Clifton College Sixth Form 32 College Road, Clifton, Bristol Curriculum Book BS8 3JH

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@Clifton_College Oct 2018 University destinations of Clifton College

The A Level students: 2016-2018 2017 No. EXETER (14) 11 LEEDS (10) 9 2018 University Places EDINBURGH (24) 8 CARDIFF (35) 8 2018 No. Courses DURHAM (5) 7 UCL (7) 7 UCL (7) 8 Management, Biology [x2], Psychology, Modern Languages, BRISTOL (16) 5 Anthropology, Engineering, Economics LSE (11) 5 OXFORD BROOKES 8 Engineering, Planning [x2], Real Estate, Sport, Education, NEWCASTLE (26) 5 [84] Business, Criminology SWANSEA (36) 5 BRISTOL [16] 7 Education, History of Art, Philosophy, Engineering, Biology, History, Economics SHEFFIELD (21) 5 OXFORD BROOKES (5) 5 at Clifton CARDIFF [35] 7 History, Politics [x2], Law, Journalism, Business [x2] KCL (28) 4 Sixth Fo m MANCHESTER (25) 7 Economics [x2], Psychology, Engineering [x2], English, Management MANCHESTER (25) 4 READING (32) 4 BATH (12) 6 Engineering, Maths [x2], Sociology, Psychology, Architecture OXFORD (2) 3 BIRMINGHAM (15) 6 Geography [x2], English, Biomed Science, History, International LOUGHBOROUGH (7) 3 Relations BIRMINGHAM (15) 3 KCL (28) 6 History, Maths [x2], Chemistry, Computer Science, International Development YORK (16) 3 ROYAL HOLLOWAY (28) 3 EDINBURGH (24) 5 History of Art, Italian, Philosophy & Theology, Medicine, Classics GOLDSMITHS (63) 3 EXETER (14) 5 Modern Languages [x2], Engineering, Biology, History CARDIFF MET (90) 3 LSE (11) 4 Management, Maths, Law, Government & Economics WARWICK (9) 2 NOTTINGHAM (18) 4 Spanish, Nutrition, Law, Chemistry BATH (12) 2 OXFORD (2) 4 Modern Languages, Biology, Classics, Maths & Philosophy UEA (13) 2 SOUTHAMPTON (30) 4 Economics, Business, French, Physiotherapy GLASGOW (20) 2 LOUGHBOROUGH (8) 3 History, Economics, Business KENT (31) 2 NEWCASTLE (26) 3 Combined Honours, Economics, Ancient History LEICESTER (34) 2 ROYAL HOLLOWAY 3 Management [x2], Biomed Science LIVERPOOL (42) 2 (29) PORTSMOUTH (53) 2 KENT (31) 3 History [x2], Biomed Engineering QUEEN MARY (43) 2 SUSSEX (27) 2 NOTTINGHAM 3 Business, Fashion, Biomed Science TRENT (47) 2016 No. SWANSEA (37) 3 Law, Business, Engineering BOURNEMOUTH (51) 2 Business, Finance NEWCASTLE [22] 10 COVENTRY (44) 2 Economics, Aviation EXETER [9] 9 LINCOLN (54) 2 Psychology, Architecture DURHAM [4] 8 EDINBURGH [37] 7 CAMBRIDGE (1) 2 Natural Sciences, Geography CARDIFF [46] 7 UEA (13) 2 English, Computer Science BIRMINGHAM [16] 6 LEEDS (10) 2 Business, Natural Sciences MANCHESTER [32] 6 LEICESTER (34) 2 Biology, Medicine QUEEN MARY [40] 5 LIVERPOOL [42] 2 Criminology, Geography OXFORD BROOKES [69] 5 QUEEN MARY [43] 2 French, History CAMBRIDGE [1] 4 READING (32) 2 Real Estate, Surveying OXFORD [2] 4 SHEFFIELD (21) 2 Engineering, Urban Studies UCL [6] 4 SURREY (19) 2 Music Tech, Economics LEEDS [13] 4 YORK (17) 2 Marketing, Enineering READING [31] 4 SWANSEA [44] 4 WARWICK [7] 3 BATH [12] 3 Explanatory notes: EAST ANGLIA [15] 3 1. Entry in these lists is conditional upon more than one Cliftonian YORK [17] 3 going to that university in the given year. SHEFFIELD [24] 3 1 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 2. The league table positions in brackets are from the Times Good ROYAL HOLLOWAY [34] 3 University Guide dated the following year. UWE [60] 3 Dear Sixth Former,

This booklet gives you information about the wide range of academic opportunities that are available to a Sixth Form student at Clifton College. Choosing which subjects to study for A Level is not an easy decision, so it is very important that you spend time exploring the many possible options to gain an understanding of what is involved in the study of each subject. The choice of A Levels is clearly an important step in your future academic career, influencing the university and degree courses to which you can make a successful application. If you are finding it difficult to decide what is best to do next then do please come and see me, Mr Simmons (Deputy Head Academic) or the Head of Sixth Form and we will be happy to discuss the options with you.

Dr Tim Greene, Head Master

Contents

The Sixth Form journey 3 Classics 33 Music, Drama & Dance 51 Latin 34 Drama and Theatre 52 Joining the Sixth Form 7 Ancient Greek 34 Music 53 Science 15 Classical Civilisation 36 Music Technology 54 Biology 16 Dance 55 Humanities 37 Chemistry 17 Professional Geography 38 Physics 18 Certificate LAMDA History 39 Psychology 19 (Sector E) 55 Religious Studies 40 Mathematics & Computer 21 Art & Design 57 Science PPE & Business 41 Art 58 Mathematics 22 Politics 42 Photography 59 Computer Science 22 Philosophy 43 Sculpture/Ceramics 60 Further Mathematics 23 Economics 44 Design & Technology: Business 45 Product Design 61 English & Modern Business (BTEC) 45 Design & Technology: Foreign Languages 25 Fashion and Textiles 61 English Language 26 Physical Education 47 History of Art 62 English Literature 27 & Sport French 28 Information Technology 65 German 29 Sector E 66 Spanish 30 Additional support 68 Italian, Russian and Mandarin (Sector E) 31 Your choices 71

University destinations 73

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 2 The Sixth Fo m jou ney

3 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK The Sixth Form journey at Clifton

Clifton is a traditional British public encourage leadership, organisation, school with modern teaching values responsibility, self-reliance, and strong community values. The resourcefulness, perseverance and vast majority of our Year 11 students tolerance for each other. choose to continue into the Sixth Form, where they are joined by more We inspire all our students to follow than 60 talented students from other their interests, whilst imparting a schools in the UK and overseas. common core of knowledge and cultural experience. We make no The Sixth Form journey at Clifton apology for fostering individualism is a very special one, providing an and individual passion and talent, opportunity for self-discovery and but we always balance this with a personal development, as we help powerful community ethos and a prepare students for life beyond culture of high all-round expectation. school. Everything we do in the Sixth Form, whether inside or outside the classroom, is designed to

Clifton College is a very special place in which students can further their academic and co-curricular interests. Clifton students are ambitious and engaged, thoughtful and hard working. Throughout Years 12 and 13, students forge strong relationships with inspiring teaching staff, and develop life long friendships within a supportive community.

Clifton’s Sixth Form is a dynamic and stimulating environment in which to live and work. The Rebecca Davies inventors, entrepreneurs and Nobel Head of Sixth Form Prize winners among our alumni continue to inspire our present-day students to challenge themselves, be intellectually curious and adventurous and, above all, to enjoy every moment of doing so throughout their short two-year journey in the Sixth Form.

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 4 An inspirational learning environment

At the heart of all teaching and The distinctive, historic buildings Clifton also enjoys an unrivalled learning in the Sixth Form is the at Clifton provide an inspirational science heritage of Nobel Prize winners encouragement of intellectual backdrop for learning with an which arose from the highly equipped development, in preparation for enviable mix of modern facilities and and staffed Science School, which entry into leading universities in traditional 19th century architecture. includes the Stone Library containing the UK and abroad. The Percival Library is a beautiful approximately 5,000 scientific books. Grade II listed building, home to more than 15,000 books and a Our A Level teachers encourage Another of our most cherished computer suite; this and other intellectual risk taking, and deliberately buildings is the beautiful Grade II listed specialised buildings, such as the create an environment where students Chapel, which has provided a focal Joseph Cooper Music School and are free to question, free to discover, point for the College over the years, the Redgrave Theatre, ensure our free to try and free to succeed. Although hosting services, concerts and a wide students have access to first class every student has different abilities, range of other events. facilities, which enhance their talents and levels of confidence, educational experience. we believe they all have a unique contribution to make and we ask each to aspire to the highest standards of which he or she is capable.

5 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK An all-round Sixth Form education

Clifton provides a secure, attractive Inter-House competitions in many and challenging environment for aspects of school life, including young people to become well-rounded drama, art, music, debating and and capable individuals, equipped to sport, are widely anticipated and allow fulfil their own unique potential. students to challenge themselves in areas never previously considered, and to discover new talents. The extensive offering of games, activities and events that take place outside of the classroom are more The academic foundation and quiet than just add-on extras, they form confidence instilled in our Sixth Form part of the well-rounded education students enables them to venture in that is the ‘Clifton lifestyle’. any direction they choose. Leavers progress to the UK’s elite universities; on average Clifton assists more than In the Sixth Form as throughout the 10 Upper Sixth students per year in Upper School, students lead busy, achieving an Oxbridge place. A Clifton active and fulfilling days, where education truly provides limitless they are able to learn valuable skills opportunities and the Sixth Form and discover new enthusiasms and in particular is a time when both talents. The school week is balanced academic and personal futures are between lessons, sport, drama, shaped. outdoor pursuits, CCF, community work and clubs ranging from code breaking to caving.

The Sixth Form lifestyle

The Clifton community brings The benefits of a single-sex House together girls and boys, day pupils system and a co-educational learning and boarders, religious faiths and environment encourage students nationalities. Unlike some schools to value each other as brothers and we do not offer Houses that are sisters in their Houses and respected exclusively Sixth Form; we believe colleagues in the classroom. The that the sense of ‘family’ and the individuals in this unique community opportunities for leadership are best inspire, educate and appreciate provided in a House with a 13-18 age each other, encouraging respect and range. enriched cultural awareness, and we look to our Sixth Form students to set a strong example in this regard. However, we recognise that, as a group, the Sixth Form also needs to have its own identity and space, so the There is no such thing as a typical Houses are designed to allow this and Cliftonian. All students can be the Junior Common Room located in themselves and form friendships that the Crypt provides a social focus for last a lifetime, whether they have Sixth Formers from every House to been in the school from age 2 or meet together and socialise. from age 16. The school provides a real sense of community, with many opportunities in the years after Clifton We also have our own dedicated Sixth to network and join together again Form Centre, which comprises five through the Old Cliftonian Society. well-equipped classrooms and an ICT suite.

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 6 Joining the Sixth Fo m

7 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Admission to the Sixth Form

We require three A grades (or grade 7 discretion. Individual departments also in the new GCSE*) and three B grades have minimum entry criteria, which are (or grade 6) at GCSE as the requirement set out in this booklet. for external and internal entrants to the Sixth Form. In all cases, the Head *Please note: throughout this booklet Master will review each student’s any mention of ‘GCSE’ is used to refer performance on an individual basis and to GCSE or IGCSE. admission to the Sixth Form is at his

AS and A Levels

At Clifton we believe the most down to three subjects for A Level appropriate qualification in preparation after school examinations in the Lent for entry to university is the GCE A Term, or later, though some will Level. It is the most widely recognised continue with four. As a rule, students qualification in the UK by a substantial will not sit AS examinations at the end margin, and allows students to of the Lower Sixth year but it may be study subjects in which they have a suggested in some circumstances, particular interest and explore these and students may choose to sit AS in depth, whilst also being able to examinations at the end of the Upper broaden their curriculum through a Sixth. In addition, we operate a ‘Sector wide choice of subject areas. That E’. Sector E allows students to pursue said, there are an increasing number additional interests, in areas such as of routes into higher education and performance or photography, or to other vocational paths for which other choose an additional two-year GCSE, qualifications are appropriate, and AS or BTEC course in, for example, that is why we offer a small number of a new modern foreign language. BTEC Level 3 qualifications alongside Where necessary, others may take the our extensive suite of A Level courses. opportunity to re-sit Mathematics or English GCSE. At present, 34 subjects are offered as A Level or BTEC options (see the index on page 2). Most students will follow four subjects from these initially in the Lower Sixth, before narrowing

The structure of the week

The Upper School at Clifton operates addition to timetabled lessons, up to a one-week timetable, consisting four lessons are allocated for Sector E of 38 periods of 40 minutes. In both and one for a compulsory lecture slot the Upper and Lower Sixth, subjects on Friday afternoon. The remaining have either seven or eight periods periods are for private study, and the per week. Most subjects split these appropriate use of these is a key study lessons between two teachers. In skill for our students to learn.

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 8 How to choose subjects

There are a number of questions to • What do I enjoy doing? At A Level level of attainment may not be a ask yourself when deciding which you will study subjects in far more good predictor of future success. subjects to choose. In priority order, depth than at GCSE, so you need In addition, there are a number the questions should be as follows: to have a genuine interest in the of new options for you at A Level, subject to sustain the enthusiasm such as Politics, Philosophy and • Do I have a particular degree or that will underpin your work. Photography. career I am interested in? For example, if you are planning to do • What am I good at? Naturally You will probably need help in making Medicine at university, you must you need to take account of your the right decision regarding subjects. choose Chemistry, whilst Biology ability in a subject. On this point, Obviously you need to speak to your and Mathematics are advisable. please also see the departmental parents/guardians, but you may For Engineering at top universities, requirements at GCSE for each also find it helpful to speak to your Mathematics and Physics subject on the relevant subject Housemaster/mistress, tutor, Heads are essential whilst Further page. However, you should not just of Department, Head of Sixth Form, Mathematics is strongly advised. choose subjects based on your and the Deputy Head (Academic). Natural Sciences courses also have current grades; for example, PE at It may also be helpful to speak to specific requirements. The Head GCSE is heavily based on assessed current members of the Sixth Form. of Sixth Form can give you more work, whilst at A Level it is much advice on these requirements. more theoretical, so your current

Academic progress

All members of the Sixth Form are The attainment grades (A*-U) are assigned to a tutor, whose group not examination predictions but give contains a maximum of 12 students an indication of how well they have made up of both Lower Sixth and performed in that period when judged Upper Sixth students from the House against the examination standard. to which they are attached. Tutors are key to assisting Housemasters/ Tutors will use all this information mistresses in reviewing students’ to give praise where relevant or to academic progress in the Sixth Form, suggest strategies for improvement, and tutors and tutees will meet which may include placing students regularly. At every half-term and end on report. It is important to of term, students will receive either establish good study skills and time a grade or written report assessing management, again, an area in which their effort and attainment. tutors can assist.

9 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 10 University entrance and careers

It is very much the norm for Cliftonians Advice and information Upper Sixth Formers attend a talk to move on to university after A on interview technique and have the Levels, and a great deal of time and Access to the necessary information opportunity to sign up for practice effort is devoted to ensuring that wise is provided in a number of ways. interviews, which are essential for and sensible choices which suit the Lectures and workshops are very applicants to certain courses and individual concerned are made. A important, especially in June of the universities. Preparation is also university education is worthwhile, Lower Sixth, and a wide range of offered to students who have to sit the but it is expensive, and applicants books, publications, prospectuses ever-increasing number of university must approach the process with and software is available in the entrance tests. Specialist workshops plenty of accurate information and Houses and the Percival Library. The and conferences in such fields as self-awareness. Students will receive Internet is also a vital resource, and Medicine, Law and Veterinary Science guidance from parents, teachers, the school system carries links to a are well publicised, and attendance is tutors, Housemasters/mistresses, wide selection of helpful sites. The encouraged for those with an interest the Head of Sixth Form, the Head of most useful is probably www.ucas. in pursuing such courses. University Entrance, and experts from com. The College also now subscribes outside the college, but they must to the excellent Unifrog website www. realise that it is their future and they unifrog.org. Employment and gap year must reach decisions with which they options are happy. The Head of University Entrance oversees the whole system, whilst the The Head of Sixth Form can also Most Cliftonians apply to UK Housemasters/mistresses oversee advise and assist those Cliftonians universities, but there are always the individual applications, with who plan to move directly into the candidates who go further afield, considerable assistance from tutors. world of work, in conjunction with the including the USA, Canada, Hong Students are also encouraged to visit Head of Careers. In addition, various Kong and continental Europe. The university open days, particularly in members of staff are able to give College has considerable expertise in June/July, work experience is also expert guidance on the complex world all these areas, and students should desirable at this stage. In addition, of gap year opportunities, which are spend time working out the type of Clifton often hosts an excellent popular with a significant number of institution which suits them best. Careers Fair at the end of the students, and the relevant resources Summer Term, which helps to put are easily accessible in the Percival Cliftonians’ university aspirations Library or online. The application cycle in a wider context. There are also Careers Seminars and similar events The application cycle really gets throughout the year. The Head of Sixth underway in the Lent Term of the Form is also available to see students Lower Sixth, when students are and their parents about these encouraged to start considering important choices. their options and researching the possibilities. There is then an intense period of activity in June, when a Interview practice and great deal of advice is given to the year group, and at this stage they other support provided must start to focus their thinking in Those interested will be given the terms of their chosen course and chance to be interviewed by visiting likely destination. The Michaelmas representatives of the Armed Forces, Term of the Upper Sixth is the time and Lower Sixth Formers are able to during which the application is made, take the Morrisby Test, a psychometric and this can be a laborious and time- profile which identifies and highlights consuming business. Applicants need students’ strengths and skills, and is to reply to their offers by April of the designed to aid them when considering Upper Sixth, and advice is available higher education and career options. again at this stage.

11 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Oxbridge

The Universities of Oxford and The consideration of an Oxbridge Cambridge are two of the world’s application begins seriously in pre-eminent universities. Competition February of the Lower Sixth year, for places at these universities is but suitable candidates will have intense and Cliftonians have an had to perform extremely well excellent record of receiving offers of at GCSE – a useful guide is that places at Oxbridge. successful applicants have at least 8 A*s at GCSE. Oxford and Cambridge There is no pressure from the school both make use of some extremely on Sixth Formers to apply to Oxbridge, demanding admissions tests, which but where it is realistic to do so, they are not for the faint hearted. are encouraged to consider Oxford or Cambridge as one of their choices. A good applicant would be expected Candidates will be given appropriate to exhibit a genuine passion for their support and encouragement, though subject, evidenced by examples of the principal reason for applying extra reading and independent work. should always be that the course on offer is suited to the student’s The Head of University Entrance individual needs and ambitions. coordinates the applications of all Oxbridge admissions tutors are Oxbridge candidates. looking for “scholars” with academic talent, an excellent work ethic and real intellectual curiosity.

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 12 Pippard

he Pippard Society is a for suitable candidates and students • Social Sciences and Humanities programme of study for with real intellectual interests are also • Literature and Languages the highest achievers in invited to put their own names forward. the Lower Sixth who are • Mathematics, Computer Science T The programme provides essential skills and Engineering anticipating applying to Oxford or Cambridge for any course, or to for the growing number of university another elite university for Medicine admission tests, the most prominent or any other very competitive course. of which are probably BMAT, UKCAT, The course runs in most cases from LNAT and the TSA. Staff with the relevant November to March: students are credentials are allocated to teach the invited to attend in the light of Pippard groups, and students pursue excellent GCSE results and/or further study in one of these areas: outstanding performance in the • Preparation for Medicine/Veterinary first half of the Michaelmas Term. Science/Dentistry Housemasters/mistresses, Heads of Department and tutors are canvassed • Natural Sciences

Libraries

periodicals in English and Modern read or listen to books wherever they Languages, daily papers, DVDs, and a are in the world. The digital library graphic novel collection. can be found at clifton.lib.overdrive. com. Users simply enter their In 2002, the library underwent a school computer login and password major refurbishment, resulting in to download library e-books and a sympathetic reorganisation of audiobooks to their chosen device. the space and expansion to include a new computer suite. This large Physical and digital library stock complex now comprises three main can be searched via our Reading rooms: the Council Room, the main Cloud. Students are able to access library and the computer suite with a this from anywhere on the College Leah Shaw mezzanine level for the exclusive use network as well as from home via the Percival Librarian of Sixth Form students. The entire College website. Students also have main library is equipped with wifi and access to the JSTOR online database includes 68 desk spaces. where they can access thousands of academic journals. The Percival Library The library is staffed by three, full- time professional librarians. In The Percival Library is a beautiful addition to providing library services, Departmental Collections they provide teaching and learning Grade II listed building. It was The largest of the departmental support throughout the library’s originally built between 1870 and collections, the Stone Library, serves opening hours and offer research 1874 as a library and natural history the Science School. This remarkable skills and information literacy museum at the expense of John school science library houses modern training. The library staff aim to Percival, Clifton’s first Head Master. science texts and journals as well as inspire a love of learning and joy in an excellent collection of rare books The main library houses more than reading and, to this end, the library and manuscripts. Other departments 15,000 books, including many books organises group activities and hosts have their own collections of books authored by Old Cliftonians. Recently a variety of events and author visits and additional resources. the entire collection has been throughout the year. extensively reworked to ensure that the stock is both broad and relevant The school has recently launched in its scope. The core collection a new digital library service which is complemented by a variety of means that students can borrow,

13 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 14 Science

Biology Physics 15 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Chemistry Psychology Biology

iology is an intrinsically follows with the control of development, interesting and universally biodiversity and natural resources, Entry Requirements accessible subject. It is the with mathematical and practical skills scientific study of life and, as embedded throughout. The Upper Sixth Grade 7 (or A) in GCSE B Biology and grade 6 (or B) in such, it encompasses the investigation year then goes on to further consider of living organisms and life processes, ecology, immunity and forensics. It Mathematics; a good level of from the molecular, through cells and then culminates with topics such competence in Chemistry. individual organisms, to populations as the nervous system, respiration and whole communities of animals and learning. A Level assessment in Course Offered and plants. Since we are living things, Upper Sixth comprises three 2 hour by studying biological systems we papers which cover all course material, A Level Edexcel Biology A better understand both ourselves and including experimental methods and (Salters-Nuffield) the world we live in. Therefore, we can mathematical skills. The third paper make more informed decisions on our additionally involves questions on a own health and our environment. pre-release scientific article. Students complete core practicals in class Our A Level course helps students over the two year period, and this develop essential knowledge and enables them to achieve the ‘practical understanding of biological concepts endorsement’ which is awarded at the and scientific methods. Importantly, end of the A Level course. studying Biology leads to a wealth of careers and is at the forefront of many modern developments. Manipulation Facilities and staff of genetic systems in both animals and plants, to increase food supplies or The team of five staff are enthusiastic, produce medicines, for example, has knowledgeable and hope to inspire, Dr Malcolm Grohmann enormous potential to revolutionise engage and help students at all times. Head of Biology our lives. Biologists will be required The Biology Department is equipped to further develop this technology and with five modern laboratories, an ICT devise safe applications. Our courses suite and a lecture theatre. We have What subjects does are also particularly well suited to an impressive collection of zoological those interested in vocational degrees specimens and live animals, and a newly Biology combine with? such as Medicine and Physiotherapy. developed pond and wildlife garden. Popular combinations with other The Stone Library, a dedicated science subjects include Mathematics, library, has a superb collection of books, Chemistry, Physics and Geography but Course content and periodicals and online journals. Clinics students also choose to study Biology are held in the library each Tuesday alongside a range of Arts subjects. assessment afternoon by a member of the Biology The department follows the linear Department from 4.30pm-6.00pm for Edexcel Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) anyone wishing to have some extra help. specification, with formal assessment at the end of the Upper Sixth. Our integrated approach to the teaching Additional features of our subject considers biological The Biology Department aims to concepts alongside their relevant inspire students above and beyond contexts. Each of the topics that make the curriculum. We organise several up the A Level course are introduced exciting events for the Sixth Form with a context related to the modern throughout the year, including a field world and the application of Biology. trip to Wales to study succession, a Biological principles are introduced CSI evening, and a trip to the Bristol when required to aid understanding of University labs to participate in a real the context, so that the theory always biological investigation. Students also has an obvious relevance. Practical have the opportunity to compete in the work is integrated within the delivery of Biology Olympiad in January. Finally, each topic. in collaboration with the Geography The Lower Sixth year starts by Department, we offer a summer considering the risk of certain lifestyle expedition with Operation Wallacea every choices and genes on health, then two years. Recent destinations have included Mexico and Madagascar. 2017 | SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 16 Chemistry

hemistry is unusual for its Course content and combination of practical Entry Requirements skills with both logical and assessment conceptual thinking. The Grade 7 (or A) in GCSE Chemistry C We study the new OCR A course which and Mathematics. A Level course is spiral in structure began in September 2015. Students with each level of learning building wanting to study the subject at A Level on the last, with many topics from the should have achieved at least an A (or Course Offered GCSE revisited and explored in more 7) grade in both Chemistry (or Double detail. Students will begin to picture A Level OCR A Chemistry Award Science) and Mathematics at the atom as more than just a disc GCSE. on a piece of paper, and understand how the interactions of protons and The course is split into six modules electrons can explain everything from and, although there is no longer any the colour of a crystal to the structure examined coursework, students are of a pharmaceutical drug. Although expected to be able to answer exam challenging, Chemistry A Level questions on practical work and are provides the tools to understand the awarded a practical endorsement as world around us whilst also teaching part of the A Level. a range of skills applicable to almost any university course. Chemistry is compulsory for all those wishing Facilities to study Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Sciences at university. The Chemistry Department has recently been refurbished and is equipped with five modern Oliver Dunning laboratories with superb technical Head of Chemistry support. The students also have access to the Stone Library, the Science ICT facilities and the Kendrew lecture theatre. What subjects does Chemistry combine with? Additional features Chemistry is most often chosen alongside other science subjects. Clinics are held in the library each It is also advantageous to study Tuesday afternoon by a member of Mathematics to assist with the the Chemistry Department for anyone high mathematical content of the wishing to have some extra help or specification. tuition. Students also take part, and have had considerable success, in both the RSC Chemistry Olympiad and Cambridge Chemistry Challenge competitions.

John Cowdery Kendrew (1917-1977), Old Cliftonian, shared the 1962 Nobel Prize for Chemistry with Max Perutz for determining the first atomic structures of proteins using X-ray crystallography. Their work was done at what is now the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. Kendrew determined the structure of the protein myoglobin, which stores oxygen in muscle cells.

17 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Physics

hysics is about the world Course content and around you, the way it works Entry Requirements and why it behaves the way assessment it does. It delves into the Grade 7 (or A) or above in GCSE P At Clifton College we follow the Physics and a grade 8 (or high A) concepts that explain the universe, AQA A Level Physics course. This from the very small subatomic right in GCSE Mathematics. covers different topics rigorously and through to cosmology. Studying ensures a good breadth of physics Physics A Level will start you which relates to the real world. For Course Offered on the journey of discovery into example, in Year 1, students will study understanding how it all fits together. A Level AQA electricity by considering sensors Although not an easy subject, Physics used to make measurements; they lays the foundation for many careers. will also learn mechanics in terms Studying Science subjects, Computer of car safety features, and approach Science, Business, Architecture and quantum physics by looking at the many others at university all benefit research performed at Conseil from the logical and mathematical Européen pour la Recherche thinking skills that are developed at Nucléaire. Similarly, in Year 2, the A Level. The practical skills learnt more challenging topics of magnetic are also valuable at degree level and and electric fields are studied with Physics is compulsory for all those application in mind. wishing to study Engineering at The A Level is divided up into several university. manageable chapters with three exams at the end of the two years.

We place a great importance on Rebecca Ayling practical work, and students will carry Head of Physics out experiments at every opportunity. This enables them to achieve the ‘practical endorsement’ which is awarded at the end of the A Level What subjects does course. Physics combine with? Physics is most often chosen alongside Facilities and staff other science subjects. It is strongly The five teachers are all passionate recommended that students also study about the subject and are committed Mathematics if they are able to. to communicating it enthusiastically. The Physics Department has recently been refurbished and is equipped with five modern teaching rooms, a project lab and an ICT suite. Students also have access to the department’s Sir Nevill Francis Mott Stone Library. (1905 –1996), Old Cliftonian, was an English physicist who won the Nobel Additional features Prize for Physics in 1977 for his work on the electronic structure of magnetic Clinics are held in the library from and disordered systems, especially 4.30pm to 6.00pm each Tuesday amorphous semiconductors. The award afternoon by a member of the Physics was shared with Philip W. Anderson and Department for anyone wishing to J. H. Van Vleck. The three had conducted have some extra help or tuition. loosely related research. Mott and Anderson clarified the reasons why magnetic or amorphous materials can sometimes be metallic and sometimes insulating. In 1973 he was awarded the A. A. Griffith Medal and Prize. 2017 | SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 18 Psychology

sychology is the study of take at A Level. The third paper is on human behaviour and Psychological Skills which is more of a Entry Requirements experience. It seeks to explain synoptic paper assessing the debates, why we behave the way we do studies and research methods taught Grade 5 (or B) in GCSE Biology, P Mathematics and English. and how our minds work. It is directly over the two years. Though coursework relevant to you, your friends and is not directly examined, a new feature society in general. Where does our of this exam is that at the end of Course Offered behaviour come from? Are we born each topic students will create, carry with our personalities, or do we learn out and write up their own practical A Level Edexcel Psychology to be the people we are? Questions investigation. Questions within the such as these lie at the heart of exam could then focus on the practical Psychology. If you are at all interested research students have carried out. in how we learn, how our memory works, why some of us have phobias and how other people influence us, Facilities and staff then Psychology is the subject for you! The Psychology Department is located Studying Psychology will help you to in the newly refurbished Sixth Form develop skills that will be beneficial Centre which has both excellent to your other subjects. You will be facilities and spectacular views taught effective essay writing skills and across the Close. The department alongside this you will be encouraged has two classrooms, each of to become a critical thinker who can which is equipped with interactive analyse the strengths and weaknesses whiteboards. There is a wide range of different theories and pieces of of resources, including psychology Susannah Griffin research. You will learn about research books, magazines and DVDs. Head of Psychology methods and you will design and carry out practical investigations. The Psychology Department has two members of staff, with each Psychology lessons need your input; The Psychology Department also offers class being taught by both teachers you will be encouraged to develop your regular revision clinics in the Lent and to ensure a diversity of skills and communication skills so that you can Summer Terms. These clinics help by teaching styles. In the Lower Sixth, contribute to debate and discussion and offering extra support to those who the research methods section is present your ideas in an effective way. require it but also develop the general taught by members of the Science written and analytical skills that Department due to the large students of all abilities should possess. Course content and crossover of material and scientific nature of this area. assessment What subjects does We follow the Edexcel GCE Additional features Psychology combine with? specification. Psychology is a linear assessment qualification so students The Psychology Society meets roughly Psychology is taught as a science and are examined on the full content of the every third week and is largely student therefore combines well with other course at the end of the two years. run; students are invited to present on science subjects. However, due to its a psychological topic of their choice written and analytical components, it In the first year students will study and these are encouraged to be outside also combines well with both creative four modules which give students the syllabus so that students can subjects and the humanities. It is for the underpinning of the main areas gain an insight into how psychology this reason that Psychology is well of Psychology: Biological, Cognitive, functions in the wider world. regarded by universities. Learning and Social. In the second year students will learn about the As a department we have run several topical areas of Clinical Psychology trips including visits to the Phobia and Child Psychology as well as Clinic at Bristol Zoo, university completing a synoptic review of conferences and workshops at Bristol the content from both years. These University. topics are all covered in two of the three exam papers that students

19 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Facilities 92% The Science School of girls’ grades in A Level STEM subjects The Science School has been completely refurbished to provide modern state-of-the-art laboratories on all three were A*-B, 64% A*-A. floors, whilst retaining the historic charm and tradition of what was one of the first purpose-built science buildings at a major public school.

The Stone Library is situated on the ground floor and contains more than 5,000 scientific books. Volumes date from the 16th century to the present day, including subscriptions to all of the main scientific periodicals and a first edition of Principia Mathematica by Isaac Newton (1687). The collection also features books recommended on reading lists for university applications.

The Kendrew Room is a well-equipped small lecture theatre located on the top floor of the Science School. It is regularly used by classes in all three sciences and for meetings of the Scientific Society.

The Sixth Form Centre There is a dedicated computer room in the Sixth Form Centre which is used by Psychology students to carry out interactive tasks, develop their research skills and access online revision sites.

2017 | SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 20 Mathematics & Compute Science

Further Computer 21 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Mathematics Mathematics Science Mathematics and Computer Science

If I were again beginning my Course content and studies, I would follow the Entry Requirements advice of Plato and start with assessment Mathematics.” Galileo. Grade 8 (or high A) in GCSE “ Mathematics Mathematics. Galileo realised that the study Students follow the linear A Level of Mathematics was vital for the Mathematics Edexcel specification. Course Offered Mathematics fields that he was interested in, The content is 100% prescribed and and students nowadays wishing to features a large element of Pure A Level Edexcel Mathematics go into further education to read Mathematics as well as covering A Level AQA Computer Science Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, areas of Statistics and Mechanics. The Computer Science and Actuarial assessment features three papers at Science must study Mathematics the end of Upper Sixth, all allowing as an A Level course. Degree use of a calculator, with the first two courses in Economics, Chemistry focusing on the Pure content and the & Compute and related courses also usually third on the Applied content (Statistics contain a significant mathematical and Mechanics). component. Those going on to study Medicine, Biological Sciences Computer Science and the Social Sciences and even The growth in demand for people with Philosophy may find that Mathematics coding skills is strong, and likely to is recommended, but even if not, grow in the future. A Level Computer they may have to undertake further Science develops a broad range of mathematical training at some the knowledge, understanding and Science skills of computing, as a basis for stage, and this can be a challenge for a student who has not studied the progression into further learning and/ subject for two or three years. or employment. GCSE Computer Christa Clark Science is an advantage, but not Head of Mathematics If considering a degree in essential. The course will suit those Mathematics itself, its excellence as with strong mathematical and an academic discipline should not problem-solving skills. Additional features be ignored; graduates in the subject are in high demand. The shortage A Level Computer Science will There is also an emphasis on of Mathematics graduates is now so develop your ability to analyse Mathematics beyond the constraints marked that students who enjoy the problems in computational terms of the A Level specifications. Students subject and who have a reasonable through practical experience of in the Sixth Form are entered for degree of competence will find it solving such problems, including the UK Mathematics Trust Senior considerably easier to get a university writing programs to do so. In addition, Mathematics Challenge. At the very place in Mathematics than in some the course develops an understanding top end, a handful of students will other subjects. This is not a route for of a variety of theoretical aspects also qualify for the first round of the everyone of course, and studying the underpinning modern computing, British Mathematical Olympiad. subject at A Level will help develop including: Students who wish to apply for analytical, research and problem- degrees in Mathematics or related solving skills. Not only can it provide • Fundamentals of programming, subjects are prepared for interview the knowledge to tackle scientific, data structures, data and university entrance tests and mechanical, coding and abstract representation and algorithms are also encouraged to deliver problems, it will develop skills to help • Theory of computation and computer presentations to the younger with planning projects, managing organisation and architecture students in the school Mathematics budgets and even debating effectively. Club. Students are also offered • Fundamentals of communication and opportunities to represent the College Mathematics is the most popular networking, databases and Big Data subject choice at Clifton, with well in competitions organised with local over half the Sixth Form opting • Fundamentals of functional schools, and historically they have to continue its study. These large programming, and the systematic experienced a lot of success. numbers enable us to create six approach to problem solving ‘single’ Mathematics classes, and we find that effective streaming of Computer Science combines well with these classes enables us to alter Mathematics, Further Mathematics approaches and provision accordingly. and Physics.

2017 | SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 22 Facilities and staff The recently refurbished Mathematics What subjects does Department would be the envy of a There are currently 13 members of school of any type or standing – see Mathematics combine staff who teach in the Mathematics the Facilities section for further with? Department (10 full-time and 3 part- details. time). There is a wealth of experience Mathematics combines well with all within the department and we pride the sciences and social sciences. ourselves on the level of support Equally, studying Mathematics offered to the students, as well as alongside essay subjects such as outstanding subject knowledge, English or History can help keep and a desire to remain innovative options open for a wider range of and conscious of developments in possible degrees and careers. mathematics and education.

Further Mathematics

tudents taking Further such as Engineering, Sciences, Mathematics overwhelmingly Computing, Finance/Economics, etc, Entry Requirements find it to be an enjoyable, or perhaps Mathematics itself, are rewarding, stimulating and advised to study Further Mathematics Ideally a grade 9 (or high A*) S at GCSE. Entry is also subject empowering experience. It is a as it introduces new topics such as challenging qualification, which both matrices and complex numbers that to assessment by the Head of extends and deepens your knowledge are vital in many STEM degrees. Mathematics. and understanding beyond ‘single’ A Students who have studied Further Level Mathematics. Students who study Mathematics find the transition to such Course Offered it often say it is their favourite subject. degrees far more straightforward. A Level Edexcel Further For someone who enjoys Mathematics mathematics, it provides a challenge Course content and and a chance to explore new and/ or more sophisticated mathematical assessment concepts. As well as learning new Students will follow the linear Edexcel areas of Pure Mathematics, students Additional features Further Mathematics specification. will study more statistics and They must study ‘single’ Mathematics, It is highly unusual for schools to mechanics. which is co-taught alongside the have more than one class of Further Mathematics in each year group: at Students who take Further Further Mathematics course. The Clifton we have three. This gives us Mathematics find that the additional content will be 50% prescribed and tremendous flexibility in tailoring our time spent studying mathematics 50% optional. The prescribed section provision for students with varying boosts their marks in ‘single’ A Level of the new specification will focus on abilities and requirements. Mathematics. Studying Further further study of Pure Mathematics and the optional content will feature two Mathematics consolidates and It is also rare for departments to have choices from the following areas: Pure reinforces A Level Mathematics work, a majority of Mathematics teachers Mathematics, Mechanics, Statistics encouraging the best possible grades. who are able to teach the relevant or Discrete Mathematics. The modules as we do at Clifton. The Its study makes the transition from assessment will feature four papers popularity of the subject at Clifton is Sixth Form to university courses at the end of Upper Sixth with the first in part due to the consistent success which are mathematically rich that two focusing on the compulsory Pure that the students achieve in their much easier as more of the first Mathematics content, and the third results. year course content will be familiar. and fourth testing the optional topics. Students planning to take a degree

23 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Professor Fritz Ursell (1923-2012) Old Cliftonian, Professor Fritz Ursell (1923-2012), came to England as a refugee from Nazi Germany and became an expert on fluid mechanics and the behaviour of waves. His love of Mathematics started at Clifton before he won a scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge.

At the end of 1943 Ursell joined the Admiralty (British Navy Department) as a part of a team whose task was to formulate rules for forecasting waves for the allied landings in Japan. Their work has become the basis of modern wave-forecasting. Ursell stayed in the Admiralty until 1947, after which he was appointed to a post-doctoral fellowship in Applied Mathematics at Manchester University without a doctorate. In 1950 he returned to Cambridge as a lecturer. In 1957 he spent a year at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, having been invited by Arthur Ippen. In 1961 Ursell moved back to Manchester where he held the Beyer Chair of Applied Mathematics at the University of Manchester from 1961–1990 and was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1972.

Facilities

Every teacher has their own classroom equipped with a Smartboard and projector, but also with whiteboards all round the walls that are regularly used for co-operative learning. We are also proud of the Bradley Room, which contains a well-stocked library, and a conference table for seminars and meetings. Many members of the department are keen on the use of ICT in the classroom and make good use of class sets of Android tablets, but are always conscious of the need for an appropriate balance between modern and traditional methods.

2017 | SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 24 English & ModernMFL Foreign Languages

English Language German Italian 25 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK English Literature Spanish Russian French Mandarin English Language (and Linguistics)

nglish Language A Level is technology on the language that we an engaging, challenging use. The definition of a text is very Entry Requirements and stimulating course. It broad in Language and you are as is very different from GCSE likely to analyse the language used in Grade 6 (or B) or above in E GCSE English Language and English. It is not an opportunity for a spoken transcript of a conversation development of one’s general ability between friends, as you are to look at Literature. to use the language; it is the study more conventional written texts. Modern Foreign of how others use language, both Course Offered written and spoken, and the chance At A Level, students undertake an to explore areas of personal interest extended independent language A Level AQA English Language Languages through writing. investigation. They also study the history of the English language The course would lend itself to the and some of the key influences on study of Linguistics at university, our language, as well as attitudes or it would complement Modern to language change. The second Languages or English Literature component in the A Level course courses. Career paths could include focuses on children’s language journalism and the media, law, development – how and in what ways politics, publishing or other jobs in children develop the skills of speech, which the use of language is key. reading and writing.

There are also plenty of opportunities Course content and for creative writing on the course. assessment There are two exam papers at A Level, 1. Language, the Individual and The first year of study offers an Sophie Cuesta Society and 2. Language Diversity and Head of English Language introduction to the building blocks of Change. They are worth 80% of the our language - lexis, grammar/syntax, A Level. There is also a coursework phonology, discourse structure - and component, which focuses on an students are required to analyse independent investigation and a piece What subjects does English language precisely and systematically. of original writing. They are also given opportunities to Language combine with? explore areas of sociolinguistics, such The study of English Language as the influence of gender, power and Additional features combines well with most other arts subjects, such as Literature, History There are plenty of opportunities and MFL. It also works well with for independent research as part subjects such as Psychology and The Old Cliftonians of the A Level. Students have Business Studies. Book Collection enjoyed investigating topics such as the effect of gender on teachers’ English lessons at Clifton have language, celebrities and changes Facilities and staff inspired over 700 Cliftonians to in accent and dialect in their rise to write, from Professor Simon fame, generational differences in The English Language Department Blackburn on Philosophy to Joyce use of text language, and linguistic is housed in the brand new building Cary’s “Charley is my Darling” techniques used by barristers in cross- at 4/5 Worcester Road, where we and Henry Newbolt’s World War I examinations. teach alongside English Literature poetry. and the Modern Foreign Languages We observe language in different Department – see Facilities section The Percival Library contains an settings as part of the A Level course, for further details. impressive collection of books including visiting a local primary school written by past and present staff to hear children read. We also run a The English Language Department is and pupils, from Cambridge Level trip to the English and Media Centre led by Sophie Cuesta and comprises Maths problems to the humour event at UCL, where we hear lectures three experienced members of staff. of Stephen Pile in his “Book of from eminent linguists such as David Heroic Failures”. It demonstrates Crystal and Deborah Cameron. the breadth and depth of academic endeavour as well as the courage and ability to write. This collection is primarily to inspire all our pupils and staff as well as celebrate their many talents. SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 26 English Literature

nyone who has enjoyed poetry, including post 2000 poetry and English Literature at GCSE the works of a named poet or literary Entry Requirements will benefit from the A Level period. Options this year include course. There is much Science in Society (Frankenstein and Grade 6 (or B) in GCSE English A Literature. continuation of material and literary The Handmaid’s Tale) and Women in concepts and teaching in the first year Society (Tess of the d’Urbervilles and A is intended to develop knowledge and Thousand Splendid Suns). Course Offered skills to be carried over into the Upper Sixth. Studying English Literature will The coursework element involves the A Level Edexcel English give you the opportunity to explore free choice of two texts linked by theme, Literature texts in depth and to discuss and movement, author or period, and will be debate in class; the lessons are lively between 2,500-3,000 words. Possibilities and stimulating, and your opinions so far have included: The Great Gatsby, and perspectives are welcomed. A Streetcar Named Desire, The Road, The Wasp Factory, Brave New World, The English Literature is extremely well History Boys, Atonement, Hamlet, The regarded by universities, and numerous Bell Jar, Beloved, Jane Eyre, Oranges Cliftonians who have read English Are Not The Only Fruit, Dracula, Arcadia, at university have embarked upon Brideshead Revisited, The Tempest, 1984, successful careers in a range of areas: Death of a Salesman, Grapes of Wrath. law, business and commerce, the civil service, architecture, film, theatre, radio, television, journalism, medicine, Facilities and staff engineering, and education at all levels. The English Literature Department is housed at 4/5 Worcester Road, where we teach alongside English Iwan Thomas Course content and Language and the Modern Foreign Head of English Languages Department – see English assessment and Modern Foreign Languages Facilities section for further details. department’s stress is unequivocally The department follows the Edexcel laid on the vital importance of reading English Literature specification. The The English Department is led by and its subsequent rewards, which aims and objectives of the Edexcel Iwan Thomas and comprises nine invariably include good writing. Advanced GCE in English Literature experienced members of staff, all include enabling students to read with their own specialisms within widely, engage critically and creatively the subject including Shakespeare, What subjects does with a substantial body of texts, develop Mediaeval Literature, Modernism, their knowledge of literary analysis, Romanticism and 20th Century English Literature explore the context of different text Drama. combine with? and others’ interpretations of them, and explore the changing traditions of The study of English Literature combines English literature. Additional features very well with the sciences, social sciences and other arts subjects. Some The two-year course consists of three We work very closely with the library, of our most successful students have externally examined papers (80%) and taking full advantage of its range of combined English with Mathematics one coursework component (20%). The excellent resources and the opportunity and Physics, or Biology and Chemistry, qualification requires the study of eight to welcome visiting speakers and and have found the variety of work literary texts plus unseen poetry. authors. Trips to the theatre enhance refreshing and the course stimulating our students’ understanding of, and Students will study a Shakespeare and rewarding. A live acquaintance with engagement with, drama texts. play alongside another dramatic work a foreign language, ancient or modern, (either tragedy or comedy). Options Students and teachers are encouraged is advantageous to those wishing to go include Othello, Hamlet, King Lear, The to follow their own particular tastes on to study English at university. Taming of the Shrew, and Twelfth Night. and interests as far as possible. They will also study two prose texts with The courses are frameworks, not a shared theme, at least one to be pre corsets, and imaginative and individual 1900; and a selection of contemporary approaches are encouraged. The

27 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK French

he ability to communicate texts, and have an understanding of freely in French opens up modern day France and how it has Entry Requirements an exciting world of art, film been formed by its past. and literature as well as the Grade 7 (or A) or above in T GCSE French. opportunity to travel, socialise and work in an international environment. Additional features Students who choose to study French Course Offered in the Sixth Form at Clifton will We aim to use French as much enjoy interesting, relevant and varied as possible in the classroom and A Level Edexcel French lessons, which will equip them with students are encouraged to take part the skills to speak and write in French in the many co-curricular events put at a high level. on throughout the year. These include a French cheese evening, film nights, Students who have secured at least the French Bake Off, the Modern grade 7 (or A) at GCSE will enjoy Languages Fest, French debates studying French at A Level. Some of against local schools, a fondue night, the topics covered will be familiar a poetry evening, guest speakers and to them but they will be encouraged cinema trips. We also offer trips to to develop their ideas and express France and encourage students to personal opinions in relation to their organise work experience visits in own experiences and also to the a French speaking country to help French speaking world. immerse themselves in the country and culture. French is well regarded by universities and in the past those who have gone Caroline Bloor on to take French degrees have Facilities and staff later found jobs in law, journalism, Head of French diplomacy, finance, fashion, media, The department, led by Caroline marketing, business and international Bloor, comprises six other full-time relations. Many good universities offer members of staff and a French combined degrees with a language. assistant who is a native speaker. Sixth Formers have seven to eight lessons a week plus an individual Course content and 20-minute session with the French language assistant. The Modern assessment Languages Department is housed The French Department follows the in a new building at the south end Edexcel A Level course, which covers of the school overlooking the Close a range of topics, such as changes in - see English and Modern Foreign French society and the Occupation, Languages Facilities section for and also offers interesting cultural further details. components in literature and film, as well as the opportunity to carry out an Independent Research Project on What subjects does French an area of personal interest within combine with? Francophone culture. Students complete listening, reading and French combines well with most writing exams and also do an oral. other subjects as a complement to They will learn to write analytical essay subjects but also as a contrast essays in French on the chosen to science subjects. Students learn literature and film and will complete to analyse information, gain cultural translation tasks. At the end of the sensitivity, write analytical and course the students should feel able descriptive essays, debate their to communicate relatively fluently opinions and develop an interest in French orally and on paper, in cultural aspects of the French understand and analyse authentic speaking world.

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 28 German

he world’s largest exporter; Facilities and staff the third largest global Entry Requirements economy; Beethoven, The department currently comprises TGoethe, Kafka, Nietzsche; three teachers of German, and a Grade 7 (or A) in GCSE German. and Einstein; scientific publications – language assistant who is a native the common thread is German. speaker. We are all experienced Germanists and passionate about Course Offered German is spoken by more than 120 our subject. We put great emphasis A Level Edexcel German million people in 38 countries. It is on oral communication and are very the language with the most native keen that students visit a German speakers in the European Union and speaking country at least once during is spoken by about 100 million people their studies, as this provides a great in Europe. German is also the second linguistic boost as well as a visit that language of many Eastern European has historical and cultural interest. countries. German is a widely The German Department is housed sought after language on the global in the brand new 4/5 Worcester Road employment market. Graduates faculty building - see English and able to offer an advanced knowledge Modern Foreign Languages Facilities of German are very employable. A section for further details. CBI poll states that German is the top language rated by employers as useful to the organisation. Additional features There are biennial language and Course content and culture tours of Germany with rich and varied itineraries. On recent trips Owen Lewis assessment we have taken students to exhibitions Head of German and The German Department follows on the Cold War and the Third Reich, Modern Foreign Languages the new A Level qualification which to a chocolate factory in the former allows students to learn about social GDR, and to idyllic mediaeval castles issues and trends and address on the Rhine. To supplement work What subjects does various aspects of German speaking in the classroom, we have offered society, politics, history and artistic debates in German, poetry evenings, German combine with? culture. Students will be taught how film nights and even Sixth Form to write essays and prepare for oral speed-dating! German A Level can complement discussions on these areas. The virtually any subject combination. There is now also a Modern teaching of grammar and how the German graduates can go on to follow Languages Society, a student-led language works will continue to play careers in law, business, automotive group which meets regularly to a key role and students will learn how engineering, civil service, European promote language events and to to tackle translation tasks. politics, finance, journalism, ICT, explore language-related themes. media and education. Many UK Assessment will be in the form of an There is a very full programme universities also offer combined oral exam, a listening, reading and including debates, film nights and degrees with a language, as well as writing paper and a separate essay poetry and music. Talks led by straight language degrees. writing paper on literature and film. academic guest speakers from In addition there is an independent universities and from within the research project at A Level which College are on the programme. allows students to explore a topic Forthcoming guest speakers will be of personal interest in considerable talking on Pidgin French, Creole, the depth. film director Claire Denis and German Poetry under the Swastika.

29 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Spanish

ith 329 million native learning how to do translation tasks speakers, Spanish both into and from the language. Entry Requirements ranks second in the world in terms of At A Level, social issues such Grade 7 (or A) in GCSE Spanish. W as immigration, crime and how many people speak it as their first language; it is also the first multiculturalism will be explored, as Course Offered language in at least 44 countries. well as political and artistic culture. It is an increasingly important and Literary texts and films will be studied A Level Edexcel Spanish desirable language to have in the and students will learn the skill of world of business and enterprise, writing cultural essays as well as and graduates with a high level of preparing for oral discussions and Spanish are sought after and highly debates, both in class and in the employable across the job market. exam. Understanding grammar and an ability to translate accurately will Spanish A Level complements most be an important part of the new exam. other subjects; and graduates in Spanish can enjoy a wide and flexible range of career prospects - whether Additional features in law, business, education, media, finance, journalism, politics and We put an emphasis on the use of diplomacy or ICT. As well as straight Spanish in the classroom where language degrees, many top UK possible and appropriate, and universities also offer combined students are all encouraged to play degrees with a language. a full part in our lively programme of co-curricular events: for example, we host inter-schools language debates, Michelle Harris Course content and film evenings, a poetry evening and a Head of Spanish Modern Languages Fest. assessment We encourage all students to take The A Level exam will encourage the opportunity to spend time in a Facilities and staff students to learn about social trends Spanish-speaking country during There are five full-time and and issues in Spanish-speaking their two years in the Sixth Form, experienced teachers of Spanish in the countries, Spanish film and literature, either following a language course or department, and we have a Chilean and aspects of politics and history in in a homestay scenario. language assistant with whom our Spain. Students will be taught how students have a weekly 20-minute to write essays and to prepare for one-to-one conversation class. oral discussions on these areas. The teaching of grammar and how the The department is located in the new language works will also continue to 4/5 Worcester Road faculty building play a major part, with students – see English and Modern Foreign Languages Facilities section for further details.

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 30 Italian, Russian and Mandarin (Sector E)

These languages are available as optional courses in Sector E of the timetable. Classes in these languages have at their disposal all the resources of the Modern Foreign Languages Department in its home at 4/5 Worcester Road. Classes are small but lively.

Italian for beginners Russian Mandarin Former Cliftonians have gone on to Russian is an important world The department offers tailor-made study Italian at university, spending language which represents an courses in Mandarin Chinese a year abroad in Tuscany and exciting challenge to a good linguist which are available to individuals experiencing the Italian way of life. and opens up the possibility of with different levels of ability in the discovering a fascinating society language. If staffing allows, we offer Italian to and its culture. It is now appreciated students who have a proven track how necessary it is for the West to Both Mandarin and Cantonese record in learning languages. We understand Russia. speakers are able to study Mandarin take the AQA Italian GCSE exam. Chinese at A Level. Students follow To prepare, students study for two If staffing allows, we offer Russian a two-year course of study and are periods per week over Years 12 and A Level for native speakers within taught by a native speaker. All four 13. Students can sustain surprisingly Sector E. The lessons are essential skills of speaking, listening, reading natural conversations by the end of if students wish to sit the new A and writing are examined. Students the course, and understand Italian Level. Lessons cover areas such as are taught in small groups or pop songs and opera. language, history, literature and film individually according to their needs. study, and lead to the Edexcel A Level over two years of 2 lessons per week. The majority of students who have learned Mandarin Chinese as If staffing allows, we also teach beginners in the language would not Russian to beginners who have be eligible to take the A Level exam. a proven track record in learning However, lessons are available to languages. Entry for the GCSE exam those students who have performed would depend on a student’s prior well at GCSE and who wish to maintain knowledge of Russian and aptitude for and improve their level of Mandarin Russian Learning. without the pressure of an examined course.

There is also a course for beginners with no previous knowledge of Chinese who would like an opportunity to try a different and exciting language. It is a non-examined course that will enable students to ‘survive’ in the language by learning Chinese for everyday situations. Students will also acquire a basic written vocabulary. This course may appeal to students wishing to travel independently in China as part of a gap year, and also to those pursuing a course in Oriental Studies at university.

31 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Facilities

English lessons are taught in bright, spacious, well-equipped rooms, all boasting state-of-the-art interactive boards, and stunning views of the Close and the College. There is a separate meeting room for lectures, seminars, and visiting speakers, as well as extensive ICT facilities on site.

There is excellent new technology provision in each Modern Foreign Languages classroom and a new language laboratory where students can complete independent research and practise speaking and listening tasks. The department also has a set of iPods so that students can do listening exercises independently in lessons.

There is an MFL Café on the ground floor where students can go at break times and it also serves as a good location for our film nights and co- curricular events.

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 32 Classics

Latin Classical 33 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Ancient Greek Civilisation Latin Ancient

atin is one of the most Greek stimulating, valuable and Latin highly regarded subjects that Clifton has to offer, appealing Entry Requirements L f the Romans exert a great to those pursuing a wide range of influence on our modern life, disciplines, including humanities, Grade 7 (or A) in GCSE Latin. then the Greeks exerted an even sciences and modern languages. Latin greater influence on the Romans. provides access to the astonishing I Course Offered The study of both Greek and Latin is world of Roman thought and rewarding and interesting, but Greek literature: the poetry of Virgil and A Level OCR Latin is also often studied on its own; either Ovid, the speeches of Cicero, or the way, students gain significant literary, histories of Caesar and Tacitus. As linguistic and historical insight. an unchanging and thoroughly logical Perhaps even more than Latin, the Ancient Greek language – and as the language logic and subtlety of Greek captivate behind most modern European a wide variety of students, from Entry Requirements languages – it offers an unparalleled out-and-out scientists to devotees insight into the mechanics and Grade 7 (or A) in GCSE Greek. of English or French literature. structure of language in general. Ancient Greek is a subject redolent Perhaps most importantly, Latin trains of academic rigour and refinement. Course Offered the mind, producing high-quality How can one miss the chance to read students who can think independently A Level OCR Ancient Greek Homer, Herodotus and Sophocles in and express themselves persuasively. the original language? Latinists are highly employable, and work in many fields: law, accountancy, management consultancy and Course content and journalism, to name a few. assessment Course content and As in Latin, we follow the recently revised OCR course, which assessment contains an excellent blend of language work and literature. The At Clifton we follow the recently language component is examined revised OCR course, which by unseen translation and a choice contains an excellent blend of of either prose comprehension or language work and literature. The prose composition. The literature language component is examined component consists of at least one by unseen translation and a choice prose text and at least one verse of either prose comprehension or text, with authors including Plato, prose composition. The literature Dr Thomas Patrick Thucydides, Homer and Sophocles. component consists of at least one Head of Classics prose text and at least one verse text, with authors including Tacitus, Cicero, Virgil and Ovid.

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 34 Latin and Ancient Greek continued

Additional features Oxbridge candidates are encouraged Facilities and staff to conduct independent research into Outside the classroom, we run a field of interest, which opens up the The department consists of four day-trips to Bath, Caerleon, Oxford subject to them and provides material subject specialists, all of whom teach and beyond, invite speakers to our for their personal statement, essays Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation Classics Society, and organise one and interviews. We also encourage right the way through the school. We big overseas trip each year to Greece, Oxbridge candidates to enter at least have a wide variety of interests, from Sicily or mainland Italy. one external essay competition, and Bronze Age archaeology to Greek we have an excellent track record of tragedy and from neoteric Latin The department has an enviable prizes and commendations, including poetry to Roman-era epistolography. record of Oxbridge success, with five overall first place in the St John’s Classics has recently moved to new places for Classics at Oxford and one Oxford essay competition. classrooms equipped with the latest- at Cambridge in the last four years generation C-Touch Smartboards and alone. For Oxbridge candidates, enough space for our library of more we put on additional reading and than 5,000 books. discussion classes in the two terms prior to the interviews.

35 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Classical Civilisation

lassical Civilisation offers No knowledge of ancient languages is students the opportunity to required, and while having a general Entry Requirements immerse themselves in the background understanding or a ancient Greek and Roman Classical Civilisation GCSE will of No formal grade requirement. A C good level of spoken and written civilisations which have so profoundly course be helpful, it is by no means affected our own. It is a rigorous and essential. English is necessary for success well-regarded course, and indeed in this course. features in the top tier of humanities subjects in the list published by Course content and Course Offered Trinity College, Cambridge. Through assessment the study of literature, archaeology, A Level OCR Classical art and architecture, religion and At Clifton we follow the recently Civilisation society, students are encouraged revised OCR course, which contains to analyse and compare the ancient an exciting mixture of literature, and modern worlds, and to express history and art. In the Lower 6th themselves with clarity and feeling. year, we study two components: one Highlights of the course include the of the great epic poems of Homer, Additional features Parthenon marbles, the sanctuaries either the Odyssey or the Iliad; and At Clifton, classroom tuition is at Delphi and Olympia, and reading either tragic and comic drama or the complemented by trips to sites and the Odyssey, Iliad and Aeneid. art and architecture of the Greeks. museums, such as Caerleon, the In the Upper 6th year, we study two British Museum, or the Ashmolean Clifton has a very strong tradition further components: Virgil’s Aeneid, Museum in Oxford, and by talks from in Classical studies, and students the great Roman epic; and either the visiting speakers. Students also have gone on to study a wide variety politics of the Late Roman Republic or enjoy, and derive great benefit from, of university courses, some directly democracy and the Athenians or Greek our annual overseas trip to Greece, related (e.g. Classics, Ancient & religion. It is anticipated that most mainland Italy, or elsewhere. In Modern History, Archaeology & students will want to study the full A October 2018, we will be visiting Rome, Anthropology), others indirectly Level. If a student wishes to study only Pompeii and other sites on the Bay of related (e.g. Business, English for the AS qualification, this should be Naples. Literature). The analytical skills that flagged well in advance, since not all the study of Classical Civilisation components are available for the AS. fosters are of relevance to most Facilities and staff careers. For further details, please see Latin and Ancient Greek section.

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 36 Humanities

Geography Religious Studies 37 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK History Geography Entry Requirements Grade 6 (or B) in GCSE Geography is inherently Additional features Geography, although those who multidisciplinary in a world that have not taken Geography GCSE increasingly values people who Fieldwork is an integral part of the will be considered, and grade 5 have diverse and transferable skills. new A Level and there will be several (or C) in GCSE Mathematics. A Geographers learn how to select and field trips run by the department good level of spoken and written analyse data and use geographic designed to enhance the students’ English is also necessary for information systems to map and understanding and develop their success in this course. examine the world. investigative skills. Locations include Clifton Village, the floating harbour, Geographers are engaged global former glacial lowlands in South Course Offered citizens and eminently employable Wales and the Forest of Dean. The A Level OCR Geography in a wide range of occupations from department also runs an optional international relations to conservation international trip during the summer and management. This is underlined holidays, to exciting destinations such by the Russell Group of universities, as Madagascar and Mexico. who recognise Geography as one of the key “facilitating” subjects for entry to The department maintains close degree level study. links with the Bristol branch of the Geographical Association and encourages students to broaden their Course content and understanding through attendance assessment at lectures put on at the University of Bristol and also through our own We follow the OCR A Level Geography Geography Society. course and students will study the physical systems and human interactions in the world in which we live. In the core Facilities and staff content of the Lower Sixth, we examine The Geography Department is located some of the biggest challenges and Sarah Rath in the heart of the school within the threats facing humanity today, ranging Head of Geography Wilson Tower with spectacular views from how climate change affects our across The Close. The department has cold environments and essential life four classrooms, each equipped with support systems, to human rights and interactive whiteboards. In addition, we Student numbers are high at both migration. The debate topics in the Upper have a dedicated Geography ICT suite and GCSE and A Level, leading to several Sixth focus on disease and hazards and a new Geography resources room, which classes within each year, and there are the extent to which we can manage and houses a collection of books, journals currently four full-time teachers in the mitigate against these events. The wide and magazines for further research. The department. range of topics and debates offer a truly Geography resources centre not only global overview with people and the offers a quiet space for students to read environment being at the heart of the and complete work outside of lesson What subjects does subject. The A Level course also enables time, but is also used for seminar style students to carry out an independent Geography combine with? discussion. The Percival Library is also investigation on a topic of their own conveniently on our doorstep. Geography is a subject that will choice which encourages them to deepen complement almost any combination of their understanding and satisfy their A Level disciplines as it utilises elements intellectual curiosity. of both the sciences and the arts.

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 38 Entry Requirements Grade 6 (or B) in GCSE History although those who have not taken History GCSE will be considered. A good level of spoken and written English is also necessary.

Course Offered History A Level AQA History

He who cannot draw on three and a non-British course and, in thousand years is living hand to addition, complete a 4,000-word mouth.” Goethe historical investigation (coursework “ essay) in the Upper Sixth. This essay While it may be optimistic for students must cover a period of a hundred of A Level History to develop the years. We provide guidance on this, breadth of historical understanding however students can choose their recommended by Goethe, the own title if there is an area they are sentiment of this quotation is as valid passionate about. The department today as it ever was. The political, social currently teaches a broad range of and economic structures of the modern topics: Tthe Crusades, the Tudors, world make little sense to those who 20th century China, modern and have no context in which to place Victorian Britain, post-war America, them. Studying A Level History will not revolutionary Russia and Nazi Anne John provide all the answers, but it does Germany are just some of the courses Head of History give students an opportunity to gain offered. considerable understanding of some of the key individuals, events and ideas that have shaped the past millennium. Facilities and staff Additional features

As an academic discipline, History The History Department consists of Speakers from universities such as develops the skills of evaluation, six full-time members of staff. The Cambridge and Bristol also visit the analysis and argument and suits staff teach their own specialisms A Level History groups to lecture on students who enjoy reading, writing and are incredibly passionate the areas covered by the syllabus and discussion; but most of all it about the A Level courses they and A Level students are given the should appeal to students who are teach. Furthermore, the staff have opportunity to attend conferences curious about the past and are keen experience examining at both GCSE led by world-experts in their fields to make sense of the present. The and A Level as well as moderating of research. In the Summer term of skills honed through studying History coursework, allowing them to provide Year 12, students go on a trip and are fundamental to a broad range of tailored guidance on exam technique get hands-on experience with the careers, such as law and journalism. and what examiners are looking for people and places they have studied. History is widely recognised as in top-grade candidates. Resources Clifton College is active in the Bristol a heavyweight A Level subject are plentiful, with students’ textbooks Historical Association and Sixth Form by universities and a number of supplemented by copies of additional Historians also attend a variety of Cliftonians each year choose to study relevant material within History lectures at the University of Bristol History at top institutions. classrooms. There are excellent to extend and develop their subject restocked History sections within the knowledge. Furthermore, the Sixth Percival Library, where students also Form historians play a key role in Course content and have access to a number of historical the School’s own History Society. magazines as well as online historical This is a student-led organisation assessment databases and periodicals. that fosters the enthusiasm that the The History A Level is a two-year students have for their subject as well linear course, following AQA’s as giving them important leadership specification. Students study a British experience.

39 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Religious Studies

eligious Studies is an Facilities and staff interdisciplinary subject that Entry Requirements develops skills in analysis, The Religious Studies A Level course evaluation, critical thinking, is delivered by three very experienced Grade 6 (or B) in GCSE Religious R Studies, although those who reading and writing. RS encourages subjects specialists. The department engagement with ultimate questions, has recently relocated to a have not taken Religious Studies and will appeal to anyone with an refurbished suite of classrooms and is GCSE will be considered. A enquiring mind. The A Level course very well resourced. The department good level of spoken and written offers a broad range of topics, which houses a library of academic English is also necessary for allows exploration in many relevant literature and continues to be well success in this course. and exciting areas. It is a top tier supported by the Percival Library, academic discipline and is highly which provides current articles and Course Offered regarded by the universities. It will periodicals. The departmental staff equip students for a future in a maintain close contact with Trinity A Level Edexcel Religious wide variety of areas. The course as College, Bristol, which has provided Studies taught at Clifton will enable students access to its considerable collection. to compete for places at the most prestigious institutions and we have had notable success in recent years. What subjects does Religious Studies Course content and combine with? assessment Religious Studies traditionally combines well with other essay-based We follow the Edexcel A Level subjects in the arts and humanities, course, which is a two-year linear but equally it can sit comfortably with qualification with examinations at the sciences and Psychology. the end of the Upper Sixth. Students will be examined in Philosophy of Religion, Religion and Ethics, and New Testament Studies. Julia Greenbury Head of Religious Studies and Philosophy

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 40 PPE & Business

Politics Economics 41 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Philosophy Business Politics

olitics is an option that will core political ideas of conservatism, appeal to students who liberalism and socialism. The UK Entry Requirements want to understand how the Government unit includes the study of political systems of the UK the constitution, Parliament, the Prime No specific requirements, P but students will usually have and the USA operate. It focuses on Minister and the executive. The USA how these systems are administered component includes the study of the achieved a good pass grade today rather than on an historic basis Constitution and federalism, Congress, at GCSE in subjects such as and, therefore, an interest in current the Presidency, the Supreme Court, English and History. affairs is an essential requirement civil rights and democracy and for this course. There is a lot of participation. Assessment is through Course Offered PPE & Business discussion, debate and argument three written examinations of two involved in the teaching and learning hours each. A Level Edexcel Politics of this subject and it will, therefore, appeal to students who enjoy such activities, although the ability to Additional features research and to write well-reasoned answers is also necessary. There is a wealth of resources available both within the school and Politics teaches people how to outside. The department is well- think for themselves, how to argue resourced with books and other persuasively and how to be critical in materials and there is a well-stocked the use of information. It is, therefore, section in the library. The daily news useful in any career that uses these always raises issues and events skills such as the law, journalism, which are relevant and every student publishing or business. should endeavour to read a good quality daily newspaper and to follow news broadcasts and other political Course content and programmes on the radio and/or television, for example ‘the Andrew assessment Marr Show’ on Sunday mornings, Peter Lidington The Politics course followed is that to stay up-to-date with political Head of Politics provided by Edexcel. There are no developments. specific entry grade requirements, but students will usually have achieved a good pass grade at GCSE in subjects What subjects does such as English and History which Politics combine with? have transferable skills. Politics can be combined with The course is now linear, over subjects such as Economics, two years, and consists of three Business Studies or History, to add components: UK Politics, UK to a deeper understanding of the Government and a comparative study Social Sciences, or it can be studied of the USA political system. The UK alongside very different subjects, like politics unit includes the study of Mathematics and the Sciences, to add democracy and participation, political breadth to a student’s studies. parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media along with

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 42 Philosophy

he A Level specification has The specification asks these been designed to introduce questions: What can we know? Can Entry Requirements students to the key methods the existence of God be proved? How and concepts in philosophy do we make moral decisions? Are my Grade 7 (or A) in GCSE English T Language and Mathematics. through the study of four broad mind and body separate? themes: Epistemology; Philosophy of Religion; Ethics; and Philosophy These questions are fundamental Course Offered of Mind. Students will develop and and the material covered in the refine a range of transferable skills, specification not only provides A Level AQA Philosophy such as the ability to ask penetrating students with a good understanding questions, to analyse and evaluate of how these debates have, so far, the arguments of others, and to been framed, but also acts as a present their own arguments clearly springboard for consideration and and logically. It is a challenging and discussion of students’ own ideas. rewarding discipline to study, and The range of question types ensures complements both STEM subjects and that students are assessed across humanities. It is very highly regarded a core of important philosophical by elite universities. skills. Students will have the opportunity to engage in detailed Clifton has a very strong tradition analysis of philosophical texts, of producing philosophers of using the prescribed Anthology as a international significance - Grice, springboard for further reading and Prichard, Blackburn, Geach and reflection. McTaggart are all OCs. Recent Cliftonians have also found the study of philosophy to be both exciting Facilities and staff and a pathway to the very best UK Julia Greenbury universities. The subject is taught by two members Head of Philosophy and of staff, both with a philosophy Religious Studies background at degree level. Between Course content and them, they have more than 20 years’ experience of teaching the assessment AQA syllabus. Resources in the department, on the web and in the The linear AQA A Level specification Percival Library are outstanding. places Epistemology and Moral Philosophy in the Lower Sixth, and these themes are supplemented by Philosophy of Religion and Philosophy of Mind in the Upper Sixth.

43 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Economics

conomics is about choice and Course content and the impact of our choices Entry Requirements on each other. It relates to assessment every aspect of our lives, Grade 6 (or B) in GCSE E The study of Economics helps students Mathematics and English often without us realising it, from the to develop clear, logical thinking and decisions we make as individuals Language. A good level of spoken an analytical approach to problem- about how to spend our money or and written English is necessary solving. The course requires students family income to the institutions and for success in this course. to develop a combination of skills structures created by governments and aptitudes, from essay writing to and firms. As a way of thinking, quantitative analysis, and rewards Course Offered Economics can help us make better those who enjoy working at both choices. A Level AQA Economics conceptual and practical levels. The popularity of Economics is a At the end of the Upper Sixth, reflection of the value and enjoyment students are assessed via three students derive from its study, the wide separate papers. One paper is range of skills they develop and the in Microeconomics and one in huge choice of careers that are open to Macroeconomics and both include graduates of the subject. short and longer essay questions. For Paper 3, students must draw on all their knowledge across both disciplines to answer multiple choice and general questions.

Additional features The department seeks to make the most of real life examples and arrange guest speakers which include economists from university and James Adams speakers from the City of London. Head of Economics and Business We also visit Bristol’s hugely popular Festival of Economics each year to attend seminars led by high profile What subjects does economists on the issues of the moment. Each year the students are Economics combine with? offered a lecture from a recent OC who has chosen to study the subject at Economics is a good complement to university which they find highly useful most A Levels. Popular subjects to Nobel Prize Winner in making their own choices. do in combination with Economics include Mathematics, History, Sir John Hicks The College’s thriving Economics Psychology, Politics and Geography. You do not need to study Mathematics In 1972 Sir John Hicks Society attracts large fortnightly to pursue Economics. However, many (OC 1917-22) received the turnouts and participation on a wide undergraduate courses in Economics Nobel Memorial Prize in range of national and international do require Mathematics A Level. Economic Sciences (jointly) for current affairs. his pioneering contributions to general equilibrium theory and welfare theory. Hicks’s model Facilities and staff offered far better possibilities Six highly experienced teachers to study the consequences of from a wide range of backgrounds in changes in externally given education, industry and finance teach variables than earlier models in Economics at Clifton. The subject is this field, and Hicks succeeded taught in the Coulson Centre and three in formulating a number newly equipped classrooms make up of economically interesting the department. theorems. His model became of great importance also as a connecting link between general 44 equilibrium theory and current SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK theories of business cycles. Entry Requirements Grade 5 (or B) in English Language and Mathematics. A good level of spoken and Business written English is necessary for success in this course. usiness appeals to a wide 1. Marketing and people range of students, including 2. Managing business activities Courses Offered those whose ambition it is 3. Business decisions and strategy Bto be an entrepreneur, those 4. Global businesses A Level Edexcel Business who hope to run their family business, or those who want to be a part of a Students are externally assessed on BTEC Level 3 National Extended multinational corporation. Business the full content of the course at the Certificate in Business touches most aspects of modern end of their study in the Upper Sixth. society, it is a vibrant subject that is Students sit three A Level papers. constantly changing, and the study of Unit 3 includes study of a pre- it prepares students for today’s global released industry research theme. This includes the ability to learn world. independently, research actively and The A Level course provides an Facilities and staff give presentations. The course aims insight into the business world and to give students a solid grounding in enables students to develop the skills There are six staff teaching Business in business planning, finance, marketing and knowledge to understand how newly refurbished rooms in the Coulson and strategy which will be invaluable businesses operate. In many ways Centre. We also have a small computer when embarking on further study, it is a practical subject as students room which is available for students to an entrepreneurial venture or their learn about the internal running of a do business research. future professional career. business, the operation of the various Students study 4 units of which 3 are departments, such as marketing, mandatory and 2 are external. finance and human resources, and the What subjects does Business external influences on the business. combine with? • Mandatory content (83%). The A Level course is taught using a case-study approach; this enables Business combines well with a • External assessment (58%). students to build knowledge of real wide variety of subjects, including • Exploring Business world businesses. Economics, Geography, Mathematics and Three-Dimensional Design. • Developing a Marketing Campaign Business and related subjects are (externally assessed) among some of the most popular BTEC Level 3 National • Personal and Business Finance fields of study at universities and (externally assessed) the A Level provides students with a Extended Certificate in strong foundation for future studies. Business One optional unit from: The Level 3 National Extended • Market Research Course content and Certificate in Business is equivalent • The English Legal System assessment to a full A Level. It offers a flexible, unit-based structure and project- • Work Experience in Business based assessments. It develops the Students have the option to pursue • Investigating Customer Service the Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE practical, interpersonal and thinking course in Business. It is split into four skills required to be able to succeed • Recruitment and Selection themes: in employment and higher education. Process

45 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 46 Physical Education & Spo t

47 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Physical Education Sport Physical Education and Sport

A Level in Physical Education Education at A Level is studied through a range of different contexts, which Entry Requirements Level PE is an academic reveal the impact that it has on both course that has practical our own and others’ everyday lives. Subject to assessment by the components. Students will The A Level covers physiological, Head of Department. Grade Aparticipate in their chosen psychological, sociocultural and 7 (or A) in Biology or Physical sports and can be assessed in these; contemporary issues, as well as the Education recommended. the grade will contribute towards a practical performance. Students will final examination result. learn the reasons why we do things and Course Offered why some people outperform others – The study of Physical Education at mentally and physically. They will also A Level OCR Physical Education A Level will enhance a student’s delve into the ethical considerations and Sport knowledge and experience of PE and behind the use of drugs and the sport, as well as providing a deeper influence that modern technology is BTEC Level 3 National Diploma understanding of health issues. This having on physical activity and sport. All in Sport A Level offers a multidisciplinary areas of content are now compulsory. approach to the study of, and As such, students will receive a well- participation in, sport, play, leisure rounded and full introduction to the and recreation, allowing students to BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sport world of PE, sport and sports science. study movement, performance and The BTEC Sport National Diploma behaviour in relation to PE. Students will have the opportunity Level 3 is equivalent to two A Levels. to develop a wide-ranging set of While covering a range of different Candidates should enjoy science and key skills, including communication units, it provides transferable looking at how the human body and using appropriate language, dealing knowledge and skills that prepare mind is affected by sport participation with pressure, split-second decision learners for progression to university, and performance, and they should making, interpreting and analysing data, this includes the ability to learn also be interested in the place of PE as well as analysing and evaluating independently, research actively and and sport in our society and how the performance. give presentations. Students will subject has developed historically to study six mandatory units: fulfil its social role. They must also enjoy developing and acquiring skills Facilities and staff • Anatomy and Physiology and techniques in a variety of physical activities. The PE Department has three • Fitness Training and Programming classrooms, equipped with interactive for Health, Sport and Wellbeing Sport and fitness is a huge industry whiteboards, situated above the and students could make a career • Professional Development in the swimming pool and fitness suite doing something that they are Sports Industry and next to the sports hall and passionate about. Possible career gymnasium. This allows instant • Sports Leadership options include becoming a sports access to apply the theory content of therapist, a teacher, a nutritionist, or lessons to practical activities. Video • Investigating Business in the Sport training to be a physiotherapist, as cameras and iPads are often used and Active Leisure Industry well as a range of other opportunities. in the practical lessons, allowing • Skill Acquisition in Sport. students immediate feedback in both Course content and their own and others’ performances. Assessment of the units vary from exams to assignments, which The department has six full-time assessment prepares students for assessment teachers and two part-time teachers. methods used in degrees. The variety The Physical Education course They have a vast experience from of units and assessment methods follows the OCR specification. It is a variety of sports and include ex- engages students who have an recommended that candidates have professionals and internationals. interest in sport and allows them to at least an A (or 7) grade at GCSE in Other facilities used for PE lessons develop an in-depth knowledge and PE and/or the sciences as well as include the new state-of-the-art apply their knowledge in project- being very competent in one sporting cricket nets, the 3G football pitch, the based assessments. activity. The combination of physical water-based hockey pitch, the indoor performance and academic challenge tennis/netball centre, the dance John Bobby provides an exciting opportunity for studios and numerous hard court, students. Studying this subject helps grass and AstroTurf pitches. Head of Physical Education students to gain the knowledge to improve their own and others’ performance or coaching. Physical Sport SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 48 49 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 50 Music,D ama & Dance

Drama and Theatre Dance

51 SIXTH2017 | FORMSIXTH CURRICULUMFORM CURRICULUM BOOK BOOK Music Professional Music Technology Certificate LAMDA

Drama and Theatre

hose choosing Drama and participate in the creation, development Theatre as an academic course and performance of two pieces of theatre Entry Requirements will have the opportunity to based on a stimulus supplied by WJEC: a develop their acting skills and devised piece influenced by a practitioner Grade 6 (or B) in GCSE English T and Drama if taken. understanding of stagecraft. They will or theatre company, and an extract from have the chance to learn a wide range a text. Students will perform their pieces of styles, and, as part of the A Level to a visiting examiner, and will submit a Course Offered course, will study practitioners and process and evaluation report within one published plays. Studying Drama and week of completion of the practical work. A Level WJEC Eduqas Drama Theatre at Clifton College encourages and Theatre students to develop their teamwork and Component 3: Text in Performance, communication skills, builds confidence written examination, 2 hours 30 minutes, and fosters their public speaking ability. 40% of qualification. The exam will consist of a series of questions on the texts students have studied across the course, Course content and one to be pre-1956 and the other post- 1956. They will also answer a question on assessment a set extract from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time. We study the WJEC Eduqas exam board syllabus at A Level. Students will study two complete play texts and will participate in three performances: a reinterpretation Facilities and staff of a text, an extract, and a devised piece. All teachers in the department are Students will need to consider the working subject specialists, therefore we are able Rhian Orzel methods of a theatre practitioner or to offer a broad academic opportunity Head of Academic Drama company in their devised performance to all, with Dance and Drama GCSE and work. They may follow performance or A Levels being offered to all students design options for the performances. on timetable, as well as a full LAMDA programme. Component 1: Theatre Workshop, non- working on such exciting recent productions as Les Miserables, Phantom exam assessment: internally assessed, The department has use of the College’s of the Opera, Treasure Island, Miss 20% of qualification. Students will be 300-seat proscenium-arched theatre Saigon, David Copperfield, A Midsummer assessed on either acting or design. and two purpose-built dance studios. We Night’s Dream, Chicago, Cabaret, Students participate in the reinterpretation work closely with Bristol Old Vic Theatre, Pygmalion and Taming of the Shrew. of an extract from a text chosen from a the Bath Theatre Royal, RADA, and list supplied by WJEC. The piece must Shakespeare’s Globe in London. We stage three productions annually – a be developed using the techniques and Junior production in the Summer Term working methods of either an influential for the Third and Fourth Form pupils, theatre practitioner or a recognised Additional features an outdoor arts festival at the end of the theatre company. Students must produce Summer Term, and a full-scale musical The Drama, Theatre Studies and Dance a realisation of the performance/design theatre production in November in the Departments work closely together to and a creative log. Redgrave Theatre. promote Performing Arts at Clifton. With Component 2: Text in Action, non-exam exciting choreography and innovative assessment: externally assessed, 40% of technical and staging ideas, Cliftonians qualification. Students will be assessed get the best possible opportunities on either acting or design. Students SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 2017 52 | Music

usic is something that Performance interests everyone in our (coursework, 30% of marks) Entry Requirements society and the A Level Students give a recital of around 10 course has been cleverly minutes on their chosen instrument or Grade 7 (or A) in GCSE Music, M or ABRSM grade 5 theory and designed to be engaging and to extend voice; this can be solo, accompanied by students’ appreciation of the diverse a piano, or as part of a group. performance. and dynamic heritage of music, looking at many different styles and genres. Course Offered Students develop their performance Facilities and staff skills (solo and/or ensemble), compose A Level Edexcel Music music, learn about harmony and build up The Joseph Cooper Music School their aural and analytical skills. Whether (opened in 2009) is a fantastic facility they go on to study or perform music at a with a recital hall, recording studio, 15 higher level, or whether this is something practice rooms, and three classrooms that sits alongside very different A Levels, with 32 iMacs and a suite of Yamaha it is a highly regarded academic subject pianos, including a fine grand piano. and ultimately a very rewarding one. As well as the Director of Music, there are two academic members of staff who teach Music A Level and a sound Course content and engineer who runs the recording studio and teaches Music Technology. assessment Study and appraisal of set pieces Additional features (exam, 40% of marks) Students study a wide variety of pieces The College puts on a busy programme of music ranging from JS Bach and of around 25 concerts per term and Dan Robson Mozart, to the Beatles, jazz sax player the department is always a lively hub Director of Music Courtney Pine, and film music (Psycho of activity, with 32 visiting instrumental and Pirates of the Caribbean), amongst teachers. Recent stage productions others. They look at how and why the have been hugely successful including also include a first orchestra, string music was written and what makes it Cabaret [2015], Guys and Dolls orchestra, choral society, chapel choir, successful (or not!). [2016] and School of Rock [2017] - all chamber choir, wind band, saxophone performed in the College’s Redgrave groups, male & female close harmony, Composition Theatre. Pop and Rock are very percussion group, brass group, swing (coursework, 30% of marks) popular with regular live gigs, as well band, soul band, and around 20 Students learn to compose in different as frequent recording sessions. Music different chamber music groups. styles, both traditional (e.g. harmony groups at the College in the style of Bach) and in a more contemporary, original way.

53 SIXTH2017 | FORMSIXTH CURRICULUMFORM CURRICULUM BOOK BOOK Music Technology

usic Technology is a ‘hands on’ subject which Entry Requirements will teach students how to record, edit and mix Grade 7 (or A) in GCSE Music or M relevant experience with Music music. Of course, nowadays, high quality music can be made with Technology. relatively little equipment, but when students study the A Level they will Course Offered try out different microphones in a real studio, editing with a professional A Level Edexcel Music mixing desk and Pro Tools software, Technology as well as learning to set-up PA systems for live events. There is a lot Sir David Willcocks of coursework and an exam which tests their knowledge of virtually all There is also a listening exam which Old Cliftonian (1934-1938) Sir pop genres, but it’s great fun to study. tests students’ knowledge of different David Willcocks was awarded musical genres and technologies, the Military Cross during World which they will study over the course War II as a battalion intelligence Course content and of the two years. officer. He went on to have an assessment extraordinarily successful career at King’s College, Cambridge, We follow the Edexcel course, which Facilities and staff where he was Director of Music involves a significant amount of from1957 to 1974. He was also coursework, including the following See Music section. instrumental in the famous tasks: Carols from Kings being heard at Christmas on the radio and • Recording, editing and producing a was awarded over 50 honorary song of the student’s choice degrees from universities across • Reproducing, a well known track the world. In 1977 in the Queen’s (specified by Edexcel) using Silver Jubilee Honours he was software instruments and fx created a Knight Bachelor. • An extended remix/composition task In 2009, he opened the newly- refurbished Music School named after Old Cliftonian pianist and BBC broadcaster Joseph Cooper.

2017 | SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 54 Dance

Entry Requirements Grade 5 (or B) in GCSE Dance. Students without GCSE Dance will need to have a good level of dance training.

Course Offered A Level AQA Dance

presentation of a group dance. The written examination paper allows a student to demonstrate their understanding and analytical skills based on compulsory and optional areas he A Level Dance course is The examination board is AQA. A Level of study and professional dance works. suitable for students who Dance provides the opportunity for have received previous dance students to explore and experiment Dance is a small department and Ttraining and who have the with movement through the creation of benefits from the use of three dance desire to further their work creatively, both solo and group choreographies. studios which are equipped with ballet technically and theoretically. Technique is developed through the barres and mirrors.

Professional Certificate LAMDA (Sector E)

he PCert LAM qualification is and cultural contexts, including research set at undergraduate level and on character(s), and development of gives a strong award to offer the introduction, linking passages Tto a university as it prepares and conclusion. It will give details of candidates for interview, delivery of a the rationale for the choice of staging speech or text, and allows the student to and movement, the physical and vocal carry out in-depth study into literature exercises which suit the recital choices, and drama figures throughout the 20th and the process of preparation. There century. should be a clear evaluation of each stage of the rehearsal process. The Level 3 examination is in two units:

1st Unit – Written assignment in the 2nd Unit – The recital will include the form of a Portfolio of Evidence which will four pieces of work discussed and demonstrate a strong understanding prepared in Unit 1 (verse selection, of the relevant knowledge and skills prose selection, scene from a play and required to prepare a recital for the candidate’s personal choice). After performance. Research will be thorough the practical performance work, the and the assignment will be 5,000 to 6,000 candidate will be examined in a viva style words. It will document the process of interview with the examiner. preparing a recital based on a theme, in readiness for a performance. It will The course is delivered over 12 months show thorough research on the poets, and requires students to read a variety of playwrights and prose writers included in books and poetry and to visit the theatre to the recital, along with the historical, social explore a range of theatrical styles. 55 SIXTH2017 | FORMSIXTH CURRICULUMFORM CURRICULUM BOOK BOOK Facilities

LOCATIONS Dance studio Theatre

2017 | SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 56 A t & Design

Art Three-Dimensional

57 SIXTH2017 | FORMSIXTH CURRICULUMFORM CURRICULUM BOOK BOOK Photography Design Sculpture / Ceramics History of Art Art

he study of Art can refresh Our students tend to study either our vision and help us to look fine art drawing and painting or fine Entry Requirements at the world in a variety of art sculpture/ceramics. Our fine art Tways. Students learn to give painting students are given an excellent Grade 7 (or A) in GCSE Art. tangible form to their feelings and their grounding in the fundamentals imagination, record and commemorate of draughtsmanship, oil painting, Course Offered and create extraordinary versions of composition and colour theory as well ordinary things. Many of our students as the use of the other formal elements A Level Edexcel Fine Art have moved on to study on courses at in art. Painting and drawing from life is art college such as fine art, illustration, very important and students will work graphic design, car design, shoe design, from still life arrangements in the studio architecture, interior design, fashion as well as from live models during life design and fashion journalism. drawing sessions, which take place in the evenings from time to time. They Clifton has always had a strong tradition are also allowed to work from their in art and former students have included own reference photographs and we the Bloomsbury art critic and artist encourage them to purchase their own Roger Fry, the artist Henry Tonks, camera for this purpose. who became professor of Fine Art at the Slade School in London, and the All students are expected to work landscape and abstract artist Peter using a range of media throughout the Lanyon, a famous member of the St Ives course and they are issued with an School. art kit containing oil paints, acrylics, chalk pastels, tonal chalks, oil pastels, watercolours, acrylics and colouring Allan Wilkie Course content and pencils. Head of Art assessment The critical studies element of the course is very important and We follow the Edexcel Fine Art syllabus. students critically evaluate and make Facilities and staff Students follow a linear A Level course transcriptions of the work of artists spending the first four terms working on We are fortunate to count among our who are considered to be exemplars coursework which carries 60% of their staff a fine art painter and etcher, a of particular schools of thought, which overall marks. They commence work on ceramicist/sculptor, a photographer should enrich and inform their own work their externally-set assignment at the and an art historian. The department as well as show that what they do has beginning of the Lent Term in the Upper is equipped with two lower school and some basis in the world of art. Sixth, with a 15-hour examination in GCSE art studios, one larger Sixth the Summer Term, and this carries the Form studio with an etching press, a remaining 40% of their overall marks. photography room with a darkroom, a ceramics/sculpture studio and a History of Art room for essential research.

2017 | SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 58 Photography

Entry Requirements No formal entry requirements. Candidates should possess a genuine interest in photography beyond the snapshot.

Course Offered A Level AQA Photography

Lent Term in the Upper Sixth with a 15- Students wishing to study hour examination in the Summer Term, photography should bring their own and this carries the remaining 40% of digital SLR camera with them to their overall marks. Clifton for use on the course.

Students begin by learning the building blocks of photographic processes, Facilities and staff namely the interaction of light with Paul Wigginton light sensitive materials. This builds Photography is taught by Paul Head of Photography a foundation on which to learn the Wigginton, a professional traditional methods of photography photographer in his own right. The department has its own darkroom, tudents gain an understanding using film and darkroom printing, fully equipped to produce high quality of how photographic images along with workshops in photo etching, black and white prints. For digital are constructed and used in toning, liquid emulsion, pinhole cameras images, Apple Mac computers using society today and also how to and photograms. Within the first year S students then progress to using digital a variety of industry standard image convey meaning, thoughts and ideas manipulation software are linked into their photographs using traditional, photography, incorporating studio to a large format A0 inkjet printer. contemporary and alternative methods. lighting and image manipulation using All these facilities are available for It is a practical subject, and one that a variety of software. Experimentation students to use in their own time. teaches students to understand this in using a wide range of different image exciting, powerful, visual language. making equipment and techniques is encouraged, as is using alternative Students have gone on to successfully methods of displaying their work relative study at foundation and degree to the subject matter. level in a range of areas such as photography, fashion photography, This skills-based first year of the fine art (photography specialism), film course is explored through projects and media production. encompassing different photographic genres, learning to communicate through this medium using a wide range of Course content and photographic styles. assessment In the second year of the course, students negotiate a self-directed project Students spend the first four terms to incorporate skills and concepts working on coursework which carries learned in the first year, with their work 60% of their overall marks. They being informed by thorough research commence work on their externally-set into the social and contextual aspects of assignment at the beginning of the photography as practiced by recognised photographers and artists.

59 SIXTH2017 | FORMSIXTH CURRICULUMFORM CURRICULUM BOOK BOOK Sculpture and Ceramics

culpture is an enjoyable and Term in the Upper Sixth with a 15- rewarding subject. Students hour examination in the Summer Entry Requirements will gain valuable skills such Term and this carries the remaining as independence, analytical 40% of their overall marks. Students Grade 6 (or B) in GCSE Art or S Sculpture. thinking, creativity, ingenuity, may have the option to study Art, Craft innovation and aesthetic awareness. and Design as a part time AS Level, They will learn to appreciate, with their exam in the Summer Term understand and analyse Art and of Upper Sixth. Course Offered Design pieces, and initiate and A Level Edexcel Art, Craft develop their own project concepts. The Art, Craft and Design course and Design The course gives students the requires students to work in more freedom to explore and express their than one discipline such as Fine Art own interests and ideas. sculptures and 3D ceramic design, giving students a broader base of There are far more job roles on application for their work in functional offer in the creative industries than and non-functional contexts. Many Facilities and staff you might realise. With plentiful students work primarily in ceramics The Sculpture studio is equipped with opportunities and a diverse pathway because of the versatility of clay, a kiln for earthenware, stoneware, of exciting areas to specialise in, but students also explore materials and porcelain firings which can why not seek to combine what you such as plaster, wire, paper, fabric, also be used for slumped and fused enjoy doing with your future career? plastic, resin, wax and glass, amongst glass work. There is a second small Sculpture is a highly suitable course others. Students are taught hand- kiln for enamelling. All equipment for anyone interested in pursuing built ceramics techniques, such as and materials, including all clay, art and areas such as fashion, slab and coil built work, sculpting glazes, and lustres, are provided to architecture, furniture design, techniques, mould making and slip students without charge, with nominal jewellery, animation model making, casting. Students are encouraged to charges only made to students if prop making, three-dimensional take inspiration from a range of artists they individually require specialist design, installation, ceramics and fine and adopt an experimental approach expensive materials to be ordered. All art sculpture, to name but a few. to their use of media. All students are aspects of the course are taught by also issued with an art kit containing specialists in their field. oil paints, acrylics, chalk pastels, tonal chalks, oil pastels, watercolours, acrylics and colouring pencils in Naomi Randall addition to the three-dimensional Head of Art studio materials provided, and are expected to use a variety of media throughout the course.

The critical studies element of the course is also very important and students evaluate and make three- dimensional transcriptions of the work of individually chosen artists, which enriches and informs their own work. Students must complete a written personal study of 3,000 words to accompany their coursework portfolio. This study includes analytical responses to the artists in Course content and relation to their own work. assessment Students are encouraged to choose their own theme or starting point We follow the Edexcel Art, Craft and for their coursework project, with Design syllabus. Students follow guidance from their teacher. The a linear A Level course spending teaching approach is personalised the first four terms working on and tutorial based, with the dialogue coursework which carries 60% of between teacher and student central their overall marks. They commence to the process, to enable students to work on their externally set work with growing independence and assignment at the start of the Lent self-direction. 2017 | SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 60 Design and Technology: Entry Requirements Grade 7 (or A) in GCSE Design Product Design and and Technology Course Offered Fashion and Textiles A Level AQA Product Design A Level AQA Fashion and Textiles esigners are the makers of Format: Written Exam the built environment; they Time: 2 1/2 hours change lives and shape our Weighting 30% Dinteractions with the world around us. Design has a reciprocal nature Assessment: Paper 2 with culture, economy, geography and Theme: Designing and Making Principles history in that it always starts with the needs and motivations of people. Format: Written Exam Time: 1 1/2 hours An education in Design and Technology Weighting: 20% not only encourages observational and analytical skills but develops Assessment: Non-exam Assessment presentation and communication. It (NEA) Theme: invites students to explore past objects Substantial Design and Make Project as an archaeologist and to design what Format: A3 folio and made product are world will look like in the future. Our Victoria Jackson Time: Completed in Upper Sixth designers have gone onto study graphic Head of Design and Technology design, product design, architecture and Weighting: 50% ergonomic design among many other courses. Students will study a range of materials plastics. We have a large workshop fitted and processes within their course choice. out for wood and metal work, including Our courses at A Level are for those who They will be expected to design to a a new foundry for casting aluminium. wish to continue their studies in the field number of briefs. Students are expected Our textiles workshop continues to of Design and Technology through either to visually communicate through a evolve with the equipment needed for Product Design or Fashion and Textiles . variety of media and CAD work. They are students to fully realise all aspects of Places are extremely limited so, as well also expected to realise their intentions their designs. as meeting the grade requirements, a practically through either workshop proven aptitude for the subject and career based skills for Product Design or prospects will be taken into account. through the Textiles based skills for Fashion and Textiles. Both courses focus on the creative aspects as well as the Course content and technical ones. assessment We offer two courses; A level AQA Facilities and staff Product Design and A level AQA Fashion Clifton’s reputation for excellence in the and Textiles. They are both linear Design and Technology Department is courses with the completion of the A ever increasing and we are staffed with The origins of Bentley Level at the end of the Upper Sixth. In highly experienced staff who are trained Motors - July 1919 the Lower Sixth, students will spend in a variety of mediums and practice as the first, second and part of the third designers and makers. We also have a Walter Owen Bentley, OC, term working on a number of individual full-time technician who supports the commonly know as W.O. (1888 to projects developing and building their main workshop. 1971), attended Clifton until 1905. skills in the relevant materials areas. In 1912, with his brother H. M., Students will then start their non-exam Clifton has a well-equipped Design and W. O. established the Bentley and assessment coursework at the end of Technology Department that includes Bentley company which specialised the Lower Sixth and complete it during design studios, two computer rooms with in selling cars with aluminium alloy terms one and two of the Upper Sixth. Adobe, Graphics and CAD programs, pistons. During the First World War, he built rotary aero-engines Assessment Overview: scanners, digital cameras and light boxes. We have a plastics workshop for the Royal Air Force and many Assessment: Paper 1 that includes a laser cutter and the other big manufacturers including Theme: Technical Principles equipment for the manipulation of Rolls Royce. Almost immediately after the end of the First World War, W.O. and H.M. founded their 61 SIXTH2017 | FORMSIXTH CURRICULUMFORM CURRICULUM BOOK BOOK own car company - Bentley Motors Limited. History of Art

hroughout history, man has The course consists of a Visual demonstrated the creative Analysis component. Students will Entry Requirements side of human nature by need to make an in-depth study of creating works of art and two thematic topics: Nature, Identity Grade 7 (or A) in GCSE Art, T Sculpture or Design and architecture. Much of this art can and War. The inclusion of works from be studied first-hand in this country the non-European tradition in the Technology. which has wonderful art collections thematic topics makes this syllabus as well as great architecture. reflect the modern world. Students Course Offered will also select two art historical Studying History of Art will enable periods to study from the following: A Level Edexcel History of Art students to explore the canon of The Renaissance in Italy (1420-1520); painting, sculpture and architecture The Baroque and Catholic Europe and discover much about art (1597-1685); The British and French production, the artists who made the Avant-Garde (1848-99); Modernism art, the patrons who commissioned in Europe (1900-39); British and it, and the societies they inhabited. American contemporary art and History of Art is much more than art architecture (1960-2015). The subject appreciation, although the aesthetic will be assessed by external exams aspect is a bonus! and there is no coursework. A student wanting to understand art and the societies that produced it will develop their skills of analysis, Additional features observation and evaluation. These There are annual visits to galleries in are important transferable skills and London to study first-hand the art and explain why History of Art is a top tier architecture that has been studied in academic discipline. In recent years class. many students have gone on to top universities, including the Courtauld, Helen Skåtun to continue this subject to degree level. Facilities and staff History of Art Teacher History of Art comes under the Art Course content and Department which also offers courses in Art, Photography and Sculpture. assessment The History of Art room is well We follow the Edexcel specification. equipped for the viewing of slides. It This syllabus gives students the also benefits from a wide range of opportunity to study the artwork and books and DVDs. styles of key historical movements and periods. Students also have the option of studying non-Western art.

Roger Fry OC - July 1882 Roger Fry OC, studied science at Cambridge and became the leading 20th century art critic as well as artist and curator and Professor of Fine Art at The Slade, renowned for his discovery of Cezanne and being the voice for modern French artists.

2017 | SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 62 63 SIXTH2017 | FORMSIXTH CURRICULUMFORM CURRICULUM BOOK BOOK 2017 | SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 64 Info mation Technology BTEC Level 3 National Certificate Dr Darron Dean and Extended Certificate in Head of Academic ICT Information Technology

These qualifications are designed be completed under supervised You will explore the relationships for students who are interested in conditions for 10 hours in a one-week between the hardware and software developing their understanding of period in either January or June. that form an IT system, and the way information technology (IT), with a that systems work individually and view to progressing to a wide range Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business together, as well as the relationship between the user and the system. You of higher education courses, not You will explore different social media will examine issues related to the use necessarily in IT. websites, the ways in which they can of IT systems and the impact that they be used and the potential pitfalls when There are two qualifications have on organisations and individuals. available: using them for business purposes. You will develop a plan to use social media This unit is assessed by a 2 hour 1. Certificate is equivalent to an strategies for business purposes to written exam at the end of the AS Level. achieve specific aims and objectives. Upper Sixth. You will then implement the plan, 2. Extended Certificate is equivalent developing and posting content and Unit 5: Data Modelling to an A Level. interacting with others. Finally, you You will study how data modelling can 1. The Certificate will collect data on the business use of social media and review the be used to solve problems. You will design and implement a data model to The Certificate consists of two effectiveness of your efforts. meet client requirements. mandatory units: The unit is assessed by an assignment You will develop the skills and Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage set by the exam board. You will be techniques necessary to create Information required to produce a written report, detailing the work undertaken for the complex spreadsheets in order to You will examine the structure of data assignment. produce accurate information that and its origins, and how an efficient informs decision making. You will data design follows through to an 2. The Extended Certificate examine a scenario and then design, effective and useful database. You will develop and test a spreadsheet; you The Extended Certificate builds on Unit examine a given scenario and develop will review your spreadsheet and 2 and 3 with two further units. It has an effective design solution to produce make refinements based on user a greater theoretical depth, as well as a relational database system. You will feedback, providing an evaluation of more content. then test your solution to ensure that it the effectiveness of the alternatives produced. works correctly. Finally, you will evaluate Unit 1: Information Systems each stage of the development process Technology The unit is assessed by an assignment and the effectiveness of your database set by the exam board. You will be solution. You will study the role of computer required to produce a written report, systems and the implications of their detailing the work undertaken for the This unit is externally assessed use in personal and professional assignment. through a task set and marked by situations. the exam board. The set task will

65 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Secto E

n addition to the four main selections made from Sector E are Students are encouraged to enrich subjects studied in the Lower optional and so, broadly speaking, their experience in the Sixth Form Sixth, many students will students are free to make their by choosing an additional option or Ithen wish to select one or two selection from this sector over and options, though care must be taken to additional choices from the list of above their normal diet of four main ensure that individuals do not over- supplementary subjects in Sector E. subjects. commit themselves. Students should The subject choices within Sector discuss their Sector E choices with E are designed to give Sixth Form We aim to be as flexible as possible their tutor and Housemaster/mistress students further scope to develop within Sector E, and subject to certain to make sure that they have made a their strengths and interests. Any timetabling constraints, students realistic selection. may choose more than one option. Sector E choices BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Information Technology

The Certificate is available in Sector E. See course details on page 65.

English as an Additional Language

EAL is offered as a Sector E course of academic writing skills for those which is tailor-made to fit the needs students taking essay writing subjects of the students who wish to take it. such as Economics, Psychology or Most often it will involve improvement History.

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 66 French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian and Mandarin

If staffing allows, these languages previous experience. Students should options are possible. For more details are available for study as Sector E contact the Head of Languages if they of the languages offered see the options. They can be studied as a are interested in studying a language Modern Foreign Languages section on non-examined subject or to GCSE or as a Sector E option; early contact is page 25. A Level depending on the student’s advisable to discuss which language

Performance Certificate LAMDA

The PCert LAM qualification is set figures throughout the 20th century. covering skills like public speaking at undergraduate level and gives a See the Drama section on page 55 and performing. These lessons take strong award to offer to a university as for more details. place both on and off timetable, it prepares a pupil for interview and dependent upon demand. See delivery of a speech or text as well as There are also a range of other the Director of Drama for more allowing the student to carry out in- LAMDA activities available, leading to information about this. depth study on literature and drama nationally recognised qualifications,

BTEC in Teamwork and Personal Development

This BTEC Level 2 course is available can be a valued addition to the communications skills, improving as a Sector E option in the Lower UCAS application form. Candidates health and fitness, expedition skills Sixth and provides students with gain credits from a range of unit and volunteering. Further details can an additional qualification that options, such as teamwork and be found at www.cvqo.org.

Photography

Photography is available within Sector The course covers camera controls Students should have their own digital E for any student who wishes to such as aperture, shutter speeds, SLR camera for the course. learn more about using their camera depth of field and capturing creatively and to have the opportunity movement but also, and very See page 59 for further details on the to experience traditional, and importantly, composition, lighting Photography Department. experimental, methods of producing and photographic genres. photographic images.

67 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Additional suppo t

Learning Support provision

Clifton College is able to make provision for students who have certain specific learning difficulties, for example dyslexia, or who have a need for specialist or additional help in some areas of their learning.

a) Identification of needs are becoming more stringent and that a student who has had extra time Students requiring Learning Support at GCSE level will not automatically will normally have been identified, receive extra time at A Level. and may already be receiving support before joining the school. The examination boards stipulate Parents of such students are asked that students must be assessed by to ensure they have made contact an appropriately qualified specialist with the Head of Learning Support who is employed by, or known to, the before their son or daughter joins school. Most assessments will be the school, and they must make conducted by the Head of Learning available any documentation, Support or our in-house Educational such as Educational Psychologist Psychologist. The College will not assessments. accept privately commissioned Daisy King Educational Psychologist reports Head of Learning Support Where students have not previously for the purposes of applying for been identified, or have been examination concessions. identified only through assessed informed of the support that their procedures, a full assessment b) Support teaching for students children are receiving, so that our can be arranged (see fee sheet for with Special Educational Needs teachers may liaise. Some Sixth Form details of charges). All new Lower students take advantage of regular Sixth students are assessed for The College facilitates the provision weekly support lessons throughout possible learning difficulties during of specialist teachers for Learning their time in the Sixth Form and this is the first few weeks of term. Where Support, both mainstream academic encouraged. However, students with our screening process indicates a subject teachers and teachers with a specific literacy difficulty who would difficulty, we will contact parents and experience in Special Educational like occasional help with reading recommend further assessment and, Needs. Students may receive one-to- or essay writing should contact the in some cases, extra support. In order one lessons with a specialist teacher Learning Support team to arrange to receive extra time in examinations at an extra cost (see fee sheet). These appropriate support. or other access arrangements from lessons are normally arranged in the the examination boards, students student’s free time. with special learning difficulties will Those who wish to make outside require a full assessment and should arrangements for support (or to be able to demonstrate that they continue with them) are welcome to have received continued support from do so. There are Dyslexia Centres school and that there is evidence of in Bristol and Bath. However, we do need. Students and parents should ask parents to ensure that we are be aware that the examination boards SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 68 English as an Additional Language (EAL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

tudents needing qualifications The EAL Department also offers in English, such as IELTS, Sector E classes for Sixth Formers for university entrance are who wish to take them and these Srequired to arrange these classes are tailor-made to fit the externally. However, Sixth Form needs of the students. Most often students from overseas will have they will involve training in academic an opportunity to take an intensive writing skills for EAL students taking course in IELTS preparation as essay writing subjects such as most of them will need to take Economics, Psychology or History. the IELTS exam prior to entry to a British university. The IELTS exam Should it be necessary, private tests reading, writing, listening and lessons with specialist EAL teachers speaking skills and students wishing are also available to help with IELTS preparation and to support the Alissa Goefron to enter university are required to language requirements of other Head of EAL take the Academic Training modules in reading and writing. The EAL subjects. These lessons are at extra Department will provide lessons cost (see fee sheet) and usually take to help prepare students for these place in a student’s free time so that examinations. withdrawal from other lessons is not necessary.

Native language lessons

he College is able to look at These subjects are normally taught making provision for those outside the curriculum at extra cost students who may wish to (see fee sheet), with reduced rates Tcontinue with a language for pairs or groups. Students should not on the curriculum, for example contact the Head of Modern Foreign for native speakers of Portuguese Languages for further details. or Japanese, up to GCSE or A Level.

69 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK John Pinkerton and the first His PhD led him to stored programme research for computing and in 1949 business computer he took up the post of project leader John M.M. Pinkerton (1919-1997), Old at Lyons, where he designed and Cliftonian, read Natural Sciences at developed one of the world’s first Trinity College, Cambridge. He spent business computer systems - the the war years on radar research. Lyons Electronic Office or ‘LEO’. Returning to Cambridge in 1945, He later joined ICL and continued he studied ultrasonic absorption in working at the top level in the liquids at the Cavendish Laboratory; computer industry. He was twice the he submitted a PhD thesis in 1948. President of the European Computer Manufacturers Association.

Information and Communication Technology

CT at Clifton is a high priority, both as a subject in its own right and as a means of enhancing teaching Iand learning in all subjects. All subjects use ICT in their teaching, including the use of the College Intranet as a teaching resource, where an extensive range of learning materials can be located by students, both inside and outside of the classroom.

There is also excellent ICT provision throughout the College. A state-of- the-art fibre optic network links more than 700 computers located in nine computer suites, academic areas and Houses. All classrooms have network points, as do all House libraries and student studies. The Percival Library has some 40 network points for student laptops. Students can also connect to the school network via wireless hubs throughout the campus.

The IT Department, which supports the development of the College’s use of ICT, is made up of eight technicians and developers. A dedicated Help Desk is available for students to solve any IT issues they might have.

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 70 Choices

71 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK Subject choices

The following subjects are available. All subjects are A Level courses unless stated otherwise.

Please follow the instructions on the form provided to make your choices. If you do not have a form, please email [email protected] to request one.

Art 58 History 39 Biology 16 History of Art 62 Business 45 Information Technology 65 Business (BTEC) 45 (BTEC) Chemistry 17 Latin 34 Classical Civilisation 36 Mathematics 22 Computer Science 22 Mathematics (Further) 23 Dance 55 Music 53 Design and Technology 61 Music Technology 54 (Product Design) Philosophy 43 Design and Technology 61 Photography 59 (Fashion and Textiles) Physical Education 48 Business (BTEC) 45 Physics 18 Drama and Theatre 52 Politics 42 Economics 44 Psychology 19 English Language 26 Religious Studies 40 English Literature 27 Russian 31 French 28 Sculpture/Ceramics 60 Geography 38 Spanish 30 German 29 Sport (BTEC) 48 Greek (Ancient) 34

SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 72 Univedestinations sity

73 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK University destinations of Clifton College

The A Level students: 2016-2018 2017 No. EXETER (14) 11 LEEDS (10) 9 2018 University Places EDINBURGH (24) 8 CARDIFF (35) 8 2018 No. Courses DURHAM (5) 7 UCL (7) 7 UCL (7) 8 Management, Biology [x2], Psychology, Modern Languages, BRISTOL (16) 5 Anthropology, Engineering, Economics LSE (11) 5 OXFORD BROOKES 8 Engineering, Planning [x2], Real Estate, Sport, Education, NEWCASTLE (26) 5 [84] Business, Criminology SWANSEA (36) 5 BRISTOL [16] 7 Education, History of Art, Philosophy, Engineering, Biology, History, Economics SHEFFIELD (21) 5 OXFORD BROOKES (5) 5 at Clifton CARDIFF [35] 7 History, Politics [x2], Law, Journalism, Business [x2] KCL (28) 4 Sixth Fo m MANCHESTER (25) 7 Economics [x2], Psychology, Engineering [x2], English, Management MANCHESTER (25) 4 READING (32) 4 BATH (12) 6 Engineering, Maths [x2], Sociology, Psychology, Architecture OXFORD (2) 3 BIRMINGHAM (15) 6 Geography [x2], English, Biomed Science, History, International LOUGHBOROUGH (7) 3 Relations BIRMINGHAM (15) 3 KCL (28) 6 History, Maths [x2], Chemistry, Computer Science, International Development YORK (16) 3 ROYAL HOLLOWAY (28) 3 EDINBURGH (24) 5 History of Art, Italian, Philosophy & Theology, Medicine, Classics GOLDSMITHS (63) 3 EXETER (14) 5 Modern Languages [x2], Engineering, Biology, History CARDIFF MET (90) 3 LSE (11) 4 Management, Maths, Law, Government & Economics WARWICK (9) 2 NOTTINGHAM (18) 4 Spanish, Nutrition, Law, Chemistry BATH (12) 2 OXFORD (2) 4 Modern Languages, Biology, Classics, Maths & Philosophy UEA (13) 2 SOUTHAMPTON (30) 4 Economics, Business, French, Physiotherapy GLASGOW (20) 2 LOUGHBOROUGH (8) 3 History, Economics, Business KENT (31) 2 NEWCASTLE (26) 3 Combined Honours, Economics, Ancient History LEICESTER (34) 2 ROYAL HOLLOWAY 3 Management [x2], Biomed Science LIVERPOOL (42) 2 (29) PORTSMOUTH (53) 2 KENT (31) 3 History [x2], Biomed Engineering QUEEN MARY (43) 2 SUSSEX (27) 2 NOTTINGHAM 3 Business, Fashion, Biomed Science TRENT (47) 2016 No. SWANSEA (37) 3 Law, Business, Engineering BOURNEMOUTH (51) 2 Business, Finance NEWCASTLE [22] 10 COVENTRY (44) 2 Economics, Aviation EXETER [9] 9 LINCOLN (54) 2 Psychology, Architecture DURHAM [4] 8 EDINBURGH [37] 7 CAMBRIDGE (1) 2 Natural Sciences, Geography CARDIFF [46] 7 UEA (13) 2 English, Computer Science BIRMINGHAM [16] 6 LEEDS (10) 2 Business, Natural Sciences MANCHESTER [32] 6 LEICESTER (34) 2 Biology, Medicine QUEEN MARY [40] 5 LIVERPOOL [42] 2 Criminology, Geography OXFORD BROOKES [69] 5 QUEEN MARY [43] 2 French, History CAMBRIDGE [1] 4 READING (32) 2 Real Estate, Surveying OXFORD [2] 4 SHEFFIELD (21) 2 Engineering, Urban Studies UCL [6] 4 SURREY (19) 2 Music Tech, Economics LEEDS [13] 4 YORK (17) 2 Marketing, Enineering READING [31] 4 SWANSEA [44] 4 WARWICK [7] 3 BATH [12] 3 Explanatory notes: EAST ANGLIA [15] 3 1. Entry in these lists is conditional upon more than one Cliftonian YORK [17] 3 going to that university in the given year. SHEFFIELD [24] 3 1 SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM BOOK 2. The league table positions in brackets are from the Times Good ROYAL HOLLOWAY [34] 3 University Guide dated the following year. UWE [60] 3 Clifton College Sixth Form 32 College Road, Clifton, Bristol Curriculum Book BS8 3JH

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