engage many students as will afocus on some of the more prominent developments inethics of the last few years.Component 3: Study of Belief - Buddhism – studentswill have the opportunity to focus on the religion ofBuddhism in more depth. They will be asked to look atreligious beliefs, values and teachings, sources ofwisdom and authority and practices that have shapedand expressed religious identity as a Buddhist. Alsoexplored are the social and historical developments aswell as a comparative study of two Buddhist scholars.Students will also be aiming to show understanding ofBuddhism in the context of key societies.(Set texts will be specified)


Content overview: Creating, editing, manipulating andstructuring sounds to produce a technology-basedcomposition.Component 3: Listening and analysis (Writtenexamination 1 hour 30 mins long 25% of thequalification)Content: Knowledge and understanding of recordingand production techniques and principles, in thecontext of a series of unfamiliar commercial recordingssupplied by the examination board.Component 4: Producing and analysing(Written/practical examination 2 hours 15 mins long35% of the qualification)Content: Knowledge and understanding of editing,mixing and production techniques, to be applied tounfamiliar materials provided by the examinationboard in the examination.


Why Study Philosophy, Ethics & Belief?Philosophy & Ethics is a subject that gives studentsthe opportunity to develop thinking skills and powersof analysis and the ability to produce and assess abalanced argument. It improves language skills andenables an appreciation of objective concepts andindividual opinions. This subject allows for a variety ofskills to be developed appropriate for careers in fieldssuch as journalism, law, medicine, media, the policeforce, teaching, psychology, designing and charitywork.Course Details – Exam Board: EdexcelComponent 1: Philosophy of Religion – students focuson key philosophical questions such as the explorationof the nature and influence of religious experience inphilosophical thought. They also consider the place ofevil and suffering in the world, and ask whether it is everpossible to successful talk about God. Other elementsinvolve addressing key philosophical issues, influencesand developments as well as individual philosophers.Component 2: Religious Ethics – this unit sees thestudents exploring the intricate links between religiousand philosophical belief, and ethical behaviour.Significant ethical theories such as Utilitarianism,

Philosophy, Ethics and Belief

Music Technology

Physical Education

Physics

Why Study Physical Education?. It encourages

students to immerse themselves in the topics, with thechance to perform or coach a sport.

PE provides – students receive awell-rounded and full introduction to the world of PE,sport and sports science from which to build on tomove into higher education, employment or furthertraining.

– studentsdevelop a range of practical skills such as dealing withpressure, decision-making, analysing and evaluatinglive performance.

Course Details – Exam Board: AQAPhysical Education qualifications allow students toplay to their strengths and gain dynamic theoreticaland practical skills for further education or work. The Alevel specification content is divided into twocomponents: ‘Factors affecting participation inphysical activity and sport’ and ‘Factors affectingoptimal performance in physical activity and sport’.

These overview topics are then broken down furtherinto studies of:

– applied anatomy and physiology– skill acquisition– sport and society– exercise physiology– biomechanical movement– sport psychology– sport and society and the role of technology inphysical activity and sport.

These components are assessed throughexaminations. There is also a practical element to thequalification worth 30% of the final A level grade.Students are assessed as a performer or coach in thefull sided version of one activity and then give awritten/verbal analysis of performance.


Why Study Physics?Physics is proud of where it stands at the forefront ofscience. It enables the accurate and precise study ofall investigations because the best instruments usedby chemists, biologists, forensic scientists, geologists,metallurgists, volcanologists and other sciencedisciplines have been made through the advances inthe subject.

Physics is also at the heart of engineering withapplications ranging from spacecraft design, motorsport, renewable energy infrastructures and civilengineering to the nuclear and gas/oil powerindustries.

There are many branches of research within physicsfrom the search for clean energy from nuclear fusionto the search for answers on dark matter. Studentsmay also consider taking their studies further withmedical physics – a discipline where many excitingnew developments are taking place.

Students find it beneficial to study A level Mathsalongside A level Physics.

Course Details – Exam Board: OCR AThe first year consists of four modules:

- development of practical skills in physics- foundations of physics- forces and motion- electrons, waves and photons

The second year consists of some furtherdevelopment of the first year units and two furthermodules:

- the Newtonian world and astrophysics- particles and medical physics


Why Study Politics & Government?Politics & Government is an excellent choice foranyone who wants to get behind the headlines. It iswell respected by top universities and requires bothhistorical depth and for students to study in real timeand be up to the minute. Students learn how toanalyse evidence and arguments, discuss and arguefrom an informed point of view and communicateeffectively. Studying Politics allows you to hear a widerange of opinions in lively class debates and helps youto understand fundamental things about our society.

It is particularly useful for those going on to study anyof the humanities or social sciences and the analyticaland communication skills acquired are transferable tocareers in journalism, publishing, law, the civil service,pressure groups, political consultancy, education orbusiness. Previous students have gone on to write forthe Economist, edit the Huffington Post, becomebarristers and financial consultants in the City ofLondon, advisors (for example, to John Prescott), oneformer student is a Member of the EuropeanParliament, and others are research assistants toleading politicians and lobbyists.

Course Details – Exam Board: AQAThe British element of the course involves the study ofelectoral systems and referendums; voting behaviour;political parties; pressure groups; the BritishConstitution, judiciary and rights; parliament; the primeminister, cabinet and civil service; local government,regional assemblies (the Scottish Parliament andWelsh Assembly) and the European Union.

In Year 13 students will also study US Governmentand Politics. Topics include US electoral process anddirect democracy; US political parties; US votingbehaviour; US pressure groups; the US constitutionalframework; the US legislature: the US executive; andthe US Supreme Court.

Students will also study and be examined on PoliticalIdeologies including conservatism, socialism,liberalism and one other (probably feminism).


Why Study Psychology?Psychology offers the ability to understand moral,ethical, social and cultural issues. It is about you, thepeople around you and differences that exist indifferent people which will benefit you personally,socially and in any job that requires you to interactwith or understand other people.

Psychology offers maximum opportunity to acquireand develop the new ‘Key Skills’ of communication,application of number, information, technology,working with others, improving own learning andperformance and problem solving.

There are a number of employment opportunities inclinical psychology, industrial or occupationalpsychology as well as many personal benefits to begained from studying Psychology. There are manyother jobs where Psychology is indirectly used such asnursing, social work, teaching and business.

Course Details – Exam Board: AQAIntroductory Topics in Psychology: memory(remembering, forgetting and eye witness testimony);attachment (how bonds are formed and their impact onlater life); and social influence (conformity, obedienceand independent behaviour). Psychology in Context:psychopathology and treatment (phobias, depressionand OCD), approaches to psychology, biopsychologyand research methods. Issues and Options inPsychology: relationships (the process of romanticrelationships and modern day relationships such asthose over social media), schizophrenia (diagnosis andtreatment) and forensic psychology (offender profilingand dealing with offenders).Students sit three written papers covering the contentfrom introductory topics in psychology and psychologyin context and issues and options in psychology.


Politics & Government

Psychology

Sociology

Spanish

Why Study Sociology?Sociology is the study of society, people and theirbehaviour. Students are encouraged to look beyondthe obvious and to examine the patterns andrelationships that shape both our society and theindividuals within it. Sociology is a rigorous academicsubject that complements a range of other subjectsthrough its development of analytical and evaluativeskills. Critical thinking skills learnt in sociology provideexcellent preparation for university and for careerpaths such as law, the police, criminology andjournalism. Developing an awareness of differentgroups of people in society and their needs is alsoinvaluable for professions in education, marketing,medicine and social work.

Course Details – Exam Board: AQA7191/7192Year 1: Students begin by gaining an understanding ofwhat sociology is. They consider how norms andvalues shape us and how factors such as class,gender and ethnicity impact on our lives. This leadsinto where students considerchanging family patterns, gender roles within thefamily, the nature of childhood and demographictrends in the UK.

Next students explore the role and functions ofthe system considering the impact ofeducational policies and the differential educationalachievement of social groups by class, gender andethnicity. We also look at processes within schools,with particular reference to teacher/pupil relationships,pupil identities and subcultures. Finally we lookat where students gain anunderstanding of the methods sociologists use to gainevidence and test their theories about society.Year 2: Students study , examiningthe role religion has today, considering topical issuessuch as secularisation, fundamentalism, the rise ofcults and sects and the impact of globalisation andscience on beliefs. Students also study

exploring the causes of crime; socialdistribution of crime by age, class, gender andethnicity; media and crime; human rights crimes;green crime and crime control, prevention andpunishment.Finally, students will consolidate and build on theirunderstanding of by exploringtheories such as Marxism, feminism, andpostmodernism.


Why Study Spanish?It is now commonplace for proficiency in languages tobe sought among employers. More and moreprofessions require you to work in a multilingualenvironment and there are few companies who do nothave customers, if not branches, abroad. Just have alook at some higher education prospectuses and youwill see how many of them combine science, ICT,engineering, management and business studies withlanguages.

Consider the advantages you will have if you have theability to speak another language, coupled with asound understanding of the politics and culture of thecountry or countries concerned. Not just travelcompanies, but also business, finance, technology,media, creative and science-based professions are allincreasingly looking for graduates who can offer arange of skills including language proficiency.

You will develop your ability to write fluently andaccurately in Spanish for a range of different purposesand increase your understanding of grammar and howthe language fits together and acquire importantpersonal research and study skills through topic andproject work.

Course Details – Exam Board: AQAComponent 1: SpeakingComponent 2: Listening, reading and translationComponent 3: Critical and analytical response inwriting


There are a wide range of academic enrichmentactivities available to students that run in conjunctionwith subjectareas:

• Visit to Houses of Parliament• Visit to National Museum of Computing at

Bletchley Park• Model United Nations General Assembly• National Governing Body Award qualifications in

officiating and coaching• British Physics Olympiad

• Student Investors Challenge• Debating opportunities at Oxford, Cambridge,

Warwick, Birmingham and Bristol universities• Coaching and mentoring of younger athletes

acrossa range of sports

• Visit to May Hill prison• Astrophysics Real Science project• Residential field trips• European Youth Parliament• Hennessey Prize for Politics

Academic Enrichment

Stroud High School Sixth FormBeards Lane, Cainscross Road, Stroud, Glos GL5 4HF

T: 01453 847103 / Fax: 01453 756304

Email: [email protected]

Stroud High School is a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales under number 765774

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