WOODHOUSE COLLEGE

our story

2016 ased in North Finchley and drawing students from over B150 surrounding schools, Woodhouse College is one of the leading places to study A levels in London. Our consistently high performance in exam results backs this up. The Government recognises us as one of a small number of colleges with both Beacon Status and Ofsted Outstanding status. Our A*- B pass rates consistently place us in the top three sixth form colleges nationally.

Course guide 23 Meet the principal 4 Extended project 24 Mathematics 48 Statistics 6 Accounting 25 Further mathematics 49 Student support 7 Art and design 26 Modern foreign languages 50 Oxbridge support 8 Biology 28 Music 52 Medicine Academy 9 Business studies 30 Music technology 53 Mentoring 10 Chemistry 32 Philosophy 54 Career Ready 11 Classical civilisation 34 Physical education 56 Enrichment 12 Computer science 36 Physics 58 Duke of Edinburgh award 14 Dance 38 Psychology 59 Guest speakers 15 Economics 39 Religious studies 60 College Council 16 English language 40 Sociology 62 Societies 17 English literature 41 Theatre studies & drama 64 Trips abroad 18 Geography 42 Alumni 66 The new A levels 20 Government & politics 44 Social life and prom 68 Application process 21 History 46 2015 A level results 70 Application timetable 22 Law 47 Find us 71

22 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Our combination of expert teaching We provide a happy, trusting and caring At our heart is an extensive pastoral staff and an ambitious, supportive environment where you can challenge care system and our tutorial, guidance approach has proved very successful in yourself and explore a whole range of and support systems will help you achieving excellent academic results. opportunities. Woodhouse is as much steer a safe course through your We believe that sixth form college about personal growth as it is about A levels and beyond. should be a stepping stone between exam success. school and university, a place Our students are ambitious: they where you can start to become an Woodhouse College boasts some embrace the challenge to be the best independent learner, and where you of the best facilities in the area and they can be, inside and outside the are supported to become the person promotes an extensive recreational classroom. you want to be. enrichment programme - this year, over 50 different choices are on offer.

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 33 was born in London, but grew up and get top grades. And we have put What makes you happiest at in Hull in East Yorkshire where my a lot of resources into ensuring that work? I dad was a professor of history. I there are numerous opportunities think of myself as half-Londoner and for students to get involved in other When I come out of a lesson which half-Yorkshireman. Most importantly, I things, like sport, Duke of Edinburgh, has gone really well, and the students still support Hull City. Model UN, volunteering, mentoring have made so much progress they I went to the University of programmes, and student societies. really flew, that’s a good feeling. It’s Sheffield, where I got a first-class It’s important to challenge yourself also inspiring to observe my colleagues degree in pure mathematics. I started socially and personally and not just when they teach an outstanding lesson. doing a PhD in some obscure branch academically if you are to grow into of infinite dimensional space, but the person you want to be. If you had a year off, what got distracted by my undergraduate would you do? teaching duties and decided I preferred What advice would you give to teaching. So I switched to a teaching new students? I would like to walk the Appalachian course, and I have been teaching maths Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail in the for over 25 years now. Be open to making new friends, get out US, which are both long distance paths of your comfort zone and take risks. over 2000 miles long. I did the English Be positive and constructive. Make coast-to-coast walk last year, which is sure you really stay on top of your 190 miles and took me 13 days, and I workload. If there’s anything you don’t got a taste for long distance walking. fully understand, spend more time on it, don’t let it go. Take the tough options, not the easy ones. And if you I still teach... need help, ask. There’s no shame: we all to stay in touch need help at times. with teachers and What is the secret of students Woodhouse’s success?

The first thing is that we all have very but mainly because“ high expectations of each other. Our I love it students are ambitious and work hard for success; they are eager to do better, to know more, to stretch and challenge themselves. What kind of principal are you? Secondly, we are a very specialised I think I am the first principal in institution. Our teachers are not Woodhouse’s history to carry on turning from a difficult year 9 set for teaching. I do it to stay in touch with a bit of a breather with year 13! We teachers and students, but mainly know who we are and what we do because I still love it. best, and we stick to that. We just do A levels. And we do them well, with I joined as head of maths, and have expert staff, specialist resources and been promoted through the ranks first accommodation. to director of teaching & learning and then to vice principal. So I know the Thirdly, we are not complacent. We college and its staff well, and I make it have a brilliant board of governors my mission to know the students well who are constantly on our backs to too. improve. We welcome complaints from students and parents as a means to I am always around and about, chatting engage with them, and help us to up with students and helping them with our game. their homework in the learning zones. I like to be visible and responsive to I have been an Ofsted inspector for 12 students’ needs, easy to approach and years, part-time. I still do a couple of talk to. inspections a year. It is very interesting and worthwhile work and it helps me My vision for Woodhouse is about maintain a critical eye. Sometimes I John Rubinstein two things: academic excellence and see what great things other places are personal growth and development. I doing and come back and suggest we Woodhouse College want every student to enjoy their do them too. studies, to develop a love of learning

4 www.woodhouse.ac.uk principalThe

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 55 Statistics2015 95% 47% of our students go on progress to a Russell 99% to study at university Group university pass rate at A level 65% 83% A* - B grades A* - C grades 70 30% students achieved achieved A - A* 3 or more A - A* 11 73 students accepted a specialist A level place at Oxbridge teachers 30 50+ 11 different A level students went on to subjects offered enrichment options study medicine in almost any combination

6 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Student support Our commitment to student welfare

At Woodhouse, we understand that the move from a school (where everyone knew you really well) to a new, much larger college can be quite a daunting prospect. That’s one of the reasons why we are committed to providing you with a comprehensive student support network. We have a large team who will help and support you both academically and personally while you’re studying here.

Our learning zone supervisors can help with assignments, time management, research skills and mentoring.

You can speak to our additional learning Our director of student services, Rebecca support team about any worries that you Sharp, is available to help you with queries have about your learning. They hold specific about your studies or personal issues, or for sessions for students who would like extra extra advice about your UCAS application. support and motivation to help with their She is a designated child protection officer. studies.

Your first point of contact will be your All of our student support staff are there personal tutor who is there to monitor your to help you with general issues and provide progress and guide and support you through personal advice. They can assist you to your time at college. You can also contact work through problems and give you the your senior tutor for general advice or to necessary tools to progress academically and discuss course changes. emotionally, or arrange ongoing support with our college counsellors. Lisa Fry, the student support manager, can help you with finances as well as personal Our careers coordinator is always there to issues such as relationships, welfare and help and advise about life after Woodhouse, sexual health. She is also a designated child whether it be university, training or protection officer. employment.

We want your college experience to be happy and successful. With our student support network to help, guide and support you we are confident it will be.

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 77 Oxbridgesupport

At Woodhouse, we give our higher above all, passionate about a particular who have to take a thinking skills test. achieving students every chance subject. We encourage students to Additional support is available for of gaining a place at Oxford or start the process of engaging with their those taking the Cambridge maths Cambridge university. Our Principal, subject beyond the A level syllabus STEP paper, which is sat after the A2 John Rubinstein, personally oversees as soon as possible. This includes exams. a support system that includes two joining study groups and meeting with dedicated Oxbridge coordinators. like-minded people to discuss texts Staff who have specialist subject Our programme starts a year before and articles or solve problems that knowledge give our students applications take place. go beyond the demands of normal intensive interview practice, as do classwork. We organise and oversee our governors. We have close links Towards the end of the first AS term, trips, visiting speakers and summer with Pentland Brands, a company that when students have settled in, we schools as part of a comprehensive employs many Oxbridge graduates, call a meeting for interested students programme that mostly focuses on who come to Woodhouse to give who are thinking of applying. Staff specific subject areas. one-to-one interview practice, which also encourage those in whom they provides additional valuable insight. have identified potential. We explain In March, we bring in admission tutors Students then go to interview in early to them why Oxbridge is so special from Oxford and Cambridge and invite December. and why they may (or may not) want students and parents to come and find to apply, and lay out clearly just how out more about the whole process and Our track record from offer to exam different the application process is to give them the chance to ask questions success and then acceptance is almost other universities. 100%, but obviously not all students After the AS exam period there are get an offer. Typically around one in Oxford and Cambridge are different summer schools at universities and we three of our applicants are offered a because they have extraordinarily have links with colleges that facilitate place. Virtually all Oxbridge applicants intensive (eight-week) terms, with trips and visiting mentors to help with nationwide are straight A or A* very challenging work. There’s a huge applications and the preparation for students so of course not all can get amount to learn in a short time. If interview. an offer, and sometimes very good you are the sort of student who likes students don’t make the cut, which is to slip under the radar and blend in, In September, we provide detailed harsh but an inevitable reality. it’s not for you. Students are taught support for students with their with a lot of one-to-one supervision personal statements for the UCAS Our application-to-offer conversion or tutorials; they are challenged application. rate compares well nationally and and confronted about their subject we strive each year to forge further knowledge - there’s no place to hide. Some subjects such as history, Oxbridge links for our students. maths and law have special entry In 2015, our students achieved 13 The application involves an intense examinations in early November, so offers and 12 of them got the grades selection process. Oxbridge are we offer specialist subject support for required to accept them. (They are looking for ‘super geeks’ who are, these . We also assist those students pictured with the principal below.)

88 www.woodhouse.ac.uk MedicineAcademy The Woodhouse medicine academy is target medicine programme, which Recent activities include: made up of students who demonstrate also includes work experience. excellent potential to be successful • King’s College K+ mentoring • Lectures by doctors and in the medical schools application programme. professors of medicine at King’s process. Academy meetings involve • Queen Mary mentoring College school of medicine. preparation, mentoring and support. programme - SAMDA. • Visits to the Royal Society of • E-mentoring at Imperial College Medicine annual conference (‘So Internal mentoring programmes • Cambridge University master you want to be a doctor?’) which classes in medicine. included lectures and clinical • Preparation for medical schools workshops in medicine. entrance exams: • Tours of the National BMAT & UKCAT. Institute of Medical • Discussion of medical Research laboratories ethics with case with lectures on cutting scenarios. edge medical research • Studying the and a visit to the labs structure of the to witness the current NHS, its history and research first-hand. limitations. • Visits organised by • Discussion of topical King’s College school of and current issues medicine to the Royal related to the College of Surgeons of medicine and science England to participate in field as well as book clinical skills sessions and reviews. to get a taste of medicine • Students are in practice. kept informed of • Visits to the opportunities for Hunterian Museum to work experience participate in a surgical and references skills session and St. are written to George’s to participate in various institutions another hands on clinical to support their skills session. applications. • The Eton College • Extensive support is medicine admission tutor given to the students and the former dean of with writing their the Medical School of personal statements. UEA in Norwich gave • A King’s College talks about the medical professor of medicine school application and a London-based process. Other speakers GP are assisting our included practising students with their doctors and medical mock interviews as students. A level chemistry students Zaynab Elalfy and Irem Gul part of their preparation for the application process • King’s College med-view summer This total immersion in the culture of External mentoring programme course for medicine and dentistry, medicine is paying off and Woodhouse which includes placements at offers for medicine related degrees In addition to the in-house mentoring hospitals and GP practices. are increasing year-on-year. In 2015, programme, the medicine coordinator • The Nuffield Foundation summer 20 students in our Medicine Academy recommends external mentoring placements at the National collectively earned 33 offers from schemes and encourages students Institute of Medical Research. prestigious universities to study to apply to them. These schemes are • A variety of medicine and medicine. very competitive but, despite this, medicine-related taster courses our students have managed to secure and summer schools at various places at the following establishments: universities, notably Imperial • University College London (UCL) College, St. George’s and UCL.

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 9 Mentoring Our peer mentoring programme links AS students with A2 students so that they can receive regular help and support with their studies. Any subject that students study at Woodhouse can feature in the mentoring programme timetable and students have the opportunity to mentor (or be mentored) in as many subjects as they like.

The mentoring programme contributes positively to college life and it benefits the mentors as well as the mentored students. Mentors gain valuable skills from having to communicate their knowledge to others - they effectively acquire early teaching experience. Moreover, it is widely acknowledged that there is no better way of deepening your own understanding of a subject than by teaching it. Mentors also gain confidence from their participation in the scheme and mentoring is a great thing to write about in a UCAS personal statement. Mentored students not only get to spend more time working on their subjects in college, they also receive a positive new influence on their learning and benefit from having things explained to them from a fellow student’s perspective.

asked for a mentor during my AS exams to help me improve my grades - the gap between I GCSE and AS is so much bigger than between decided to AS and A2. My A2 mentor helped me to knuckle sign up for a mentor down and really knew my syllabus inside out. I having heard that there was a big jump between GCSEs and In my A2 year I decided to mentor and helped five A levels, and thought it would be best to students in my study periods. It’s tricky to balance, but start my preparations early. I signed up for all of my it does help you to concentrate on your own work too. subjects and was found a mentor for each of them. Sessions If you are doing retakes (as I was) the mentoring helps were weekly but with the flexibility to move sessions refresh you memory. You revise by teaching it, so it’s around. The relationship is not as rigid as that between “mutually beneficial. My AS grade in biology was my worst teacher and student and you concentrate on areas of your grade, but through retakes and mentoring I brought it up choosing, at a time that suits you. to be my best grade, so it definitely helped. I found the programme beneficial because it’s an easy way Now I’m on a gap year, but I’m back at Woodhouse as an to consolidate your knowledge. It’s hard to measure how it alumni mentor, because I like to mentor and don’t want affected my grades but it definitely boosted my confidence my subject knowledge to deteriorate, as I’m applying to in my studies. Additionally, it’s certainly an advantageous university next year and mentoring will help to keep me scheme, because I wouldn’t have had access to” this kind of up-to-date in my chosen subject. personal tuition outside of college. Shaz Ahmed Carla Klein

10 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Career Ready is a national charity linking employers with schools and colleges to open up the world of work to young people. Woodhouse runs a successful business academy that is rated in the top ten in the UK.

e offer a structured Applicants undertake a morning of Visiting speakers cover all the key programme of activities that assessment activities followed by panel elements of the students career Wsits alongside college studies. interviews. The panel consists of two development - the practical, the It is delivered by employer volunteers members of the LAB and a Career subject based, the inspirational and who provide masterclasses, mentoring, Ready student in their second year. the motivational - and college based workplace visits and internships to The panel then discuss the merits workshops reinforce these areas. help our students compete with the of each participant and choose the Students have attended workshops on best in the country. Career Ready gives successful applicants. resilience, assertiveness, negotiation students the confidence, skills and skills and even how to create a good networks to achieve their potential. Each student gets a mentor and Linkedin profile. Through volunteering for Career we have secured many high calibre Ready employers get the chance mentors from organisations such as to develop their own management YouGov, Accenture and HSBC, as ne of the best experiences I’ve skills and find the next generation of well as from fields like advertising, Ohad on this scheme is getting to talented employees. finance, employment training and even work closely with my mentor. Being motivational speakers. able to communicate with her and A Career Ready LAB (Local Advisory knowing she is there to support Board) is the essential link between Students takes regular trips to me gives me the confidence to push the college and local employers and businesses such as Pentland Brands myself further. I realise how important consists of members of Woodhouse and Barclays Bank for coaching making connections is and how useful staff and business professionals from and office tours. They recently and rewarding it has to have people in organisations such as Waitrose, The visited Moody’s (the global financial your corner who are willing to help Business Design Centre, EY and King institution), where they received you, give advice and offer internships. and Wood Mallesons. It’s chaired by interview training and CV feedback. Razia Sobratty Peter Green, former CEO of the Many students have never been in an Kyte Group. The LAB meets each office environment and these trips left Woodhouse two years ago and term and its members act as expert make them realise that the move from am currently on a placement for guides, helping to set up and deliver education to the workplace is not as I a year at SAP (software company) the Career Ready programme, and daunting as they may have feared. doing marketing. This is part of my ensuring that students get relevant course at the University of Liverpool. skills for the modern workplace. Visiting speakers play an important In my first year at university I was part in the programme and our awarded the student of the year prize Eligible students at the college students have benefited from speakers for achieving the highest grade in my (currently those studying either from Merrill Lynch, who came to talk course. I have always been so thankful accounting, business studies or about careers in investment banking, for the opportunity Woodhouse and economics) are invited to apply each and the Royal Bank of Scotland, who Career Ready gave me as this certainly year. Due to our success, intake has gave subject-specific talks on topics improved my confidence and it helped increased from 10 to 15 places and such as how interest rates are set and me build my CV. we received applications from over 30 how they affect business, students this year, who underwent a and the Emanuela Escalante competitive selection changing process. face of RBS.

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 1111 Enrichment The National Cipher Challenge Badminton Debating Open Art studio Fairtrade Group Astronomy Club Creative Writing Maths Challenge Chess Film Club Amnesty International Slomation Wildlife Club Crochet A Level Choir Mi Community Choreography Social Action: Make a DifferenceInvestment Club Life Drawing Mixed Touch Rugby Create a Computer Game Multimedia Product Friday Jam Session Train to Run 10K for Charity Ancient Egypt Pop Art Introduction to Contemporary Art Psychology Club Beginners’ German Tennis Healthy Relationships Talent Show College Magazine Karate Latin Islamic Studies Envision Psychology workshop Young Heroes Project Mindset Model United Nations Committee Volunteering Modern Latin American Dancing Yoga Volleyball Freestyle Gymnastics Trampolining Keep Fit Body Conditioning and Fitness for Girls Origami and 3D Mathematics Girls Football Boys Six a side football11 a-side Football coaching Rowing BMX

It was great to have the chance to try Kheiran Ponteen out new took trampolining, gymnastics things and D of E as enrichment options “ 12 www.woodhouse.ac.uk At Woodhouse, we are justifiably proud of the wide-ranging enrichment programme we are able to offer. We want all our students to achieve their potential and flourish both academically and personally. We believe enrichment is essential in providing students with opportunities to develop and extend their skills outside of their academic studies. What will you get from How does enrichment enrichment? work?

Enrichment gives you an opportunity In the first term each student gets to try something new, learn new skills, to choose an enrichment (this year or to improve or develop an existing there are 50+ options available) hobby. and then pursue this chosen activity across ten afternoons, giving them It helps you stand out from the the opportunity to really explore and crowd by adding another interesting understand it. dimension to your CV, enhancing your university (UCAS) and job applications. We also run enrichment extra, an additional range of optional courses You get to mix with new people with that take place in the spring term. similar interests and make new friends. At the end of the academic year It allows you to take a break from your we have enrichment week where studies and do something different. students choose an activity that may last a day or even a week. These You make a positive contribution to tend to be things that could not be the college and wider community. completed in an afternoon, such You get to challenge yourself with as Duke of Edinburgh silver award, something that broadens your mind rowing, mountaineering, trips abroad, and set of interests. and to exhibitions and performances.

You get a sense of achievement and build your confidence. archery

trampolining bake off self defence

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 13 Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award We have been participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award scheme for six years now and it has been a great success. Around 50 students a year take part and they really enjoy the challenge, especially the three-day camping expeditions, where they hike 50k with full backpacks across the North and South Downs. The team spirit and camaraderie stay with them when they return and students develop strength of character and, often, enduring friendships.

Below, D of E students make camp on the edge of a farmer’s field in Houghton, near Arundel, West Sussex.

What an amazing experience! D of E has equipped me with a set of skills that I’ll use for the rest of my life. It has enabled me to understand the invaluable nature of teamwork in unpredictable circumstances. Thimali Perera

One of the best experiences I have ever had. I learnt about myself in ways that I didn’t expect to, as well as being inspired by the enthusiasm and perseverance of my group members. I would definitely do it again! Chi-ian Kuok “1414 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Guestspeakers

Ha-Joon Chang US Ambassador Matthew Barzun

Our student-run ‘Speakers Corner’ group invites speakers from all walks of life to address students at Woodhouse. In recent years we have welcomed Martin Lewis, Alistair Darling, Professors Jonathan Glover and Steve Jones, Feargel Sharkey, journalists Peter Hitchens and Anne Perkins and the author Gina Blaxill, among others. Recently we even played host to the world-famous Wihan Quartet who performed one of our student’s A level music coursework compositions. Our guest speakers have always been extremely complimentary Skills Minister of the reception and enthusiasm they Local Labour candidate Nick Boles MP meet, as well as the challenging and Sarah Sackman informed questioning they receive.

The Wihan Quartet (with student Mika Haasler) Dr Raj Sehgal

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 15 CollegeCouncil he College Council is the main bridge for them to use. We can listen they give us a fresh perspective on the channel of communication to their points in an informal way - college.’ Tbetween the students and maybe via the reps or even just in the Many issues have been raised management of the college. It consists corridor - and then speak up for them recently, including the changing of the of five student members from each at one of our regular meetings. It’s an late rule and discussions over aspects year, who are elected by their peers in effective system.’ of the college timetable. Other items the autumn. It holds regular meetings Principal John Rubinstein is raised include the canteen opening with tutor group reps who feed back in agreement: ‘We take seriously what hours and a desire for more healthy the concerns and points of interest of students say as a means of improving eating options, the college smoking the student body to the council. The the quality of what we do. Our policy and access to online textbooks. council then in turn presents these students are invariably insightful and The council also takes an points to the principal. serious in the points they make, and active role in the college’s social life Councillor Pemi Arowojolu - organising Valentine’s and Christmas explains: ‘Individual students may find it theme days and Halloween horror hard to voice their opinions directly to movies nights, among other things. staff. The council is a communication ‘We try to make sure that students get a healthy balance of hard work and fun,’ says Pemi.

1616 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Societies Woodhouse students don’t just wait for us to come up with ideas for them: they are very much in control of their own destinies - and societies. We encourage students to put ideas and opinions into action and, as a result, have very active groups within the college such as Spectrum (LGBT awareness), the film society, FemSoc (the feminist society) and the equality and diversity group.

If you want to start a society, just talk to us when you get here and we’ll help you do it.

Woodhouse College continues to have a strong relationship with NCS (National Citizen Service), who recently treated students at the college to an exclusive performance from X Factor’s Brick City. Each year, many lower sixth students boost their CVs and UCAS forms by taking part in the autumn half term or summer NCS programme. Working through physical, personal and creative challenges, this once-in-a-lifetime experience empowers young people to build skills and confidence to get ahead in work and life, whilst engaging with their local area. Students have the chance to work with local partners such as Barnet FC and Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice. Kira Cochrane, Guardian journalist and feminist writer talking to members of Woodhouse FemSoc.

Model UN was a brilliant opportunity It was an amazing experience and I Friendships are made and broken for me to enhance my research skills would totally recommend it. It helped here. When one of your best friends and feel more integrated into the me realise that I wanted to do a on the Security Council vetoes a college, as I made lasting friendships. degree in a subject like politics as motion you’ve been trying to push It was a privilege to be the Chinese this will let me debate my ideas with for the best part of 2 hours, it can delegate of the Security Council and other people, something I discovered make you feel frustrated. But that to engage in high calibre debate on I really loved at the Model UN. The gets to the heart of what Model UN pressing international issues. It really conference was a great opportunity is - a model of how the actual UN expanded my knowledge of world to develop public-speaking skills and works. But spending a weekend in politics. A personal highlight was debate hotly contested issues, like the Birmingham with my friends talking receiving both the ‘most persuasive use of child soldiers in conflicts and about international politics (and speaker’ and ‘best dressed delgate’ international responses to it. sneaking out to Nando’s late at awards. night) was a great experience.

Nana Amuzu Hannah Giles Beskine Theo Cox Dodgson

MODEL UNITED NATIONS

Every two years, Woodhouse hosts a Model United Nations conference. Model UN is a popular global student event that helps develop public speaking and interpersonal skills. Over 150 students from across the UK debate topical international issues over a weekend, ending with a presentation from a prestigious guest speaker. Each year, we also send delegates to the Model UN event in Birmingham.

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 17 Trips abroad #WoodhouseInternational

The Sahara Desert Morocco 2015

1818 www.woodhouse.ac.uk t was once written that ‘an Recent international activities have On top of these we have run ounce of experience is worth included our annual trip for physics language exchange trips to Dijon Ia pound of science’. Whilst students to the large hadron collider and Barcelona (which we will be we wouldn’t wish to denigrate the at CERN in Geneva and a geography repeating in 2016) and are also hard work of our science students, expedition to Morocco, the Atlas arranging exchanges as part of we do still believe that trips often mountains and the Sahara desert the European Work Experience enhance and accelerate a student’s (pictured here). Programme to Sweden, Italy and understanding of the world. Germany, and these exchanges are A combined group of history and open to all students. That is why we actively encourage German students flew to Berlin in staff to organise visits and the summer and a further group Already in the calender for 2016 overseas trips to as many far-flung went on an expedition to Iceland are trips to Thailand, Berlin, Iceland destinations as possible. last February. We also organise an and Austria, and, in 2017, we hope annual ski trip to Austria. to take a group of students to Tanzania.

German and history students in Berlin 2015

History and German students visiting the Brandenberg Gate in Berlin, Germany - 2015

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 1919 A levelsThe new

A levels are changing AS levels

A levels are the most popular, widely A key difference is that since recognised qualifications for 16 -18 September 2015, AS levels no longer year old students. This has been form part of the A level in some true since they were devised more subjects. In the new system, students than sixty years ago. Whilst other can take AS levels in their first year qualifications have come and gone over but these will be separate from their that time, A levels have remained. But A levels. Their A level grade will not that is not to say they always remain be affected if they do well or badly in the same. The last major change took their AS levels. place 15 years ago and now they are being renewed again, in phases. Will it be difficult to take new and old A levels In September 2015, the first group of A levels changed. More subjects will together? be changing to the new structure in September 2016 and the remaining Many students will do this, especially ones will change the following year. As those starting A levels in 2016. For a result, many students starting A level example, at Woodhouse, half of our courses in September 2016 will be students take maths, which is staying doing a mix of ‘old’ and ‘new’ A levels. the same until 2017. They will want to combine this with ‘new’ A level subjects such as the sciences or What is (and isn’t) going English, so will be taking a ‘mix’ of to change? old and new. Maths will have an AS level which forms part of the A level, Not everything about A levels is whereas English will not. changing. These things are staying the same: How many subjects will They are still two-year courses students take? They are still graded A* to E. They are still the main way to qualify During the transition phase, we expect to study at university. almost all students will continue to take four subjects (as they do now) There is still a coursework element to Which subjects are ‘old’ some A levels, such as history, English and they will choose to ‘drop’ one and computing. and ‘new’? subject at the end of the first year. They will take an AS level exam in The main difference is that new A New ‘linear’ subjects this subject so that they achieve a levels are becoming ‘linear’. With the Art, biology, business studies, qualification. Most students in 2016 new A level, the exams that count chemistry, computing, dance, -17 will take AS level qualifications at towards the final grade are taken at economics, English language, English the end of the first year in all their the end of the course in the second literature, geography, subjects to help them decide which year. Some subjects (such as maths) history, modern foreign languages ones to continue the following year. which are not changing until 2017 will (French, German, Italian, Spanish) still have the ‘old’ structure. These music, PE, physics, psychology, will have AS exams which are taken at sociology, theatre studies and drama. the end of the first year and which do count towards the final A level grade. Courses keeping the AS + A2 structure Accounts, maths, further maths, classical civilisation, law, music, music technology, philosophy, politics, religious studies.

20 www.woodhouse.ac.uk The applicationprocess What qualifications do I Who can apply? Are there any fees? need to apply? Woodhouse College is for 16 -18 year We’re funded directly by the The college minimum criteria: olds. Almost everyone is 16 when they government and are therefore free An average GCSE score of 6.0 (average start and come straight from school. to EU citizens. We do ask for a £100 grade B) All students are full time, studying A contribution towards books and A minimum of grade B in English levels. Although we do not prioritise materials and charge a £50 refundable language applicants from particular boroughs, deposit. A minimum of grade C in mathematics we do offer places to those who live within a reasonable travelling distance. Do you operate quotas We also usually stipulate A or B grades in particular subjects (see individual Can I change subjects after when selecting students? course pages). I have been offered a place? No. We judge every application on its merits. How many subjects do I We’ll do our best to accommodate pick? you with this, once we’ve received your request in writing. However, How are applications In your first year: please note that we are generally processed? very over-subscribed and this may not Most students study four AS subjects. always be possible. We spread interviews over several A few choose to study five subjects, days and aim to complete them and review all applications before making though this depends on their What happens if I do not GCSE results and university/career any large-scale decisions about offering aspirations. reach the offer conditions? places. Unfortunately, you may lose your place. At the end of this year you’ll take the I currently live overseas, However, as long as you meet the AS exam in each of your subjects and can I apply? minimum criteria we are sometimes progression on to the next stage will able to renegotiate your chosen be dependent on your passing these at If you are returning to the UK in course. grade D or higher. August 2015 and will be living with a parent who has the right to remain in In your second year: What criteria are used for the UK for the full duration of your selecting for interview? course, then we can consider your At this point most students continue application. If you are not studying with three of their original subjects, We look at your academic potential, GCSE/IGCSE or O levels then you though some continue with four. You travelling distance to the college, will need to get a ‘statement of can also opt to take an additional AS school report, subject combination, compatibility’ from UK NARIC. You subject (for example, in further maths). contribution to your current school need to be available for interview in and participation in extra curricular the UK in Feb/March 2016. Around 80 students each year also activities. We do not guarantee to complete an Extended Project interview everyone who meets our I wish to come to the UK Qualification in their second year, minimum requirements: your average which is worth half an A level. predicted grade will probably need to just to study, can I apply? Additionally, in your first year you will be at least around 6.5. participate in activities that are part We do not hold Tier 4 sponsorship of our enrichment programme. You’ll with the UK Border Agency and If I get a waiting list place, therefore are unable to consider be expected to complete at least one what are my chances? 10-week course. These are designed students in this category. to improve your skills and capabilities This can depend on the courses (sporting or otherwise), as well as selected. The more flexible you are getting you to try something new and about your subject choices the more expand your areas of interest. likely it is that we’ll be able to fit you in.

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 21 When do I apply?

November / December 2015 Online applications are open from 14th November 2015 as soon as our Open Day has ended. Visit our website.

January 2016 Applications close 18th January 2016 at noon

February 2016 Interviews for those invited are held

March 2016 All offers will be made by the end of March

May/June 2016 You’ll be taking your GCSE exams

July 2016 Introductory afternoon for new students is 6th July 2016

August 2016 GCSE results day - 25th August 2016

August 2016 From 25th August 2016 Enrolment begins

22 www.woodhouse.ac.uk A levels

The minimum application criteria for all subjects: • An average GCSE grade B • B in English language • C in mathematics • + any course specific requirement The course guide

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 2323 Extended project

qualification ccounting is a good choice for me because I have always Awanted to set up my own As an additional option at Woodhouse, students have the business after I graduate from EPQchance to complete an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). university. Also, I enjoyed the finance module in my business GCSE and I The EPQ allows students to gain a qualification worth half an A level found it interesting, so I think it’s a for something which is completely their choice. It can be something really good idea to explore the core which deepens their knowledge of one of their A level courses or sits structures of accounting. in between two of their subjects or outside of their subjects altogether. “ Some students research and write academic essays – a bit like mini- We’ve certainly covered the important dissertations – while others complete product projects such as short topics in class. During Year 12, we novels, films, inventions or designs. learnt how to prepare financial accounts for both limited companies Around 80 students take the project each year and each person receives and sole traders and did many cash individual supervision. Universities take a very positive view of the flow forecasts and budgets. project because the research and independent learning skills acquired are excellent preparation for higher education. I found financial statements for sole traders most interesting, as I am most Examples of recent product Examples of written report likely to use that knowledge in the projects: titles: future. Also, it starts off quite easy and then it builds up and becomes more • Convert an acoustic guitar into • Exploration of the reach of challenging, requiring you to use your a resonator guitar globalisation in Hong Kong and general accounting knowledge and to • An app. to guide a remote Shenzhen apply some logic. controlled car from a • The origins of Arthurian myths smartphone • The ecological impact of fish As well as learning about income • A DVD on environmental farming in a Scottish loch statements and control accounts, I education in primary schools • The effectiveness of Prozac in have learnt to pay attention to detail, • Courtroom sketches from ‘To treating depression as it’s the little things that make the Kill a Mockingbird’. • The application of game theory difference. I find that teachers here to UK business practice. treat us more like adults and are understanding and helpful. We get a lot of resources and subject-related Undertaking an EPQ was definitely a challenge but it forced me to trust opportunities. my creative ideas, which has given me confidence for any future projects. Isabelle Clarke Accounting is not as difficult as everyone thinks. It seems confusing I enjoyed completing the EPQ very much. I have learned the various when you first see a question, but stages of actually carrying out a research project and the different when the teacher explains and shows types of data collection methods. It made me realise the importance of a few examples, it becomes so much planning, which came in handy when revising for my exams! easier and it just makes sense. A key Salli Nori to success in accounting is practice, practice, practice. It helped me to expand on concepts I’d already learnt in my studies and apply them in unfamiliar contexts. Most importantly, it taught me how to I am planning on going to university effectively search for sources that could be used in my project. to study business management with Ashwin D’Souza accounting and want to obtain relevant “ work experience. I think that through Key skills I gained from my EPQ are time management (as I also had to studying accounting I will be more do my English and history coursework around the same time), confidence likely to succeed when I start up (especially through the presentation aspect of the EPQ) and the ability to my own business, as I’ll know how be analytical in my writing and carry out research on a much larger scale. to run it on a day-to-day basis, keep accurate accounts and understand my Onima Choudhury profitability.

24 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Accounting

Course outline If you are considering a career in finance, accounting, management or even running your own business, this course will give you a solid foundation for your future. Accounting is about collecting, collating and presenting information that allows organisations to survive and - hopefully - thrive. As well as data and numeracy skills, you’ll learn the techniques required for day-to-day accountancy, like how the double-entry system operates and techniques for keeping accurate accounting records. You’ll be asked to produce financial statements for sole traders, partnerships and Kinga Niesciur limited companies, as well as work from Bishop Douglass on more complex case studies that School require a combination of solutions.

AS / A2 (modular) Exam board - AQA Additional entry req. - B in GCSE mathematics

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 2525 Art & design

chose to study art at A level art library). I’ve also learned how to Even though I hope to study traditional because I wanted to develop my effectively use materials and one of music and Japanese at university, my art I techniques in art and experiment the things that struck me most was knowledge and appreciation underpins with different media. My secret goal learning not to overwork pieces. a lot of my thinking. was to be able to enter an art shop knowing what all the things were Personally, I found it challenging to and how to use them. I also chose produce work to an AS standard and art because it’s a subject I take great to come up with more sophisticated pleasure in and would gladly spend all and mature themes, However, it wasn’t night working on! long before I started to get the hang Course outline “ of things. Art may seem intimidating at I’ve experimented with new techniques first but with practice your pieces will You will learn the creative and such as batik and etching. I’ve also been start to get stronger and stronger. practical skills in developing, exploring, introduced to many inspiring artists. recording and drawing from direct We’ve had countless extra curricular At Woodhouse - and in the art observation. This will encompass opportunities, like life drawing classes department especially - you learn to be a range of materials such as paint, and trips to the Royal Academy - we independent pretty quickly, something drawing with dry and wet media, even went to Highgate Cemetery to I find is a really important skill. At print techniques such as batik, mono- make sketches! the start of AS you spend a week on printing and silkscreen. Learning will each medium where you learn to use occur through projects which are set I’ve learned how to research artists different materials in various ways. and guided, with outcomes potentially more effectively by using a range of The art teachers encourage you and in two and three dimensions. Students sources such as articles, websites, help you to identify and develop your additionally learn major art movements galleries and books (many of which can strengths, and they always find time to and the skills involved in analytical be found in the fantastic Woodhouse give you honest feedback. writing.

New A level (linear) Exam board - EDEXCEL Additional entry req. - B in GCSE art or an outstanding portfolio

26 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Jaydee Cozzi from Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 2727 chose biology simply because I useful throughout your whole life. sure you know, but I’ve found that love it and taking it for AS has Experiments are based on finding once you understand how a concept I allowed me to explore it further. evidence - then finding some more works, it’s pretty easy to understand My passion is a result of my fascination evidence - and, then questioning the the content around it. Revision’s an with the mechanics of the cellular evidence, trying to figure out other important part of my success within world, and how it functions seamlessly reasons for why something might be biology though, and I think that and harmoniously after billions of how it is and not just blindly accepting without taking the time to ensure years’ development. anything. I think this ability to question that I know all the steps of a process what you learn is really vital in a lot properly I’d find it a lot more difficult. I really love topics such as those on of ways, and having to interpret data pathogens, proteins, enzymes, cells, ATP, and recognise anomalies will come in My ultimate goal is to study in the US, “the way the heart works, lung disease handy in any future career I may have hopefully majoring in biology along and the different organelles found where numbers or graphs are involved. with anthropology, philosophy or a within a cell. They give me an insight Asking ‘why’ also plays a really big part language, and then become a barrister into how my own body works, and I’m in biology and it’s how we now know or bioethicist. I plan to get some work constantly fascinated by the way in about a lot of the things we do within experience through an internship. If I which a tiny molecule such as ATP or science. I think that I’ll always ask ‘why’ decide to pursue a career in bioethics, the mitochondria malfunctioning can in the future as a result of biology, my biological knowledge will be cause such a detrimental impact on a seeing how important it is to the priceless. person. Biology is fundamental to our development of ideas and reaching the knowledge of the diseases suffered correct conclusion. today and hope to one day combat, and those we have already overcome.

The course consists of a lot of My passion practicals. We often carry out some comes from my of the tests we learn about in lessons, Course outline such as the biuret test which tests for fascination with A level biology is a challenging and in- the presence of proteins in samples. the mechanics depth study of the biological sciences. Incorporating advanced mathematics Mock practicals consist of a variety of the cellular and chemistry, it is truly an inter- of things - one lesson you’ll be world disciplinary subject and will develop boiling purple cabbage to look at the students’ skills as much as their difference in stomach pH of carnivores, knowledge. The topics studied include herbivores and omnivores, and the biological molecules, genetics, cellular next you’ll be determining the rate of At Woodhouse, you feel like you’re biology and transport systems. Skills respiration in pond weed by putting supported in your studies more than are developed and assessed across some in a test tube and counting anywhere else, and your teachers really twelve required practicals, of which bubbles. Practicals vary so much that care. Be it in class, after lessons or in evidence will be kept. A level biology is you end up using a lot of different a tutorial, your teachers are always a linear course with three exams taken materials, be it bunsen burners, various open to answering any questions you at the end of the two-year programme. plants, highly concentrated acids or have or helping you with a concept Questions are mostly based on even milk. you find difficult. For me, learning unfamiliar contexts and there is also a at Woodhouse has been more than timed essay. In A2, sampling is also a topic we cover. just reading out of a textbook - class For this, we went out into the fields at discussion plays a big role in your Additional entry requirements: Woodhouse and sampled the different lessons and allows you to develop your plants found there using quadrats. One ideas and understanding in a unique AB in double science (core and lesson, when learning about sampling way through the incorporation of your additional) or ABB in AQA triple methods with animals, we even worked peers’ viewpoints and knowledge into (core+add+further add) or at least AB with maggots, catching them and your own. I’m never afraid to ask a in two single sciences including biology. marking those we caught with tippex question as my peers are really helpful, to estimate the maggot population and not knowing something doesn’t B in GCSE maths required. Taking afterwards using an equation we’d seem like a bad thing - just a fun another science or maths in learnt about. challenge to overcome. combination with this course is recommended. GCSE applied science I think that biology, along with physics For me, biology’s a subject that I just and BTEC science are not suitable and chemistry, provide you with get. I revise hard in it because there’s foundations for this course. certain analytical skills which are a lot of small details you need to make

28 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Biology

Lynn Travnikova from St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School

New A level (linear) Exam board - AQA Additional entry req. - see course outline opposite

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 29 studied business at GCSE and for an internship at the Bank of enjoyed and excelled at the subject. England in financial risk management. I The topics we cover can always It was a most valuable and rewarding be related back to everyday life: things experience, despite missing out on my we see in the news, places we shop, summer holidays! who we bank with. There are many applications that make the subject relevant to all of these things, which is I’ve learnt a why I enjoy business studies. number of “Teachers are always willing to help you essential life and go the extra mile. We are allowed some freedom in the way we choose skills - like to learn and the methods used vary the importance from presentations to videos, it’s not all about mindlessly copying from the of confidence, board. We also get the chance to learn communication how to work independently and then the topics covered are consolidated and teamwork - through class discussion where through numerous everyone is welcome to get involved. Course outline group projects At the end of our AS year, we were You will learn the fundamentals of given the opportunity to put into accounting, finance, marketing, human practice the theory we had worked so I love it when we have to apply our resources and operations management. hard learning, by forming small versions learning to real world scenarios. For This basic grounding in the core of businesses within the two business example, every Monday we have media functions within a modern business classes. Each group had an ‘employee’ day where we find articles in the news will prepare you for deeper study in for finance, operations, marketing and assess how relevant they are to a number of business-related areas, and a CEO. In our teams we created different topics we have studied. At but also work in a complementary and marketed a product which was times the subject can be challenging way with any chosen career path. then sold to the rest of the college in but the multitude of resources The course is structured to help our ‘enterprise fair’. My team, ‘Sweet available to you and the help of you think analytically and develop Tooth’, made and sold blue lemonade teachers, both in lessons and subject an informed perspective on current and chocolate skewers. We managed tutorials, means any issues are quickly affairs and economic matters. Using to turn a small profit which was then overcome. real case studies and examples you’ll donated to charity. develop the ability to write clear, I plan to pursue a career in business, well-structured essays and make As part of business and accounting at perhaps in marketing - or maybe I logical arguments using data provided. Woodhouse you have the opportunity will go back to the Bank! This subject You’ll have regular opportunities to to apply for the Career Ready has provided a great foundation for develop presentation skills and take programme. I was selected for the me to continue my studies at degree part in debate. Importantly, you’ll also programme and have been on many level and I hope to study business and be encouraged to take the theory trips to high profile organisations such management at university next year. and apply it to specific scenarios and as Citibank, Pentland Group, Ambition, problems presented, ensuring that Olswang and Barclays. your understanding is practical and relevant. Students will also benefit On each of these trips we learnt from a programme of speakers from valuable skills such as CV writing, finance and industry. interview skills and workplace etiquette. As a result of the Business studies cannot be taken in programme I applied and was selected combination with economics.

New A level (linear) Exam board - WJEC Additional entry req. - B in GCSE business studies

30 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Business studies

Georgie Ephgrave from The Compton School

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 3131 hemistry has a role in it means you need a healthy balance in our everyday life and order to achieve your goals. Chas been integral to industrialisation, medicine and After Woodhouse I plan to take a engineering. I chose to study it at A gap year from studying to strengthen level because, as well as enjoying the my application for university. Next challenge it presents, I like that it’s summer I plan on travelling around based completely on facts. Asia before doing Gap Medics, which is an opportunity for me to go abroad Lessons are incredibly active and (I have chosen Tanzania) to shadow “our practicals are great fun. I love dentists. After that, for the rest of that we learn in a visual way through the year (October onwards), I plan experiments. The flame test - where on doing a 12-month paid internship we had to record the colour that at a dental practice where I will different metals gave off - was become a fully qualified dental nurse fascinating, and the foam experiment whilst earning money. I will then be (pictured) in which we’d burn gas filled applying for dentistry for 2017 entry. soap in our hands (safely!) and watch (Chemistry is a fundamental subject the flames was really exciting. required for dentistry at university - you cannot apply without it.) I think studying organic chemistry is the most facinating and important area Course outline we cover as it explains how chemicals are made and their uses, whilst You will gain an understanding of relating them to everyday life. I now the three main areas of the subject: understand why ice is more dense than physical, inorganic and organic water and why oil and water cannot chemistry. A strong emphasis will be mix. placed on developing your problem- solving, analytical, practical and We went on a trip where we saw how mathematical skills. You will learn how mass spectrometry worked and what it to keep a laboratory manual which was used for. It helped me understand will document all your practical work, the topic much better and it was including 12 practicals required by fun to see what we’d read about in the AQA exam board. Class time action and was very interesting. I also is supported by trips, conferences, went to a workshop at the Hunterian spectroscopy workshops with UCL, Museum where I listened to lectures the Cambridge University Chemistry from different people with different Challenge, the RSC Chemistry career paths that all had chemistry in Olympiad and membership to the RSC common. It helped me see how useful Chem net. chemistry is and how many careers it leads to, such as medicine, chemical Additional course requirements: engineering, dentistry and, even, law and journalism. AB in double science (core and additional) or ABB in AQA triple The teachers are very dedicated. In (core+add+further add) or at least a way they’re like our mentors - any AB in two single sciences including issues you have or problems, they’re chemistry. always there to help. But I know that no matter how good the teacher is, if B in GCSE maths required. AS level you don’t push yourself, you may not maths recommended in combination get the grades you want. Independent with this course. GCSE applied study is key and you need to make science and BTEC science are not sure you hit the ground running by suitable foundations for this course. starting revision straight away. This doesn’t mean ‘bye bye’ social life, but

32 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Chemistry

Sonya Soltani Pari from The Compton School

New A level (linear) Exam board - AQA Additional entry req. - see course outline opposite

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 3333 became really interested in under Julius Caesar and Octavian, of gender politics, in addition to the the ancient world a few years which is frequently referred to in traditional themes of injustice and I ago through reading historical the Roman poetry. I really enjoy the revenge. fiction. I loved the allusions to real variation in the teaching format. events, rulers and writers of ancient Classical civilisation definitely isn’t an Greece and Rome, and I wanted to I think one of the most important easy subject, as there’s a lot you need start studying the literature actually things I’ve learnt from classical to know and you’re expected to know produced in these periods in relation civilisation is how much the distant it in detail, but I enjoy the subject so to their historical contexts. past has influenced our modern much that the effort I’m expected to societies. After studying even just a few put into classics is very rewarding. I “Because classics is quite a literature- classical texts, I am able to recognise do a lot of reading around the subject, based subject, we normally focus on links to ancient myth in so many which helps me grasp the topics a lot deepening our understanding of the of the fictional books I read; having better, and the more I practise writing texts. studied the origins of democracy, I essays, the easier and more enjoyable now have a better understanding of it becomes. modern politics; I can even see the influence of classical design in modern I was home educated since primary British architecture! It’s pretty much school and at the age of 14 I began impossible not to recognise the legacy to teach myself independently for my of the ancient world once you’ve IGCSEs. Coming to Woodhouse was studied it. a completely new experience but I couldn’t have had a better welcome. I recently visited an exhibition at the The teaching is very supportive, you British Museum on the portrayal of get a lot of individual attention and the body in ancient Greek art. It was personalised feedback. so interesting to examine sculptures of idealised beauty standards from I am applying to study classics at over 2,000 years ago, and much of university. It gives you such a firm what I saw was very reminiscent of grounding in so many different the idealised form today. I also had a disciplines that I think it will help chance to look at some pottery. Lots me in whichever career I pursue, but of the vases depicted scenes from at present I am hoping to go into mythology which I’ve learnt about academia. The research skills, critical in lessons from studying Homer’s thinking and detailed analysis that I Odyssey and Iliad, and it was refreshing have learnt from classics will definitely to consider them from a different help me with this. I’ve really enjoyed the in-depth perspective. discussions of key ancient concepts, like justice, which is very important in Additionally I’ve been to a lot Course outline Greek tragedy, which we study in AS. of lectures, some of which have We have to take into consideration its introduced me to completely new Classics is a facilitating subject political and philosophical elements areas like Platonic philosophy, the combining the literature and history and also recognise its literary merits, archaeology of Roman Britain, and of ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. which makes for really interesting even ancient clothing! My awareness Topics of study include the politics, the debate. of the ancient world has definitely wars and the role of women in society. expanded as a result, and I’ve found Sometimes our teacher will give that it’s helped me in lessons too. You will gain valuable, transferable us mini-lectures on the historical skills dealing with differing sources of background for the literature. Some of I am soon going to see a production of information. During the course there my favourites have been sessions on one of my favourite Greek tragedies, are trips to the British Museum and the role of women and the treatment Euripides’ Medea, at the Almeida The Globe theatre and a planned trip of slaves in ancient Greek society, Theatre, and I’m excited to see how to Rome in 2016. You’ll experience which underpins the epic poetry we an ancient story has been adapted for university lectures, theatre productions read, and the transition from the a production set in the present day, and extensive collaboration with other Roman Republic to the imperial system incorporating more modern ideas colleges.

AS / A2 (modular) Exam board - OCR Additional entry req. - B in GCSE Eng. lit.

34 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Classicalcivilisation

Sandy Kershaw Brown Independent learner

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 35 Computerscience

Sarah Ryan from Haverstock School

3636 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Course outline The course has an emphasis on general problem-solving skills, programming, abstract thinking, and algorithmic omputer science A level and mathematical reasoning. You appealed to me because I find will gain an in-depth knowledge and Ccomputers interesting and understanding of how computers challenging, especially the programming work, from the microprocessor to side. I really want to get into the memory, storage, operating systems computing industry and thought and network architectures. You it would give me valuable subject will develop your knowledge of experience before university. programming theory and will be using the .NET programming environment to In class, we dismantled a computer analyse user requirements and design and then had to figure out how to re- and implement solutions. To further build it, learning how “all the parts of a enhance your experience you will have computer fit together and work as a access to Arduino, Raspberry Pi, .NET whole. I found the skeleton code very Gadgeteer & Lego Mindstorm, and interesting because it was a project go on several educational visits. The that I had to work on with friends for course is excellent preparation for a few months and while it was a very students looking to take a computer difficult task at times I had a great science or computing related degree, sense of accomplishment when I finally or those wanting a career in the understood it. Also, learning about telecommunications industry. how the internet actually works has given me a better understanding of it and I appreciate it more when I use it.

We took a trip to the Science Museum which was useful and another to Middlesex University which was great because it was a taster day for a computer science degree. It was really hands on and we got to interact with a few robots that they’d built and learn about how they worked. Also, we got to use electronics and build an AND gate on a circuit board which was fun.

The theory side of the course is not as difficult because you just need to learn how the process works, but the programming can be quite tough. The programming side of the course will stay with me because learning Visual Basic in AS had enabled me to go on to teach myself other programming languages such as Java and C# in my free time.

I hope to go on to university and study computer science. I want to get into the games industry as either a designer or programmer and the computing A level has allowed me to see if I like the subject, taught me how to code and given me the necessary foundations for further study.

New A level (linear) Exam board - AQA Additional entry req. - A in GCSE maths and B in comp sci. or other sci.

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 3737 Dance

Sario Watanabe-Solomon from Highgate School

or me, dance has been an extremely interesting and I have used many of the moves and Frefreshing course over the past much of the information learned in year. The active nature of the subject lessons to my benefit. They have helped makes it different from my other me to dance in a more elegant manner subjects and that helps to keep me and enabled me to pass auditions for Course outline engaged and have fun while I learn. shows I have done, for instance, ‘Sweet Dancing is assessed in performances: Charity’ at the Leicester Curve just in a solo that you choreograph and The course is quite varied and last summer. in a performance within a group. You although we dance a lot we also learn will study the professional work and “about the body and how it works Help and advice is always on hand, history of a significant dance company, when you dance, which has been very we are supported and encouraged to learn theoretical knowledge, take trips intriguing. There’s more to it than just perform. I even got the opportunity to to performances and attend workshops spins and pirouettes! perform at the Royal Albert Hall along with professional practitioners. You will with some of our College musicians. develop confidence, communication Most of our lessons involve skills, analytical and evaluation ability, contemporary dancing, but if that’s I plan to study theatre studies at Royal and explore and expand upon your love not for you, do not fret - your final Holloway University of London. Dance of dance. This course will give you the examined solo dance piece could be has helped me improve my confidence grounding you need to move on to a anything from street dance to tap and background knowledge of the specialist degree course. dance, so the flexibility of the subject theatre which I will be forever grateful has also been very helpful. for.

New A level (linear) Exam board - AQA Additional entry req. - B in GCSE dance or audition

38 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Economics fter the financial crash in 2008, I wanted to understand Aits background, so I chose economics and I’ve found studying market failure really interesting. We did a practical experiment to demonstrate the law of diminishing returns, where adding more people actually led to less production. It really demonstrated the concept visually. We’ve studied the policy “instruments that governments deploy when the economy is in a recession which was fascinating. We covered it at a time when the UK economy was coming out of the financial crisis and the monetary and fiscal policies used by the government were truly significant (i.e. the 0.5% record low interest rates). I enjoy reading around the subject and there are lots of resources here. Teachers really want you to succeed and lessons are very structured with lots of explanation. I attended many subject tutorials last year and found they really boosted my confidence - and my grade. I’m applying to read history and economics at Oxford and hope to be able to focus on why some countries like Kenya are relatively poor compared to the UK, and the historical reasons for this. Course outline You’ll explore how markets work, economies deal with scarce resources and the choices firms and individuals make (microeconomics). You’ll learn about how governments deal with issues like unemployment, inflation and debt (macroeconomics) and question the policies and attempted solutions. You’ll acquire the key skills needed to be a successful economist, understand the fundamental theories and principles, and know how to de- Sinan Haji construct, analyse and debate them. You will then need to demonstrate from The London Academy the ability to apply these skills to bring about change.

Economics cannot be taken in combination with business studies. New A level (linear) Exam board - WJEC Additional entry req. - B in GCSE maths

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 39 English language

Demi Tymon from St. Mary Magdalene Academy

e have a great balance of text), lexis (words), syntax (sentence independent and group length and structure) and graphology Wwork. Discussions allow (physical layout & images) in various you to practise speaking formally contexts. Course outline – essential in later life for job/ uni interviews - as well as gaining The coursework process was very A level English language study develops secondary opinions and viewpoints. challenging yet rewarding. I created my your knowledge of the technical Debates concerning the extent to own short story and magazine article aspects of language as well as analysing which language change is a good or which really helped me to explore the and producing texts for different bad thing are very thought-provoking style and genre I preferred to write audiences and purposes. You will also in a positive way and help you to in. You learn about your potential as be introduced to theoretical areas “articulate arguments in a structured a writer and developing a piece of of linguistics, including topics such and lucid manner. literature has inspired me to continue as the relationship between language creative writing. and gender, the origins of the English I have learnt the importance of being language and how children acquire able to constructively critique my own The college’s provision of resources language. There is a coursework (creative) writing in order to improve for wider reading around the subject component in the second year. its quality. Performing well under has increased my understanding pressure is essential and practising of child language acquisition and annotating sources and writing in development. I aim to study English timed conditions has been invaluable. language and linguistics at university and I am interested in speech therapy I have learnt the fundamental basics of media and teaching. the English language, developed skills regarding the use of discourse (whole New A level (linear) Exam board - OCR Additional entry req. - B in GCSE English literature

4040 www.woodhouse.ac.uk English literature

Santiago Bracho from St. Aloysius College

iterature has always been my sometimes what isn’t said and what is Course outline favourite part of English studies, implied has just as much importance as particularly because I like what is being overtly described. You’ll gain an understanding of L analysing and breaking down novels poetry, prose, Shakespeare and and their meaning. All of the novels we studied are very modern drama within the context of interesting and enjoyable (Vernon God different cultures and time periods, I like how, at Woodhouse, teachers Little, We Need to Talk About Kevin, for example, medieval society, 17th allow for a lot of discussion about The Great Gatsby) and it’s definitely century theatre and modern Britain. the subject during lessons. They a challenge to try to condense all of You’ll learn about different genres are also very open and always take your points into a limited work count and concepts, ranging from Gothic into consideration your opinion or - in a good way! literature through to colonialism as interpretation of the texts. In some of well as more contemporary issues. “ our lessons the class is split into two I plan to study at university in London, You’ll acquire important skills like different groups based on two different hopefully UCL or Queen Mary. After evaluation, analytical essay writing and interpretations of the text, and we that I want to maybe have a career as presentations, critical thinking, research have a debate. Every time that happens a political scientist or analyst. I need and independent learning skills within it’s really interesting and fun. to have a good grasp of the English a collaborative classroom environment. language as well as know how to write There are four key areas of study: Lots of the course content has really creatively, and in a detailed way. That is Shakespeare and poetry pre 1900, stuck with me, particularly the fact that something that is very important for modern drama and prose post 1900. sometimes seemingly simple books any career. can have very complex meanings - as

New A level (linear) Exam board - OCR Additional entry req. - B in GCSE English literature

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 4141 chose to study geography because that it opens up - such as whether it’s something I really enjoyed western countries have the right to I and had fun with at GCSE. My intervene in other countries just personal interest in geopolitics made because things happening there are me want to study and further my seen as wrong. Are they right to understanding of it. infringe on a country’s sovereignty? Does their intervention disregard I like the fact that Woodhouse allows cultural customs? you to take your education into your “own hands; the teaching encourages I like to debate and argue and human independent learning. There is an geography offers that opportunity excellent support network through along with learning so much interesting resources, teachers, student support contextual information (such as things staff and student mentors. like colonialism, corrupt governments and physical geography) surrounding Our teacher has shown us some very the current state of these countries. cool real-time maps, one of which showed where thunder was happening I hope to study geography at the as it actually occurred. The map University of Manchester with an showed sound waves from the initial integrated masters in international point and then as the wave dissipated development. After that I would we worked out how long it took for like to do a law conversion course. people at different distances to hear My ultimate goal is to become a the thunder - so interesting. diplomat for the UN, and I know that my geographical knowledge will be invaluable. I like the fact that Woodhouse allow you to take your education into your own hands

As part of our course requirement, we Course outline visited the Lake District last October and stayed at a residential geography You will gain an understanding of field studies centre. We were there to the global environmental, political investigate and understand the causes and economic issues we face today of flooding in that area (the reasons and how they can be managed. You why it happened, its effects and the will learn important skills such as mitigation strategies in place). It was evaluation, analysis, essay writing, very cold and wet but the area is critical thinking, research and stunning and a reminder that the UK independent learning skills. There goes way beyond London! It enabled are four key areas of study: dynamic me to see a different way of life and landscapes; dynamic places; physical was a really interesting trip. systems and sustainability; and human systems and geopolitics. In addition, I find the ‘bridging the development you will undertake a piece of course gap’ topic particularly interesting work based on a field trip. because of the debates and discussions

New A level (linear) Exam board - Edexcel Additional entry req. - B in GCSE geography or a science

42 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Geography

Keziah Doudy-Yepmo from La Sainte Union School

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 43 chose to study government and practices we had studied in action and politics at Woodhouse because it made the course seem so real. It I I think understanding politics is emphasised the fact that politics isn’t essential to understanding how our just a subject at college, but something country works. that impacts on the day to day life of everyone in Britain. I wanted to be able to see the links between things that I wouldn’t The subject matter itself is quite necessarily have noticed without simple, but obviously politics is “knowing about the British political constantly evolving, so in order to stay system. I’ve carried on studying it at A2 on top of everything you have to be because I love it so much! very aware of current affairs. I feel that probably the most challenging aspects In the first year we studied the of the course are staying on top of the British political system and within it news and incorporating up-to-date we looked at democracy. I found this examples into your work. incredibly interesting, as the idea of equality in action really intrigues me. In It sounds like a cliché, but the teachers the A2 syllabus, I’ve especially enjoyed here are incredibly supportive in learning about globalisation as it is so everything. They go far beyond the topical and really affects the world. minimum, and are so knowledgeable about their subject, and obviously care Our politics lessons are full of debates, deeply about it. That really makes a which means that every class is full positive impact on lessons. of contrasting opinions. This can be incredibly interesting, and really useful I want to study politics and in learning about different political international relations at university and perspectives. then hope to continue to be involved in politics in some way, so having this Course outline fundamental understanding of the subject will be incredibly useful, but it The study of politics is about making will also give me the option of many sense of and analysing Britain and the other career paths. world. You will learn to form political I now feel as judgements and establish a broad set though I’m of analytical skills that universities and informed about employers highly value. the world that I Many of our students take on an active role in British and international live in, which will politics, going on to study the subject at university and working in journalism, absolutely stay law, think-tanks, universities and with me charities, as well as government.

In the first year, we explore the theory I can now debate my way around most and practice of UK politics. In the subjects, and listen to other people’s second year we focus on the themes opinions without too much of a bias. and disciplines of global politics, such as the rise of China, the ‘decline’ of We went on a great trip to the Houses America and the new challenges of of Parliament with our local MP Mike globalisation, terrorism, migration and Freer. It was really interesting to see climate change.

AS / A2 (modular) Exam board - EDEXCEL Additional entry req. - B in GCSE history or geography

44 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Government& politics

Lola May from Highbury Fields School

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 4545 History

Alfie Burgh from Friern Barnet School

istory has always intrigued me sixth form college, we’re given a lot as it overwhelmingly influences of independence, which means we’re Hthe modern world. I’ve enjoyed motivated to study for ourselves, studying the lead up to the Civil War rather than being forced to. History is Course outline in the 1640s and how that resulted a challenging subject, but if you apply in the execution of a king and the yourself and listen to advice from your You’ll study significant individuals, transformation of the political system teacher you should do fine. events, developments and issues within in Britain. I also enjoyed making a I hope to study a combined their historical context. You’ll develop group presentation about Mussolini’s degree course of history with politics skills in writing, structuring arguments, social policies. I like how you can at Leeds, Manchester or Sheffield. formulating and justifying judgments, “relate and compare historical events to I’m not entirely sure what I want to and critically evaluating differing views. current affairs. do, but I’d be interested in a career The two-year course is We went on a three-day trip in journalism or politics. History divided into three units, of which two to Berlin and were shown around the would obviously be helpful in these are exam based, each focusing on a city by tour guides and visited lots careers, as it’s important to have a different, contrasting area of history. of interesting museums. It was really lot of background knowledge about For the examined units you will study stimulating to learn about Berlin’s rich current affairs. You also acquire lots Stuart Britain, 1603-1702 and the Cold history. of transferable skills, such as essay War, 1945-1991. For coursework you At Woodhouse there’s a real writing, that are will study one hundred years of Rus- sense of mutual respect between useful in any career. sian History, 1855-1956, and produce a the teachers and students. As it’s a 3,500-4,000-word essay.

New A level (linear) Exam board - AQA Additional entry req. - B in GCSE history

46 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Law

aspire to pursue law as a career, so choosing this subject provides I a good insight. We’ve studied different types of crimes, their sentences and how the judicial system operates. I find it so interesting - the crazy and horrific things that people do and the different defences they use to avoid prison, as well as learning how flawed the law is with many “contradictions and loopholes. We took a trip to the Old Bailey, sat in on some trials and witnessed some exciting cases first- hand which brought our lessons into a real life perspective. We also visited the Royal Courts of Justice’s nine supreme courts and learnt about the history of English law and its evolution. I like the fact that Woodhouse encourages independence: it’s up to you to be responsible for your learning and consequently the grades you achieve. But of course teachers are always there to provide help when you need it and you are always supported. Law has taught me to be very analytical and how to critically assess things and see things from more than one side (especially the A2 course). I hope to study law and international relations, law and criminology, or just pure law at university. Course outline You’ll gain an understanding of criminal and civil law and how they each impact on everyday lives. You’ll study the roles of magistrates, judges and juries in our society, how and why people sue each other and how law is made in parliament. The course covers criminal offences such as ABH and GBH, negligence law, murder, manslaughter and self defence. In civil law you will learn about tragic events like Hillsborough and what to do if your Bernita Matondo neighbour plays loud music all night. from Highbury Fields School You will also discuss the philosophy behind law and look at questions on law and justice and law and morality.

AS / A2 (modular) Exam board - AQA Additional entry req. - B at GCSE in an essay subject such as Eng, hist. or RS

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 47 Mathematics

chose maths because I enjoyed it We had a really interesting lesson on If I don’t understand something in class at secondary school and wanted the ratio of A series (A3, A4 etc) paper. any of the many maths teachers are I to try more challenging maths at It was very practical but it gave a really willing to help in free periods, so it’s a A level. It’s also a great A level for me good understanding of how they are all very supportive learning environment. to have as I can apply for a range of the same ratio in length (1:√2) We take part in the Senior UK courses at university. Having maths I think some ideas can be Maths Challenge - a really fun challenge opens doors! hard at first because they are new, paper where you get to push and test I like the way maths is taught but once you understand them you your mathematical ability. I got a Silver at Woodhouse. You get a really strong won’t struggle. When we started C2 I award which I was over the moon understanding of concepts, so that found sequences quite challenging but about. you’re able to tackle any question. All once I’d practised lots of questions I I plan to study physics at of the maths I’ve learnt here will stay realised that it’s wasn’t as bad as it first university, so having a strong maths with me and be remembered. seemed. background will definitely help me to I find calculus very interesting. be successful. “ Being able to differentiate and integrate functions was very new to me, but when I saw it come back in the mechanics modules (where you integrate and differentiate velocity, acceleration and displacement) I understood how useful calculus can be.

Course outline Mathematics at AS and A level builds on the work you have met at GCSE. All students will study core (pure) mathematics. You will also study one of the following important applied branches of mathematics. In mechanics you will learn how to describe mathematically the motion of objects and how they respond Varsiha Sothilingam to forces acting on them, from cars from Walthamstow School in the street to satellites revolving for Girls around a planet. In statistics you will learn more about how to analyse numerical data in order to arrive at conclusions. You will study further the important topic of probability, on which advanced statistical ideas are based.

AS / A2 (modular) Exam board - MEI by OCR Additional entry req. - A in GCSE maths

4848 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Further mathematics

Josh Hoffmann from Park View School

hen choosing A levels, I I’ve particularly enjoyed parts knew that I wanted to do of the really abstract pure maths Wsomething maths related like complex numbers, matrices and at university. Further mathematics group theory, though I’m also really introduces some topics that are interested in theoretical physics, so expanded largely at undergraduate I’ve enjoyed studying some of the level, so it was a natural choice for harder mechanics modules where you me. It pushes you to think about look at things like simple harmonic Course outline maths a bit more abstractly and motion and rotational dynamics. The course expands upon A level carefully. There’s no secret to doing We’ve been studying statistics mathematics and introduces other well in a course that’s hard: you have and using the skills that we learn topics, including complex numbers, to put in the work and take advantage in class to analyse the validity of matrices, hyperbolic functions and of the excellent resources and statistics in the media such as in the decision maths. You’ll develop more teaching available. recent Labour party leader election. creativity in your approaches to “ I think the teachers at We spent quite a bit of time looking solving problems and increased Woodhouse across all of the at how valid were the predictions of resilience. Students will need a strong departments are really dedicated who would be elected. (None of them enthusiasm and aptitude for maths. to helping you get the most out of were really that valid!) It’s ideal for those aiming to study your time here. The maths lessons Further maths is useful science or maths-based subjects at at Woodhouse are really well for everything from psychology to university. You’ll attend interesting structured. They’ve definitely got chemistry (and of course maths), talks by speakers from scientific and the right balance of lecturing and and universities like Oxford and mathematical fields. We’ll also prepare problem solving. All of my teachers Cambridge really do recognise this. I’d you for taking the extra papers (STEP, have certainly helped me to push my like to study mathematics with physics AEA, MAT) required for mathematical learning beyond just the standard A at Cambridge, and go on to do a Ph.D. courses at some of the UK’s most level syllabus. in theoretical physics. prestigious universities.

AS / A2 (modular) Exam board - MEI by OCR Additional entry req. - A* in GCSE maths

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 4949 French German Italian Spanish

Course outline

You will expand your knowledge and understanding through a mixture of class teaching, individual and group study, debates, trips, visits, lectures and discussions. You will develop this through topics which may include media, culture, health, relationships, environment, multicultural society and contemporary social issues. You will learn to understand and Phoenix Jones O’Shannessy express yourselves using increasingly from Fortismere School complex vocabulary and structures, as went to Berlin this summer with As I do two languages (German and well as examine the use of language my German class as preparation Spanish) I know pretty much the within specific areas of society. You for A2, as we study the Berlin Wall whole language department and all of will read and discuss literature, I and the film ‘Goodbye Lenin’. The the teachers are really friendly and using the internet, newspapers and trip was fantastic. I had such a good supportive, even if they don’t teach magazines to research and support time with my class and got to see you - they always seem to want to your argument. Importantly, through some amazing things such as the East help you and see you succeed. expanding your linguistic abilities, Side Gallery. I love learning about the you’ll learn communication skills and “culture of a country and find it really I’m thinking about going to Germany techniques for working effectively in interesting to understand more about and Spain and working to improve my teams, as well as solving problems. its history. language skills. If I do decide to go to For some languages, we also university it will be to study German. offer work experience in foreign I also love speaking sessions where countries during your first year, as you can really get the chance to have well as various trips both abroad and a conversation in a different language. at home. That is always exciting - especially as you improve.

New A level (linear) Exam board - AQA Additional entry req. - B in the relevant GCSE language

50 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Modern foreign languages

Jenni Luckit from St. Michael’s Catholic Grammar School

t’s been interesting to learn about and debate current affairs in another language, Iand from a different point of view. We usually only hear the British side of the story, but by reading articles from French newspapers and listening to French radio reports we were able to get a different Kaine Thompson opinion. from Islington Arts and Media School Learning a language is so much more than just grammar and vocab lists, and translation chose Italian and Spanish as I have is never simple. You have to be creative to a passion for languages and am find ways to translate the whole meaning, I eager to learn as many as possible. which means you need to understand how Also, the ability to speak multiple language is used in that country. languages is one of the most sought after skills in our current job market. At the beginning of the year we went to the French institute to watch a film and take The headphone system we use here part in a workshop. I discovered some great was very exciting and different as it resources there including the Café Philo isn’t the sort of technology that I was (which was great as I also study philosophy) expecting to use. From an academic and the amazing library. standpoint I’ve learnt a lot more grammar, which is incredibly useful, Next year I have a place to go to drama as well as the culture and history of school in Paris, at Les Cours Florent. Without both countries. I’ve also learnt about learning French I would never have hard work, dedication, perseverance discovered my passion for theatre, and I and self belief. would certainly not be preparing to move to Paris in less than a year! It’s probably the I am applying to study modern most important subject I’ve done! languages at university.

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 51 Music

usic at Woodhouse is fantastic - it’s very relaxed, but so Morganised. It’s taught in so much Billie Sophoclides depth and with such expertise that when it is time for revision, it’s surprising how from Highbury Fields much you remember straight away, and School how much work you have done without too much pain!

I like composing. It is a major part of the course, and even though there“ are briefs and lists of things to include to score higher marks, it is also quite relaxing and very rewarding when you have finished your piece.

I would say that harmonising Bach chorales was the hardest part as it was pretty much learning something new for me, but the content and analysis work for the exam can be easy if you keep on top of it and make clear notes. Our music teachers will certainly give us every sheet, every website and any advice or recommendations that they can to help and push us, and we can pop in at any time to talk about our work on compositions, or anything else.

There are opportunities in the year for concerts and performances in local schools or churches. I was asked to Course outline accompany a primary school Christmas carol concert, which was my first piano Music at Woodhouse College is taught accompanying experience and very as part of Barnet A Level Music Centre, valuable. We’ve also had visits from ex- where specialist teachers combine Woodhouse music students, a concert commercial and classical styles with performed in the Finches by the world state-of-the-art music technology. renowned Wihan String Quartet and a You’ll perform jazz, commercial or brilliant two-day conducting workshop. classical music, develop original ideas in composition and analyse music of all Music requires a number of important genres. skills that can be applied to many subjects, including modern languages. For example, As well as performance, students communication and confidence skills compose two pieces at AS, one to a set come from the performing element; brief and the second in response to a creative and organisation skills from different brief or as a free composition. composition; and writing and analytical In addition, the content of musical skills from the written exam part. These elements, musical contexts and musical are all invaluable when learning modern language is taught across six areas of foreign languages, which I’m planning to study, each containing two set works. study at university after Woodhouse.

New A level (linear) Exam board - EDEXCEL Additional entry req. - B in GCSE music + grade V inst. or audition

52 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Music technology am really interested in the It reminds me that music technology production of music and want to is not just computing but also playing Course outline develop my creative skills with in the studio with all the talented I You will gain an understanding of the use of music technology. I enjoy instrumentalists in your group. composing and want to know what it I will always remember contemporary music production, takes to get music from the studio into discovering what it’s like to manipulate recording studio technology and the our headphones. a sound with the use of music latest music-making software. We I’ve learnt how to digitally technology, since once you have have a very well-equipped state- produce music with the use of a studio changed a sound it becomes unique to of-the art soundproofed recording and it feels amazing, and once all the your track. I like the way our teachers studio as well as a suite of eleven parts of a song come together in here have an open-door policy, where powerful Apple iMacs. “ Students will recreate a the final mix you feel such a sense of we can talk to them about any aspect accomplishment. I had the chance to of our work and they’re always there complete pop, rock or dance track recreate a well-known song - ‘Seven to help. and record a song with sixteen Nation Army’ by White Stripes - in My other subjects are different parts, or tracks, using bass, a house style. Our class did this computing and maths, and I plan to guitar, keyboards, drums as well individually and hearing each other’s study computer as orchestral instruments. Finally versions showed how differently we all science at students will have the chance to think. university. show off their creativity with original We also formed two bands for arrangements and composition. another project, where we recreated The music tech exam covers a song of our choice with our musical music appreciation as well as sound skills. As the only drummer in the and music equipment’s technical group I got to take part in recording detail. The exam is worth a third of both of the songs. I am most interested the marks, while the three practical in the recording aspect of the course. tasks are worth two thirds.

Brian Pamplona from The Aylward Academy

AS / A2 (modular) Exam board - EDEXCEL Additional entry req. - B in GCSE music and/or grade V piano / audition

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 5353 chose to study philosophy at morality from? Are they human Woodhouse because I’ve always constructs or ones that are god-given? I enjoyed asking big questions that These questions really allow us to seemingly don’t really have an answer. delve into why we think the way we I like discussing ideas with people do. intelligently and getting an insight into why the world is the way it is. Thanks to philosophy, I’ve learnt how to organise my thoughts and logically It’s a subject that I’d never studied form an argument. This was something before, which meant that I was I thought I could already do, but found entering a new college with new out quickly that it’s rather hard. people and a new subject. So for me it felt like a fresh start - a blank space The aspects of the course that I find that I could expand myself into. the most interesting are the parts that really question things I thought I was Philosophy is a subject that perhaps already sure of, such as colour or taste. appears dense and unapproachable, but Knowing I’m going challenge my own the teaching here is tailored in such a view of the world keeps me on my way that those big profound ideas are toes and I walk into each lesson with expressed in an accessible way. optimism and excitement.

The teachers don’t shy away from the But what’s quite nice is that philosophy meaty philosophical questions that still is thought, patience and ideas. Which confuse philosophers today, but we means that you’ll get as much out of it discuss what they mean to us as human as you put in. If you read a lot outside beings and how they are practically of subjects and lessons and ask big implemented in real life. questions then you’ll see that your understanding expands exponentially. This discussion based learning gives you the chance to develop ideas and It’s definitely a subject that requires the teachers encourage that. effort and commitment but it’s also great fun. I remember distinctly that There are plenty of arguments and as part of an example that the teacher disagreements in class about things used to prove a theory we had to that you never really thought you’d define what a dog was, and while it argue over - and after a discussion wasn’t exactly part of the syllabus, everyone in the class feels like they’ve we spent a good half hour arguing benefitted from it. whether a robot dog that had all the features of a dog should still be And if you really can’t get enough, classified as a dog. the teachers are always available to recommend more books, podcasts or This subject has given me the videos for you to ponder in your own foundation for my ideas. It has time. allowed me to see the moral and Philosophy is no ethical implications of policy and walk in the park We even questioned whether anything how it impacts on human beings. It actually exists, which really challenged has allowed me to expand my mind everything that I thought I knew. I and look at every possible viewpoint mainly found out how uncertain our senses before making a decision and to back are and how really, in the grand my point up with logical argument. because it’s hard scheme of things, our minds are the only certainty. It’s a rather frightening I hope to study politics and to even prove a thought, but really interesting at the international relations at university. park“ exists same time. We also discussed whether anything we know is innate or are we born completely and utterly empty and merely learn things through experience. If so, where do we get huge concepts such as justice and

AS / A2 (modular) Exam board - AQA Additional entry req. - B in GCSE Eng lit.

54 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Philosophy

Course outline Philosophy is the oldest academic subject and arguably the most conceptually challenging. It repeatedly tops the list of university subjects that employers recruit from and it encourages you to think creatively and critically. Key areas of study are epistemology – the theory of knowledge and where knowledge comes from; the philosophy of religion and the arguments for the existence of God; the philosophy of mind - personhood and identity; and ethics - what is morality? We also consider what it means to be ‘good’ or ‘evil’ and link these to practical ethical issues such as war, euthanasia and poverty.

Philosophy cannot be taken in Yousif Alawoad combination with RS. from Enfield Grammar

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 5555 Physical education

Course outline

During this course you will develop the skills of observation and analysis, communication, independent thinking, as well as learning how to apply your knowledge to the world of physical activity.

The course content is varied. You’ll study anatomy and the physiology of exercise, sports psychology, sport in society and the history of British sport. You will be assessed on your performance (or coaching) in two activities in the first year and specialise in one in your second year. You must participate regularly in your chosen sports outside college in order to develop your performance levels.

Additional course requirements: B in GCSE PE + BB in science or B in biology. You should be regularly participating at club level in at least one sport and of a good standard in at least Charlotte Clements two sports. from St. John’s Senior School

5656 www.woodhouse.ac.uk found GCSE PE really interesting In the first term we went on a three- Apart from the subject matter itself, and am very physically active, so day trip to an outdoor activity camp I’ve learnt a lot about work ethic I for me choosing A level PE was a in York, where we took part in lots and putting in as much effort as is natural progression. of different activities like mountain possible. That way, when you do biking, canoeing, zip wire and rock well, you feel so much better about I have been taking ballet, tap, modern climbing. It was fantastic, not just it - because you put in all the hard and jazz dance exams since the age of because of the activities, but because I work and it paid off. Staff are very two - and playing netball, hockey and got to know lots of new people from supportive. If you need any help rounders since year six. I like to learn my PE group and make more friends. or are worried or stressed about the theory behind my sports in order anything, there is always someone to increase my performance in them Overall, A level PE is quite a step there who you can talk to. They are “and also help me continue to lead a up from GCSE. I found the EPIP also very positive and invested in your healthy lifestyle - which makes me (the speaking component) the learning. happy. most challenging as I’d never had a component of coursework like it I am planning to go to university to I’ve found learning about things like before. It was unusual to do, but I was study a BSc. in psychology and spend the ‘inverted U hypothesis’ really happier once I’d worked on getting a year of that degree working abroad. useful as this deals with the impact of my head around the information - and I am currently very interested in anxiety and nerves around performing. proud to have done well in it. And child and sports psychology, which It’s interesting to see the theory obviously performing contemporary we learn about in more depth at behind something I have naturally dance and netball at moderation was A2 level. This will help form a good been doing for a long time. Studying enjoyable because they are my two basis and understanding for when I large sports in the USA and Australia favourite sports. study it at university. It will also help has also been interesting - it’s cool to if I venture into sport (as a sports find out about sports from around the psychologist/personal trainer) after world. university.

Woodhouse boasts excellent on-site facilities including a full-size, sprung- floored basketball court / gymnasium (used for everything from badminton and netball to trampolining and archery).

We have just refurbished our fully equipped weight training facility and have two dedicated dance studios. We also have a full-size floodlit football pitch with a proffesional standard 3G surface.

New A level (linear) Exam board - OCR Additional entry req. - see course outline opposite

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 5757 Physics

Basil Basma from Whitefield School

hysics is by far the most During my first year I went to interesting subject I study. I think numerous physics lectures at Course outline Pit challenges our imaginations universities, as well as going to a You’ll cover familiar subjects in more with concepts such as relativity Cambridge natural science open day. depth - mechanics, materials and waves and string theory, and it has led to All of these trips were very stimulating - and exciting new topics - particles, incredible discoveries. and taught me a lot more about the quantum phenomena and electricity. universe. However the trip to CERN You’ll be introduced to topics For me, particles and quantum and the large hadron collider is a must! including fields and further mechanics, phenomena are very interesting. These and choose from options including topics don’t appear in the average day, The teaching at Woodhouse is astrophysics, medical physics, applied so it’s really something to be able to extremely organised - but also very physics and turning points in physics. learn about them. (By the way, protons helpful. The physics department are There are trips to student neutrons and electrons aren’t the only always ready to assist you in any way conferences and scientific sites such as particles!) they can. the Large Hadron Collider in Geneva “ and a nuclear fusion research facility in Physics is not easy, but in a good way. I hope to study medicine at UCL, or Oxfordshire. We also enter students It makes you think, and when you get natural science at Cambridge. Studying for the British Physics Olympiad. the answer right, a feeling of success physics has allowed me to develop my overcomes you. Studying this subject critical thinking skills, which I’m certain Additional entry requirements: has taught me how important it is to will be vital in whatever the future A in GCSE maths and physics or AB in think outside the box - but to do it holds for me. double science or ABB in AQA triple very sensibly. (core+add+further add.)

New A level (linear) Exam board - AQA Additional entry req. - see course outline above

5858 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Psychology sychology interests me because the ideas explored Pare often new and fascinating. It has shown me a different way of thinking about everything, especially human interactions, and helped me to understand the reasons why we act as we do. I like the psychological investigations aspect of the course as it is an introduction into how to efficiently collect data and conduct an accurate and reliable study. I enjoy the variety in classroom work too, such as group work, role play, active research “and data recording. I especially like how organised the psychology teaching is at Woodhouse and that help is always available if you’re struggling. One of the things I’ve learnt that will stay with me is Sue Savage-Rumbaugh’s studies of pygmy chimpanzees learning sign language - it’s remarkable how psychology can even explain animal behaviour. We went on a trip to hear lectures from three eminent psychologists about their areas of research, one of whom - Elizabeth Loftus - is on our syllabus and we study in great depth! It was a real insight into what it’s like to be an active psychologist. I think psychology helps you to understand people and is invaluable no matter which path you choose. I plan to study maths at Bath University and see where it takes me... Course outline A level psychology is the scientific approach to understanding human behaviour from a number of viewpoints using research evidence to create a critical argument. You will gain insight into the causes of a wide variety of human behaviours, their impact on daily lives and the science that has evolved around Felix Brown them. You will also learn valuable from Highgate Wood School research skills where you will analyse and interpret data. The six key topic areas are: social influence, memory, attachment, approaches in psychology, psychopathology and research methods. New A level (linear) Exam board - AQA Additional entry req. - B in GCSE science and maths

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 59 eligious studies is something At Woodhouse there is a good balance Taylah Crosbie that I am passionately interested between being taught and independent Rin and it is a subject that I wish study. This allows you to feel like you from Alexandra Park to pursue as a career and a life choice. are using your own ideas and initiative School rather than being spoon-fed the One of my favourite things about course. There is also a great range of religious studies is that we get subjects to study for your unit two the opportunity to debate. We exam which allows you to express are sometimes assigned a subject your individual interests in topic areas. matter (whether we believe in it “or not) and through debate are We went to a religion and philosophy given the opportunity to broaden lecture at Hertfordshire University, our understanding of the topic and and it provided me with a good insight strengthen our reasoning skills. into where I aim to be after I leave Woodhouse and a useful opportunity We’ve studied ethics and the to understand the nature of the course philosophy of religion and I’ve enjoyed at university. learning about theories such as utilitarianism and how these theories After Woodhouse I plan to study affect the way in which people make theology and religion at university decisions. In the philosophy of religion and go on to become an academic in the field, specialising in Islam. This course has allowed me to strengthen I’ve found it my overall religious knowledge and Course outline interesting to also allowed me the freedom to concentrate on Islam, which is a RS encourages an appreciation of discuss matters such personal interest. religious thought and its contribution as the controversial to individuals, communities and issues of evil and societies. We take an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the suffering - and study of religion and encourage the identifying possible development of insightful evaluation of ultimate questions about the purposes solutions. and commitments of human life. Students are required to think critically many ideas we’ve covered will stay to make connections and understand with me, like how religion and faith the influence of developments in can impact on a persons life. I’ve beliefs, religious ethics and textual also learned the importance of being interpretations. RS combines social, sensitive and understanding towards cultural, historical and philosophical others’ cultural and religious beliefs. perspectives and develops key skills I believe that this is a very valuable in analysis, research, essay writing skill to have in life - in many different and debate. As a result, the A level is aspects. considered to be a suitable preparation for entry into university. The key areas The content in itself is quite accessible, include: arguments for the existence but the way in which you have to write of god; the religious experience; New in the exam is quite challenging. You Testament studies and religion and have to take a more analytical and ethics. critical standpoint on subjects rather than just be descriptive in your writing. RS cannot be taken in combination with philosophy.

New A level (linear) Exam board - EDEXCEL Additional entry req. - B in GSCE RS or Eng. lit.

60 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Religiousstudies

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 6161 ’ve always had an interest in studying and learning about Idifferent sections of society. I didn’t get a chance to study sociology at GCSE, so I was excited to be able to choose it at A level.

Over the course of the first year we covered many areas and I learnt about different types of families in society “today and the different sociological views on them.

We’ve studied society and education - which ties in well, Course outline because I can relate it to my life You will develop your understanding of critical issues relating to class, gender, ethnicity, inequality, power I found studying sociology challenging and different views of human social at the beginning as many people in behaviour. The following topics will my class knew a lot more about the be covered: families and households; subject - some had done it for GCSE. education; stratification and crime and The topics can be quite complex and deviance, and you ‘ll develop research it was a massive step up from some and theoretical skills. of the work I’d been used to. But I managed to get to grips with it and by Sociology is an essay writing subject. Christmas I had fallen in love with the You will also develop skills such as subject. analysis, evaluation, teamwork, and independent research. Sociology The teachers pay close attention complements other humanities and to you, even though they teach so social science subjects, particularly many students. There’s always lots history, geography, English and of interaction in lessons, it’s not just psychology. sitting down and reading off of the board. We are treated like adults, which Students often progress to Russell I like, and I’d never feel uncomfortable Group and other highly ranked about discussing subject-related universities. Usually they read for social problems with them. Even though science/ humanities degrees including there’s a lot of material to remember, economics, law, psychology, politics, if you stay on top of your revision it’s sociology and international relations. not so hard. Careers include: politics, media, journalism, business, law and policing. I’ve enjoyed this subject so much in the first year that I hope to study Recent trips have included visiting sociology at university, possibly taking a the BBC, the Museum of Childhood joint honours with social policy. and students have taken part in youth conferences.

62 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Sociology

Amber Codron from The Mount School

New A level (linear) Exam board - AQA Additional entry req. - none

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 63 hoosing theatre studies at than my entire five years at secondary Woodhouse has completely school! We’ve seen plays such as ‘A Ccemented the reason I loved Curious Incident of the Dog in the it at GCSE. The sense of creative Night-time’ at the Gielgud Theatre, freedom and expression is something ‘Dirty Butterfly’ at The Young Vic and which you just don’t get from Frantic Assembly’s ‘Othello’ at The other subjects. Things can always be Lyric Hammersmith. improved on but there is never a wrong answer or a red cross like with There’s a difference between watching “other subjects. a performance for enjoyment and watching it from the perspective of I really loved the group performance a critic. Analysing a character’s body of a play at the end of the AS course. language and vocal tone, thinking There’s something completely different about why a director has chosen the about acting with people who you’ve set to be a certain way or how the been in rehearsals with for months. relationships of two characters can You get a greater understanding and completely alter the meaning of a play sense of the character that you are is what I really love about this course. portraying compared to the rest of the course where you take on a role for a I have always felt in my heart that few lessons and move on. This deeper theatre studies or an acting degree development not only helps you to act was the course that I wanted to go in a more understanding way, but also onto after Woodhouse, but there are feels more realistic… and rewarding. also plenty of jobs within the industry backstage and that may be an option There are specific requirements that too. The communication skills I’ve need to be met in the written work, picked up from this course will help which at times I found difficult. But me in whatever I choose to do. that is exactly what your teacher is there for! I’ve found the teachers to be incredibly supportive. On the practical side of things, there Course outline are always going to be areas that as a performer you feel more comfortable This course will take you on a journey with - whether that be comedy or through everything that makes naturalism, or whatever. But with the the theatre great, with emphasis help of a supportive group you learn on exploring texts and developing not to feel embarrassed, as everybody performance skills leading up to a is in the same boat and that is practical performance. You’ll learn essentially what drama’s about - being about and perform works by some creative and pretending to be someone of the leading writers and combine different! I have learnt that’s it’s okay this with regular trips to live drama to be bold and step out of my comfort performances and practical workshops zone and take on a different persona led by external theatre companies while still being able to have qualities such as Frantic Assembly. Studying of myself in the character. theatre will develop key skills in public speaking and team work, and boost I have been on more trips on the your self-esteem - useful tools for any Woodhouse course in the last year chosen career.

New A level (linear) Exam board - EDEXCEL Additional entry req. - B in GCSE Eng. lit. + B in TS or perform. exp.

6464 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Theatre studies and drama

Molly Gabriel Stogdon from The Compton School

pictured with Khemsangfung II Hang Chemjong from Christ’s College Finchley

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 6565 eing a Woodhouse student is more than just a two-year relationship. Increasingly, many of Bour Woodhouse alumni are returning years later to lecture, mentor and encourage the new crop of ‘Woodhousians’. This is something we enthusiastically encourage and we are currently in the process of developing our alumni website to make further links with ex-students. Some of our alumni have been kind enough to send us their graduation pictures and fill us in on ‘life after Woodhouse’.

Kiya Byers with Kirsty Smith

I graduated from King’s College London with a first in English language and literature, and I’ve been accepted for postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, where I’ll be reading English and American studies, 1830 -1914.

Pictured with me is Kirsty Smith, with whom I studied at Woodhouse and who remains a best friend. She studied adult nursing at Middlesex University and been awarded a 2:1. Tyler Saunders She is now a qualified cardiology nurse at Barnet hospital. I studied for a BSc psychology at Royal Holloway and came away with a first class degree. I’m now going on to postgraduate study at King’s in London and will be studying an MSc on early intervention in psychosis.

Kozeta Ismaili Lajoy Tucker Amy Gastman

I gained a BSc first class degree in I graduated with a first in chemistry I read English literature at the sociology and criminology from at the University of Oxford (St University of Reading and graduated Surrey University and am now John’s College) and am now a with a first. Now I have my dream studying for my MSc in criminology, secondary school science teacher in job working as an editorial assistant criminal justice and social research. East London. for Waitrose Food magazine.

66 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Simon Metin

I’m at the University of Cambridge studying medicine and in my fifth year with one more to go. We do two years of pre-medical science, get our BA degree one year later and that’s followed by three years of clinical medicine. I finished my BA degree in pharmacology and am nearly half way through the final stretch.

I left Woodhouse in 2011 having studied chemistry, biology, physics and maths with mechanics. I got four Tajmina Uddin A*s in my A levels and an A grade in my extended project. I studied sociology, accounts and business studies before taking my degree in business management at Westminster University. I got a 2:1 and now I’m a PA to two directors at Cushman & Wakefield, and very much enjoy it!

Anand Gaglani Monika Szynkielewska Annalisa Cleland-Awity

I studied at University College I went to Leeds College of Art and I studied history at the University London (UCL) for a Bachelors studied art and design and graduated of Birmingham and graduated in (BEng) and Masters (MEng) in with a first. I now work as a digital 2013 with a 2:1. I am now teaching electronic and electrical engineering, designer on lots of online magazines, history at a secondary school whilst gaining a first class honours degree. designing layouts. completing my PGCE.

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 67 Social life ork-life balance is just as important as academic Wachievement at Woodhouse and we try to make sure that all of our students have plenty of opportunities for fun social activities between busy periods of study.

Many of our societies organise themed events such as Valentine’s day and Halloween movie nights. Our talent show committee select acts for an annual live competition, which is always an exciting and entertaining show. And we regularly have costume days such as ‘wear your national colours’, ‘suit up’ or fancy dress.

Our student social area is a busy and vibrant space with student- led activities of every description happening on a regular basis.

Most of these activities are reported and advertised through our social media channels, in which students take an active interest, as they serve as focal points for our community. Our Facebook and Twitter feeds have many followers and, along with our Flickr page, paint an enlightening picture of the student experience at Woodhouse.

Prom

Rounding off this experience is the prom, a fitting celebratory end to the two-year Woodhouse journey, which takes place at the end of June after all the exams are over.

Our student prom committee meet regularly in the second year to organise DJs, caterers, event decorators, fireworks and ticket sales. This year’s prom had a 007 theme and hundreds of our students were ‘dressed to impress’ at our gaming tables and on the dance floor.

The prom is the ultimate highlight of our social calendar and, as some of the tweets shown here testify, an incredibly popular and memorable occasion.

68 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Prom 2015

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 69 A level results5 Subject 201Entry % A*- B % A*- E Accounts 13 61.5% 100% Art 48 95.8% 100% Biology 160 49.4% 97.5% Business studies 33 57.6% 100% Chemistry 170 55.9% 98.2% Classical civilisation 28 89.3% 100% Computer science 15 40% 100% Dance 7 71.4% 100% Economics 133 70.7% 100% English language 58 72.4% 100% English literature 180 81.7% 100% French 36 52.8% 100% Further mathematics 44 61.4% 93.2% Geography 66 66.7% 98.5% German 3 66.7% 100% Government & politics 56 73.2% 100% History 124 74.2% 100% Italian 6 100% 100% Law 18 44.4% 100 Mathematics (statistics) 169 63.9% 97% Mathematics (mechanics) 111 67.6% 99.1% Music 11 63.6% 100% Music technology 6 33.3% 100% Philosophy 46 63% 97.8% Physical education 13 23.1% 100% Physics 82 47.6% 95.1% Psychology 142 54.9% 97.9% Sociology 74 81.1% 100% Spanish 33 72.7% 100% Theatre studies and drama 24 87.5% 100% Extended Project Qualification 72 81.9% 100%

70 www.woodhouse.ac.uk Find us

Tel: 020 8445 1210 (enquiries) Bus routes 134 & 221 pass directly outside the college and the 43 stops a Tel: 020 8492 8280 (admissions) 5-minute walk away in Friern Barnet. Many other services stop at Tally Ho Woodhouse Road Corner in North Finchley High St. North Finchley London N12 9EY It is a 15-minute walk from Woodside Park (Northern Line) Apply at www.woodhouse.ac.uk

Check out our social media here: There is limited parking outside the college but only disabled parking spaces facebook.com/WoodhouseCollege are available on site. twitter.com/WoodhouseCol

www.woodhouse.ac.uk 7171 Woodhouse Road North Finchley London N12 9EY

Tel: 020 8445 1210 (enquiries) Tel: 020 8492 8280 (admissions)

www.woodhouse.ac.uk

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Design and photography - Peter Murphy