WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

THE PORTSMOUTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL SIXTH FORM COURSE GUIDE 2020 COURSE | SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS

The Portsmouth Grammar School is #NoOrdinarySchool. Contact us to learn more. SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE 2020 T: 023 9236 0036 | www.pgs.org.uk WWW.PGS.ORG.UK SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE

DESIGN BY TGDH.CO.UK THE PORTSMOUTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL SIXTH FORM 3 CONTENTS

CONTENTS

Introduction ...... 4 English ...... 44 Academic Enrichment Curriculum . 6 French ...... 46 Personal Enrichment Curriculum . . 8 Geography ...... 48 Beyond the Classroom ...... 10 Geology ...... 52 Support Every Step of the Way . . 12 German ...... 54 Next Steps ...... 14 Government A Rough Guide to Sensible & Politics ...... 56 Subject Combinations ...... 18 Greek ...... 58 International Baccalaureate Diploma ...... 22 History ...... 60 Courses Italian ...... 62 Art & Design/Visual Arts . . . . . 24 Latin ...... 64 Biology ...... 26 Mathematics & Further Mathematics ...... 66 Business ...... 28 Music ...... 68 Chemistry ...... 30 Classical Civilisation ...... 32 Philosophy & Ethics ...... 70 Computer Science ...... 34 Physical Education ...... 72 Design & Technology ...... 36 Physics ...... 74 Drama/Theatre ...... 38 Psychology ...... 76. Economics ...... 40 Spanish ...... 78 Electronics ...... 42 Next Steps ...... 80

WWW.PGS.ORG.UK 4 5 WELCOME WELCOME

INTRODUCTION A LEVEL CURRICULUM INTERNATIONAL We are so excited to be introducing our new Sixth Form Curriculum to you. It is designed BACCALAUREATE with your future in mind: we want you to be happy and successful during your Sixth Form years, but above all, we want you to lead a fulfilled, purposeful, and enriching life when you embark on the adventures that lie beyond school – whatever direction you choose to take. We focus on life at 25, and our new curriculum has been designed to help you thrive at school, in higher education and at 25, whatever life brings.

During your Sixth Form years at PGS, you are • Tailored Support. We set great store by caring based in our stunning Sixth Form Centre, with its for our pupils, and offering the support you café and independent learning centre, supported need at every step of the way . We want you to by a dedicated, expert, and well-resourced team . be independent and resourceful; at the same ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT time we realise that navigating your way through Pupils may study either A Levels or the International PLEASE GO higher education pathways requires considerable CURRICULUM Baccalaureate . For those studying A Levels, there are TO PAGE 20 TO investment of time and expertise . We are always FIND OUT ABOUT five core elements to the PGS Sixth Form experience . THE IB SIXTH FORM here to help . CURRICULUM • Your Principal Academic Subjects. You can We hope that you will be as excited as we are at the choose either three or four A Level subjects, prospect of developing as a whole person during your to study in depth . time with us in the Sixth Form . Your core subjects • Academic Enrichment Curriculum. This is are important, of course: they help open doors and about offering you academic breadth beyond your are central to your future success . But we believe it is core subjects, as well as enabling you to drill down the broader aspects of your development which will deeper into the topics you really love . The thinking enable you to thrive when you get to the destination skills you learn will enrich your work in all your you are keen to reach, help you create opportunities subjects, and the research skills you learn will set for yourself, and have the skills and confidence to take PERSONAL you up for study beyond school . control of your future . The developments we have ENRICHMENT made to our Sixth Form programme, through designing CURRICULUM • Personal Enrichment Curriculum. This is the Academic Enrichment Curriculum and the Personal about educating you as a whole person . It involves Enrichment Curriculum, are designed to do exactly developing your skills of leadership, your that . We look forward to telling you more about life understanding of yourself and the world around at PGS in the Sixth Form . you, and bringing you into purposeful contact with our wider communities . This is a pioneering part of our curriculum offer, and we believe it is a very special part of what PGS can offer the future you . Dr Anne Cotton Head of The Portsmouth Grammar School • Beyond The Classroom. Our co-curriculum – the clubs, activities, societies and trips that take place in lunchtimes, after school, at the weekend OUTREACH LEADERSHIP WELFARE and in the holidays – are a hugely important part AND SERVICE EDUCATION of developing your skills, of bringing balance and variety to your week, and above all, allowing you to pursue the activities you love . There is an astonishing array of activities to choose from .

BEYOND THE SUPPORT EVERY CLASSROOM STEP OF THE WAY

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK 6 7 THE SIXTH FORM CENTRE THE SIXTH FORM CENTRE

PGS EXTEND CASE STUDIES

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT CURRICULUM: DEEPENING THINKING AND EXTENDING LEARNING

Our academic enrichment programme and talents of all our pupils, taught by has been designed to allow you to our highly qualified staff . There are become a deep-thinker, critical enquirer currently 15 short-courses to choose and intellectual risk-taker, who will excel from including Media in the Modern To what extent did the The Art of Medicine – Is it possible to send water in higher education . The programme World, Art History, Creative Directions, development of the Nkok SEZ, A study in both two and bottle rockets into space? will assist you in securing places at Russian Language and Literature, Gabon and Qingdao, China three-dimensional art By Ollie Nash the most competitive universities in Mandarin, Coding School and Medical differ? this country or abroad and reach the Chemistry . These courses allow you to By Imogen Ashby Ithaka Prize Winner, 2019 future you aspire to . PGS is dedicated pursue interests beyond your principal By Philippa Noble Ithaka Prize Winner, 2018 to providing you with a dynamic and subjects, to broaden your intellectual Almost fifty years on since man first Primarily, I researched the surrounding future-proof approach to academic horizons, and to prepare for specific Initially, I chose this topic because it ventured to the moon, we are still politics of post-Mao China in Qingdao enrichment that will give you the directions in the world of work . would increase my chances of getting living in an age obsessed with space – researching globalisation and the knowledge, skills and experience into medical school with a subject that travel, with an increasing number of move towards “socialism with Chinese necessary to become innovators, leaders Critical Thinking and Study Skills everyone thought had no academic companies joining this ever-expanding characteristics” . Using a modern market . It seems there is an endless and stewards of the next generation . Critical Thinking is the ability to value . To be honest, I wanted to prove example, I researched Gabon to list of engineering feats which still analyse the way you think and present them wrong, gain more knowledge PGS Extend explore the potential use of Chinese need to be achieved, including the evidence for your ideas, rather than into an area of interest and, throughout loans in development . However, I aim of becoming an interplanetary Everyone takes part in PGS Extend, our simply accepting your personal the year, this choice of topic became found no evidence of this . Instead, the species . Inspired by years of research, flagship extended project programme . reasoning as sufficient proof . You can more and more relevant . For my Nkok SEZ website revealed that very I set out to strip all the rocket science This involves completing an extended gain numerous benefits from mastering PGS Extend I chose to combine similar open policies were used . The back to its core and ask a question project on a topic of your choosing – critical thinking skills, such as better two distinctive areas, Medicine and geography of the two cities is almost about one of the most fundamental which may be an essay, a creative or control of your own learning, improved Art, which I would not have had the identical, both housing a major port . models created: is it possible to send practical project, or an entrepreneurial language and presentation skills, opportunity to do otherwise . I was However, the politics of Gabon and water bottle rockets into space? challenge . The aim of the programme increased ability to self-reflect and intrigued about where, and if, these China differed wildly . My research This question took me on a journey is to foster your independent learning . enhanced creativity . fields both overlapped, and came to showed that, whilst the policies used through complex concepts usually It encourages you to explore your the conclusion that there could be In addition, study skills are the skills to promote foreign investment were only introduced at university, different passions beyond the curriculum, to neither without the other . I created you need to enable you to study and very similar, the global standing of the mathematical methods, and the process engage in research at a deeper level, my own psychological tests, and I also learn efficiently – they are an important two countries affected how vicious of modelling in physics, which resulted and to develop the skills needed to plan, researched lots of information about set of transferable life skills and will tax breaks had to be . China was re- in the formulation of my own, unique develop and follow through a project different types of Art therapies . Art become increasing important as you joining the capitalist world so leading rocket equation . In fact, this model was over an extended period . The pieces therapy is a unique field that combines move through your academic career . countries made an effort to trade with so complex, it required the use of a of work you will produce will be of artistic and scientific components yet Courses in both critical thinking and them . However, Gabon is a developing computer to solve it, which gave me a university standard, and help set your does not fit one single mould as its study skills form an important part nation with little presence in the very basic introduction to coding and applications to higher education apart . identity is continually evolving to of our academic enrichment offering . Western world . Therefore, the policies help each individual’s unique way of iteration formulae . My PGS Extend Ignite! Programme needed to encourage investment had thinking and learning . For the PGS not only confirmed the decision that to be more attractive . Through this Extend, the sketch book became my physics is a study I would like to take Alongside this, our Ignite! programme project, I have improved my ability art therapy, and I became my own further, but also prepared me for the offers a diverse range of short courses, to research and reference . It allowed case study . mathematical rigours and independent catering for the breadth of interests me to develop an even greater interest research skills that I will need to in Development Economics and how undertake my physics degree . The Economic History is crucial in the project took me back to my childhood, study of Economics . and so could a younger version of me, with enough determination, be able to compete with the likes of NASA?

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK 8 9 PERSONALISED LEARNING PERSONALISED LEARNING

“I volunteer at 1851 (the Charity branch of Land Rover BAR), which focuses on Sustainability and Education in STEM . In my role, I work on the ‘Tech Deck’, running groups for younger students to encourage them to get involved in Engineering . I also research and create classroom resources that can be used in the Tech Deck, including case studies of renewable sources of energy and Invasive Species PERSONAL ENRICHMENT Top Trumps ”. Year 12 pupil CURRICULUM: “I talked to people that I wouldn’t usually have EDUCATING THE spoken to and it helped me to become more WHOLE PERSON integrated ”. Year 12 pupil Elke Edwards, Managing Director and Founder of Ivy House who will be offering the Ivy House Award to Sixth Form pupils As a school we look towards life at 25, your personal qualities, your personal and we want to prepare you to have perspective and ideas . To build your clarity on who you are and what you and fulfilled both now and in the an enriching and productive career, confidence and your ability to take Outreach and Service – want, and arms you with the skills you future . At PGS, pupils receive this and to lead a fulfilled, purposeful control of your life, and above all working with others and will need to make conscious, informed vital element of education through life when you leave us . We value your understanding of what you leading through service choices about the direction you want structured timetabled lessons . this so highly that we have decided enjoy and what offers you fulfillment We believe that pupils are enriched by your life to take, whatever the world to dedicate specific timetabled space as an individual . The Enrichment The courses are delivered by engaging with the local community, throws at you . within the week to doing this . Our Curriculum is about your personal specialists from our comprehensive and our extensive outreach programme Personal Enrichment Curriculum development, and we believe that the Around this, we offer a leadership and coherent curriculum which reflects this . On a weekly basis, you is about offering you the resources, opportunities we offer are exciting, programme comprising workshops, focuses on the challenges and will work with peers to support a the opportunities and the coaching rewarding and hugely enjoyable . talks by inspiring leaders at different opportunities you face now and in wide range of charities or social to develop as a whole person . We Above all, they will provide you with stages in their careers, and forward- the future . Groups are small and the enterprises, from schools to care want you to go beyond the subjects an inspiring and enabling platform looking mentoring to support you to sessions focus on sharing important homes . Aside from being hugely that make up your curriculum and take control of your destiny and have guidance and a healthy measure of for the future . rewarding and a recognised contributor to extend your thinking . To develop the confidence to craft extraordinary peer discussion and debate . to holistic wellbeing, serving our wider lives when you leave us . communities will help you to build Sixth Form pupils often take up your understanding of the world which All Sixth Formers are invited to leadership responsibilities in this you will join after school, to develop become part of our Leadership and area, for instance you may decide your personal skills and resilience and Mentoring programme . You will to become a Peer Mentor, an Anti- to appreciate your responsibilities to work with a lead staff member, and Bullying Ambassador or member the world around them . receive training on your role, and on of the PGS Pride Society . how you can make a positive impact Ignite! Personal Enrichment Leadership – leading yourself within the community . Whether you Offerings include: Songwriting and your future are directing the Sixth Form play, a Academy, Dance, Yoga, Self-Defence, member of the school council, an A startling 86% of respondents to the Climbing, Duke of Edinburugh Gold editor for the Sixth Form blog, leading survey on the Global Agenda agree Award, First Aid, Food for Thought, one of our subject based societies, that we have a leadership crisis in the Glass Bead Making and Costume mentoring younger pupils or a school world today (World Economic Forum) . Design . prefect, we are confident that you will At PGS we are committed to giving have the opportunity to develop your our Sixth Form pupils the skills and skills as a confident and self-assured opportunity to lead, thus setting them leader and have fun along the way . on their way to be effective leaders in years to come . Welfare Education – the tools We firmly believe that to be an to support wellbeing effective leader you must first learn At PGS we are very proud of the to lead yourself and that is why we reputation we have as a centre of have teamed up with London-based excellence for pastoral care . We are leadership experts, Ivy House, to offer particularly proactive in this area the Ivy House Award to pupils in Year of education and aim to ensure that 12 . The Award will help you to gain our pupils are equipped to be happy

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK 10 11 SUPPORT AND FACILITIES SUPPORT AND FACILITIES

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Pupils performing in the School Production of ‘9 to 5’ at The King’s Theatre Pupils performing with at the Portsmouth Festivities 2019 Concert with We firmly believe that our pupils technology and Portsmouth Historic The Cardinall’s Musik achieve what they do inside the Dockyard to enrich their learning and classroom because of – and not in can have their art displayed in local Sport and Outdoor Pursuits We are also pleased to support the spite of – everything they do outside galleries . initiatives of pupils which often involve the classroom . Taking part in clubs In all aspects of school life we aim fundraising for charity . Sixth Form and activities outside the classroom Performing Arts for pupils to take responsibility for pupils have completed the Three Peaks their own progress . Outdoor Pursuits Challenge, Cross-Solent Swim and an is important in so many ways . It is We founded and lead the Portsmouth an outlet to develop your interests provide unique opportunities for this expedition to Mt . Kilimanjaro . Festivities, a 10-day celebration of and we believe that these activities will and passion, which may help shape culture and the arts, now in its 20th All Sixth Form pupils take part in your future pathway . They help you foster an innate sense of leadership year, which attracts thousands of in you while giving you a true sense Outdoors Activities for one afternoon develop as a whole person . And visitors to over 100 events each each week and options range from the they help hone skills of team work, of working as an individual and in year . For pupils to be at the heart of a team . traditional school sports such as rugby, organisation, leadership, independence this and take centre stage alongside hockey, netball to more contemporary and perseverance . international artists is an astonishing The Outdoor Pursuits Centre provides activities including triathlon club, Co-curricular activities play a key role opportunity . Year-round participatory a focal point for the pupils taking part pilates and yoga . in a Sixth Former’s life at PGS and this possibilities for pupils with a love of in highly popular activities such as the is reflected in our excellent music, sport drama or music at PGS are likewise Combined Cadet Force and The Duke and drama facilities . The emphasis is outstanding . As a choir school, the of Edinburgh’s Award, as well as a very much on variety and inclusion city Cathedral provides the setting for variety of other adventurous pursuits and encourages you to explore new any pupils wishing to join the choir in the UK and abroad . team, and we work with a Director in activities, cultivate interests and Other opportunities for outdoor Residence, a Composer in Residence, develop a breadth of skills . There are experience include rock climbing trips and collaborate with the London over 60 clubs and societies . to the Brecon Beacons, the Charlton Mozart Players as our associate Chase night navigation exercise and As a city-centre school, we are orchestra . fortunate to benefit from the city’s canoeing and kayaking expeditions . excellent facilities . Our pupils perform Yet while benefiting from the at the King’s Theatre and at the cosmopolitan opportunities offered Guildhall; they are able to visit Team by Portsmouth, we are a stone’s INEOS to discover the latest in sailing throw from the sea and in touching distance of the South Downs .

CCF Adventure Training Expedition to the Picos, Spain 2019

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK 12 13 UNIVERSITY AND BEYONDUNIVERSITY SUPPORT AND FACILITIES

SUPPORT EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

The high staff to pupil ratio at PGS • To give advice on study skills means that we are able to provide a as needed high level of individual support . We are • To monitor and help with your a large enough school that we can offer planning and time management exciting, ambitious programmes; yet small enough that each pupil is known • To help you set academic and and cared for and offered a high degree personal targets and to help you of individual support . achieve these, liaising closely with your subject teachers Every Sixth Former at PGS is a member of a tutor group of up to • To help you complete your UCAS fifteen pupils . Our specialist Sixth Form form, to offering advice and guidance tutors provide a daily point of contact, through the draft stages, working not just for registration, but for advice, closely with the UCAS team and planning and mutual support – where specialist subject advisers targets are set and guidance is offered • To take an interest in and to at the various stages of your Sixth support your co-curricular activities Form career . wherever possible Your tutor will become a prominent • To maintain contact with your member of your experience at PGS; parents as appropriate someone who will take a particular interest in your academic progress • To listen and to provide and wellbeing . encouragement and support at every stage of your Sixth Form career Providing a point of contact between school and home and offering support • To be your advocate in case and encouragement should you of difficulties experience difficulties along the way . You will become a member of one What you can expect from your Tutor of the school’s four Houses where a genuine sense of community and • To be in touch with you on a daily healthy competition is fostered . basis at registration and in Tutor Group sessions Our Health and Wellbeing Centre is a dedicated point for specialist health • To be available to help with any matters and the school counsellors problems as they arise are available to all pupils .

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK 14 15 PERSONALISED LEARNING AND BEYONDUNIVERSITY ALUMNI

“I was born energetic and competitive, and through a love of sport, PGS harnessed and focussed that spirit . As a dyslexic, academics didn’t come naturally to me . But with the KITTY NEWTON support of Mrs Okell and her team, I left PGS NEXT STEPS with confidence having exceeded all academic Age: 25 expectations . I went on to study Sports and University: Exercise Science at UWIC alongside a full-time The University of Wales, Sixth Form pupils at PGS are given Medical, Veterinary and rugby programme and I was proud to play at Institute Cardiff - BSc (Hons) outstanding support and advice to Dentistry Applications Twickenham in the BUC’s finals in my final year . Sport and Exercise Science help them achieve their aspirations . I am now Head of Sponsorship Operations for For pupils wishing to apply to study Just under 90% of pupils win a TRM partners, an international sales resource Now: place at their first or insurance medicine, veterinary science or for iconic sports brands and athletes . My team Head of Sponsorship Operations, choice university and we have dentistry we have a comprehensive TRM Partners frequent success in helping our and bespoke programme of and I project manage deals with brands such as pupils secure offers for prestigious preparation in place . In Year 12 Mercedes Formula 1 & FE, Usain Bolt, and the degree apprenticeship schemes pupils are able to join the Medics NFL . PGS taught me the value of hard work and with organisations such as Dyson, Club which meets weekly to discuss dedication and these skills have enabled me to Rolls Royce and Unilever . Each current medical issues in the news . advance to this position in just 2 years ”. pupil is assigned a Specialist Subject In addition, they will be enrolled Advisor who will advise and guide onto our Medical Chemistry you comprehensively through the academic enrichment programme, application process . Our dedicated receive specialist UCat and BMAT Careers and Universities Department preparation sessions and additional coordinate the process and organise support with choosing institutions and hugely valuable events such as writing personal statements . At the 2011 Leavers at 25: what are they doing now? our annual universities fair where beginning of Year 13 pupils receive over forty institutions and training a whole days training on BMAT providers are represented . We run technique and interview practice . a Year 12 UCAS Day in July, which Then in October they will receive is dedicated to ensuring that your interviews and feedback from medical Teacher university applications are as strong professionals and engage in a number Banking/Finance as they can be . of practice Multi-Mini Interviews . Engineer Marketing/Advertising With so many pathways on offer we Oxbridge Applications PR fully understand that decision making in this area is complex . We therefore At PGS we have vast experience and Doctor organise a well-attended programme expertise in supporting pupils with Accountancy of working lunches with industry applications to highly competitive Charity/Not For Profit professionals who can advise you on universities . The guidance and Recruitment/Sales what a career in their respective sector support that you will be given is Research involves and possible entry pathways . comprehensive and includes: subject Pharmacist specific subject discussion groups, At the end of Year 12 you are invited Retail academic extension activities, bespoke to interview with an appropriate Armed Forces professional including medics, lawyers admissions test lessons, talks from Oxford and Cambridge graduates, Design and financial experts in order to refine Insurance interview technique and experience visits from Oxbridge teaching staff IT expertise from their chosen field . and extensive interview preparation and practice . Law Music/Theatre Publishing Ve t Estate Agent Journalism/Media Travel/Tourism

0 3 6 9 12 15

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK 16 17 UNIVERSITY AND BEYONDUNIVERSITY AND BEYONDUNIVERSITY ALUMNI

Going to PGS allowed me to go to university to study a subject I love . I think more importantly however it gave me some key skills that I use on a daily basis . Studying physics helped me develop University Subjects by PGS 2016-2018 Leavers - Boys : Girls my problem solving abilities and finding creative solutions in new situations . The atmosphere at TIM BUCKMAN PGS taught me how to cope with the pressures Architecture of exams in a calm manner which is imperative Age: 25 Art/Design in my current job . Being an Air Traffic Controller University: Biology/Biochem/Biomed Sciences is a high intensity career with huge amounts of responsibility however I feel that PGS has helped BSc in Physics with astrophysics, Business/Econ/Finance/Mgt me gain many key skills that have allowed me University of Leicester PGCE from the University of Leicester Chemistry to succeed . Classics Current occupation: Computer Science Air Traffic Controller Dentistry/Medicine/Veterinary

Drama

Engineering

English

Geography/Geology History/Politics/Int Relations “PGS really helped me to achieve my full Law potential and has shaped my career and the

Mathematics person I am today . From the support from close relationships with teachers to the opportunity ALUMNI Modern Languages to study IB and all the extra-curricular activities Music available, I developed a well rounded academic Natural Sciences and creative flair, which was invaluable during Philosophy my architectural studies at the University of Sheffield . The research and written skills Philosophy Boys Girls developed for my IB Extended Essay gave me a Psychology/Criminology/Sociology head start . This foundation ultimately led me to AMY CRELLIN Sports and Exercise Science attaining a nomination for the prestigious RIBA Age: 25 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 President Dissertation Medal Award, for my final year student work and a First Class Honours . I University: Destinations of 2018 Leavers currently work at MSMR Architects, a leading Studied BA Architecture – residential architecture studio in London, and University of Sheffield Oxbridge – 4 (3%) Other – 37 (26%) will soon move to Hong Kong to continue my Cambridge Aberdeen, Aston, Bournemouth, professional development, with an aim to qualify Current occupation: St John’s Brighton, Chichester, City, Gloucestershire, Architectural Assistant at Hartpury,Keele, Kingston, Leicester, as an Architect . I encourage future pupils to take Oxford Manchester Met, Nottingham Trent, Oxford advantage of the school’s fantastic opportunities ”. MSMR Architects St Anne’s Brookes,Plymouth,Portsmouth, Reading, Royal Jesus Holloway, Staffordshire,Swansea, West of England St Hilda’s

Russell Group – 100 (70%) Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham Edinburgh, Exeter, Imperial College London, King’s College London, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Loughborough, LSE, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Queen Mary, London, Royal Veterinary College, St Andrews, St George’s, Surrey, Sussex, University College London, Warwick, York

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK 18 19 A ROUGH GUIDE TO SENSIBLE SUBJECT COMBINATIONS A ROUGH GUIDE TO SENSIBLE SUBJECT COMBINATIONS

Completion of Foundation Course needed as precondition Fine Art Art, English or any combination . of entry to degree course . Geography, History Economics, Business Studies, English, Slightly higher entry standards for Geography BA than for Geography (art emphasis) A ROUGH GUIDE TO SENSIBLE Languages, Art, one Science . Geography BSc degree courses . Geography (science Geography, Maths or Physics, Biology or Chemistry . A wide variety of careers available with a Geography degree . SUBJECT COMBINATIONS emphasis) Geology Two sciences and/or Maths . History History, Languages, English or Economics . A HL or A Level Language is not essential to read History but This rough guide is for general advice only and does not replace specific research and/or consultation with the universities for is helpful, especially for Oxford . A wide variety of careers is the courses in which you are interested . It is also essential that you choose subjects which you enjoy and which interest you . available with a History degree . History of Art Art, History, English; a modern and/or classical language . Journalism English and a Foreign language, but any combination of There are degree courses in Journalism, but entry to them is Suggested subject combination at IB Higher University Course subjects will do . very competitive and work experience is almost a pre-condition Level or A-Level. Few of these combinations are Notes or Career of admission . mandatory, but those highlighted are. Law Any combination, though History, Maths, Latin, English, At Cambridge, Law (part 2) via Modern Languages or Classics Accountancy degree course provides exemption from Government and Politics and/or Economics are useful . For (part 1) is popular . Law graduates need one year postgraduate Maths, Business Studies or Economics with one other, but any Accountancy “foundation” accountancy exams, but is not necessary to enter Patent Law add a Science . (Art is not recognised as an entry study; non-law graduates, two years . combination is permitted . the profession . qualification for Law School) . Almost any combination but subjects include Latin, Greek, Leisure Industry, Sports Business Studies or Economics and either Chemistry or Competitive entry to university . Record of commitment and English, History, Economics, Geography, Government and Studies, Sports Science Biology or both . success in sport very important . Administration, the Civil Good class of degree needed to enter Diplomatic Service, which Politics and a Foreign Language, or two languages for EU Service etc has a very competitive entry . Management Studies, Maths, Economics or Business Studies . Courses at university may overlap greatly in content with work and some diplomatic work; but Sciences for Scientific Management Science Business Studies courses . Branch careers . Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics and Maths . Design is useful . Agriculture, Agricultural Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics, Geography . Metallurgy Research, Land Surveyor Maths, Maths with Maths, Physics and a third . Maths at HL or A Level or Further Maths, especially for Art usually recommended, though not always vital, but Physics, Theoretical Oxbridge . drawing experience and skills necessary . Maths very useful, Must have GCSE Maths . Compilation of a portfolio is essential Architecture Physics English or Modern Languages and Physics all valuable . Also for entrance to most Architecture courses . Media and English, a modern language . Successful entry into the very competitive job market of Design, History and Business Studies . Communication Studies journalism and broadcasting cannot be guaranteed with this Banking, Finance, Business Studies or Economics, Maths and a language is very Finance and Banking degree courses available, but not qualification . Work experience in this area absolutely essential . Insurance useful . mandatory for careers in this area . Medicine, Veterinary Chemistry and Biology . Some medical schools like a non- The minimum standard entry for Medicine depends on the Biochemistry, Zoology, Chemistry, Maths and Biology desirable . Some courses Some of the most competitive courses welcome Mathematics Science, Dentistry science subject at IB HL or A Level . A good level of Maths is university but is usually AAA* points or more; the same for Botany, Marine Biology, emphasise Biology, some Chemistry . The most competitive at HL or A Level . For most, Maths SL is sufficient, but also important . Dentistry . For Veterinary Science work experience is essential . Micro-Biology, Biology demand strong mathematics . for Oxbridge HL or A Level is advantageous . Interview most important! More and more universities are offering combined courses in GCSE Maths is essential and IB HL or SL or A Level Maths Modern Languages French, German, Spanish (any two) and English, History, One Modern Language may be enough for a language degree Business Studies Business Studies and Languages; in some cases the language would be an advantage . Languages strongly recommended . (degree) including Oriental Geography, Business, Art . Latin or Greek also provides strong and a single language is often combined with other subjects at at HL or A Level is a condition of entry . Language support for a Modern Languages application to university, university . Business Studies with a language is one of the fastest Geography, Maths, Economics, Geography, Maths, History especially at Oxbridge . growing courses at universities . But two languages at IB or Chartered Surveyor of Art or Design . A Level widens the choice . Chemistry Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Biology . Oxbridge applicants should have Maths at HL or A Level . Music Music HL or A Level and /or practical music skills (grade 8 on Practical music through Academies; Musicology at universities . more than one instruments) . Many combined courses, e .g . Music with German available . It is possible to read Classics at Cambridge and Oxford Classics, Archaeology, Latin, Greek, English . Latin, Greek, History or Classical having studied only one classical language (Latin) to HL IB Natural Sciences Maths and two of Chemistry, Physics and Biology . Maths at HL or Further Maths A Level is expected for Oriental Languages Civilisation, Latin, Greek, a Modern Language . or A Level . Oxbridge entry . (Physics and Chemistry routes) . Applicants must study HL or A Level . For the Biological route, Maths SL Computer Science, Good HL or A Level grades required for entry to popular (score 7) may suffice, but HL or A Level is recommended . See Statistics, Numerical Maths, Physics and a third science . degree course . notes about HL Maths in subject section . Analysis Pharmacy Chemistry, another Science . Pharmacists must have a degree in Pharmacy from an approved Design Technology, plus Maths, Physics (engineering side) or Drawing skills should be developed in the Sixth Form, School of Pharmacy . Design Maths, Business Studies (commercial management side) . Art if especially if considering graphic/fashion/interior design . committed to a career in “artistic” Design . Physics, Applied Physics, Physics and Maths plus one other (Economics, Business Mathematical Physics Studies, Chemistry, Biology, Further Maths) . Maths, Economics or Business Studies, indeed any combination of Art or science subjects . It is not always essential to have Politics and International Any combination of social science, humanities or science Universities often offer joint honours courses including Politics For Oxbridge and other leading Economics courses, Maths at IB or A Level Economics (many universities now offer Relations subjects . Politics at A Level not a requirement . (such as Politics & Law or Politics & Sociology) that sometimes Economics HL or A Level is needed and for PPE at Oxford Maths HL introductory courses) . Most demand HL or A Level Maths, or have a slightly lower grade requirement . or SL or A Level can be advantageous . perhaps Maths SL, others require evidence of a strong GCSE Psychology No particular subjects required though the inclusion of a science Approved Psychology degree recognised by BPS necessary, performance . subject or Maths is advantageous if wanting a career in Psychology . Competitive entry . Work Physics and Maths essential for the vast majority of experience very useful . Maths at HL or Further Maths A Level is expected for Engineering universities . Design is useful, so is Economics, Electronics, Oxbridge entry . Teaching English, a science, Maths i .e . a National Curriculum subject if For Secondary teaching a degree the same as or at least Business Studies and a language . interested in primary school teaching) . containing the teaching subject is necessary, i .e . choose a degree Single Honours English is always more competitive for at least some of the content of which is directly relevant to English, Drama, English English and a Foreign or Classical Language or Classical entry to university than English combined with one or more secondary education . and Drama Civilisation or History . other subjects . Drama or English and Drama can be very Theology and Religious Preferably an Arts course including English or History or both . competitive . Studies Latin and /or Greek are useful subjects too .

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK 20 21 INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA AND A LEVEL INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA AND A LEVEL

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA IB (CONT)

What is the IB Diploma? What is ‘The Core’? Why Choose the IB Diploma? Can I Continue with Do I Continue to Study? Can IB Pupils Still Study Co-curricular Activities? Science-based Subjects A long-standing, internationally- The IB’s core comprises of: Class sizes are small and results at PGS English such as Medicine, Engineering, renowned programme, leading to an are excellent . The IB Diploma prepares Yes, very much so . Successful IB Whatever your preferred subject, Natural Sciences, academic qualification which is highly • Theory of Knowledge: a course in you well both for undergraduate students are do-ers . From sport, music communication skills (both oral and valued by universities . critical thinking, which encourages study and for life beyond . It is highly and drama to expeditions, the Duke Architecture etc? written) are absolutely crucial for both independent and inter-disciplinary regarded by universities and makes of Edinburgh award, CCF, exchanges, How Does the IB Diploma Work? your future studies and any career . You PGS already has had a number of thinking you interestingly different from the debating, prefectship and hobbies, you will develop and improve these skills, IB pupils entering these university majority . You develop specialism, yet are encouraged to participate – and You choose six subjects from the IB’s • Extended Essay: an independent whether they come naturally or do so courses, and thousands from other also keep a breadth to your learning indeed often this also counts towards six groups . You may double up in one piece of research on a topic of with endeavour . schools have done so . in key areas . At the same time, you your CAS . PGS IB pupils have already group by not choosing a Group 6 subject your choice, particularly valued develop your independence of thought, represented all school sports teams, – this is helpful if you’d like to study two by universities Maths critical thinking, personal organisation bands, choirs and orchestras, played sciences or languages, for example . You Like English, mathematical skills are “The CAS programme and your research and study skills . the lead in school plays, been Senior choose three at Higher Level, three at • Creativity, Activity, Service crucial in science or commercial degrees, encouraged me both to keep By boosting your focused learning with Prefect and even run a Q & A session Standard Level and also study ‘the core’ (CAS) Programme: an and will come into almost any job at a additional breadth and flexibility – and with US astronauts . All Sixth Formers up current extra‑curricular (see below) . Studies start in September of opportunity for you to develop later stage of life . There is a full range an international outlook – you are take games on the timetable . activities and to explore new Year 12 and last until May of Year 13, with the breadth of your personality of choice according to your natural preparing well for the dynamic, fast- ones, perfectly complimenting coursework throughout and all exams at and talents to complement your ability: Higher Level, to challenge the changing and global workplace Can I Get Into Good Universities the end . Results are issued in early July . academic studies . extremely gifted, Standard Level to my academic lessons ”. of today and tomorrow . with the IB? support a science degree, or Maths Yes, indeed more than this, universities Studies (SL) for those who do not need a higher level of Maths or who are less “My primary reason for welcome it . A successful IB student is not only academically able, confident mathematicians . choosing the IB was my motivated and independent-minded desire for subject variety - A Foreign Language but also will have developed their (Modern or Classical) I always knew I would be personal organisation, study-skills and studying sciences and maths independence, making an excellent In our global society, the ability to to go on to medical school, undergraduate . communicate and to appreciate other but the IB meant that I could cultural perspectives is crucial . PGS IB pupils have great university continue with the humanities success and have consistently A Science and languages which I had achieved entry to universities such Whether heading for a science degree, always loved just as much ”. as Oxford, Cambridge, KCL, UCL, medicine or engineering, or in a more Warwick, Durham, Bristol, Exeter, artistic direction, Physics, Chemistry Bath, Manchester and Edinburgh; and Biology are key subjects . Their How is the IB Diploma Graded? they are studying on courses ranging study brings knowledge and also a from Natural Sciences, Medicine and familiarity with an important way You receive a points total out of Engineering, to History, English, of thinking which is crucial in the 45 (each Higher Level and Standard Modern Languages and Business . modern world . Level subject gives a score out of 7, with an additional 3 points available A Humanity for the core) . The world is populated by people, and Will I Have Study Periods? “The balanced approach to studying a people-related subject brings teaching on the IB helped me important understanding . Yes – three per week in Year 12 and to develop both intellectually In choosing your subjects, focus on an average of six per week in Year 13 and creatively throughout what you enjoy and what will take you (NB you also have the whole of June- the course ”. towards your chosen aspiration for September of Year 13 free, following university and beyond . your exams in May) .

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2012

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

22 23 ART ARTS & DESIGN/VISUAL ART ARTS & DESIGN/VISUAL STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE ART & DESIGN/ A LEVEL/IB Entry Requirements investigations through the use of specialist terms and vocabulary . Along with standard PGS entry VISUAL ARTS requirements, you should be able Beyond the Classroom to show a passion for this subject IMOGEN ASHBY before embarking upon the A Level During the course, you might Course: A Level course . You will be expected to have work closely with any, or all of our attained a Grade 6 or above in Art resident artists to help support your Subjects Studied at visual enquiries . It is anticipated and Design at GCSE . Pupils who Sixth Form: A LEVEL IB did not take GCSE or who attained that you will attend as many Art, Biology, Chemistry Course Outline Course Outline Grade 5 may still be able to embark exhibitions at local, national and international level as you are able, upon an Art course but this will Destination: Art and Design is a particularly rewarding subject for the The IB Diploma Programme visual arts course encourages be dependent upon the standards as you can bring this research into motivated pupil; it extends across a very broad range of students to challenge their own creative and cultural Falmouth to read Fine Art found within a portfolio of the your studies . disciplines, both theoretical and practical, which are aimed at expectations and boundaries . It is a thought-provoking PGS summer vacation research developing a visually and culturally aware person . Pupils will course in which students develop analytical skills in problem- and a short interview with the University Courses and develop their ability to express their own ideas in a creative solving and divergent thinking, while working towards Head of Department . Professions that Require manner and make informed connections with a range of technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers . In the Subject contextual references . addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different Skills Required perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected Although many seek a career in the creative and design and Developed Increasingly, businesses are employing to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a industries, in areas as diverse as architecture, advertising, Arts graduates so that already- wide range of contemporary practices and media . The course Pupils wishing to pursue A Level Art medical illustration, textiles or fashion design, an interest established ideas and working is designed for students who want to go on to study visual and Design or IB in Visual Arts must in Art as a vocation is not the only reason for the subject’s practices are challenged . Because arts in higher education as well as for those who are seeking already have an established technical value . Many pupils study Art as a complementary subject this subject promotes critical and lifelong enrichment through visual arts . ability in any of the art fields . These creative thinking, it is important to to their main academic focus, and gain a great deal of will be promoted and encouraged remember that Art is not just for enjoyment and benefit from Art’s pupil-centred approach . during the course, allowing you to IB External Assessment those students who wish to pursue a Art is a multi-faceted and involving subject in which pupils prove a sense of growing confidence career in the Visual Arts or who want are encouraged to develop their own approaches within close There are three assessed component tasks for Visual Arts pupils . and independence of ideas . You to be artists . However, if you take a staff guidance . will be challenged to think critically Task 1 is the Comparative Study when pupils analyse look at any film, theatre production, about your work and about the A Level Assessment and compare different artworks by different artists . This TV show or advertisement, play, contexts you use as your influences, independent critical and contextual investigation explores web page or video game; chances discussing and proving how you Like your GCSE work, the Edexcel A Level Art and Design artworks, objects and artefacts from differing cultural contexts . are the people involved in these took course is assessed against four Assessment Objectives and have resolved the complex issues Standard Level pupils compare at least 3 different artworks, Art as a subject . Clothes, books, marked against the national standard . that connect to your art practice . by at least 2 different artists, with commentary over 10–15 furniture, architecture, ceramics, Throughout the two-year course, your teachers will powerpoint pages . Higher Level pupils also offer a reflection Both courses require pupils to be packages; these are things that you internally assess all your studies and a representative from on the extent to which their own work and practices have self-directed, independent learners handle everyday and were created by the examination board moderates these marks . Everything been influenced by these art/artists over a further 3-5 slides . and therefore suit individuals people with an Art background . It is you create in the two-year course is included as 60% of the who are mature, organised and normal for Art students to attend a Task 2 is the Process Portfolio . For this component, pupils final grade . At the end of the course, you will have time self-motivated . The emphasis on Foundation course as a pre-university submit photographed slides of their sketchbook work to show respond to an exam theme before undertaking a 15 hour reflective writing alongside art requirement . Increasingly however, how carefully selected materials have been used as evidence of terminal test . This work is worth 40% of your final grade . practice means you will be expected students with strong portfolios of experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement . to make links between your work have been able to gain access to To fulfil the assessment requirements you must provide Standard Level pupils offer 9–18 pages with the submitted contextual research about art and undergraduate studies directly from evidence of three major elements: supporting studies, work being in at least two different art-making forms while offer critical analysis of your own Sixth Form . practical work, and a personal study . Your supporting studies Higher Level pupils offer 13–25 pages in at least three and practical work will comprise a portfolio of development different art-making forms . work with outcomes based upon themes and ideas developed For Task 3, your teachers will internally assess your work from personal starting points . The personal study will be as a final Exhibition . For this element of the course, pupils evidenced through critical written communication showing MORE INFO submit a selection of resolved artworks as an exhibition . All critical and contextual research and understanding in a Mr R Peebles, the selected pieces should show evidence of your technical minimum 2000 words of continuous prose, which may Head of Art and Design accomplishment during the visual arts course and an contain integrated images . understanding of the use of materials, ideas and practices T: 023 9268 1316 appropriate to visual communication . At Standard Level, this E: [email protected] is a show with 4–7 art pieces and texts alongside a curatorial Exam board: www.ibo.org rationale of 400 words maximum whilst at Higher Level, 8–11 pieces are offered with some exhibition texts and a curatorial www.edexcel.org.uk rationale of over 700 words .

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

24 25 BIOLOGY BIOLOGY STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE BIOLOGY GRACE ACKLAM Course: A LEVEL Subjects Studied at A LEVEL A LEVEL/IB IB Sixth Form: Course Outline Skills Required and Developed Entry Requirements Course Outline context; be exposed to, apply and Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics at A Level use a body of knowledge, methods The A Level Biology course carries The minimum entry requirement The IB Biology course allows you to and techniques that characterise Destination: pupils far beyond GCSE and A Level Biology builds on the ideas is a GCSE Grade 7 or above in study the fundamental processes of life science and technology; develop Bristol to read Bio-Chemistry introduces them to the exciting world and skills that you have developed single subject Biology or Grade from the level of atoms, molecules and an ability to analyse, evaluate and of modern Biology . With many new at GCSE and leads to an 7-7 or above in Combined cells to ecosystems and the biosphere . synthesise information; engender concepts and ideas, this A Level can understanding of the way in which Science or an equivalent grade . It gives an understanding of one of the an awareness of the need for, and lead into many different university nature works . It also helps you to most rapidly developing and exciting the value of, effective collaboration courses and careers . understand how scientists work, Beyond the Classroom scientific fields . and communication during science improves your practical skills and helps activities; develop experimental and There are four topic areas covered There are several opportunities The aim of the IB Biology syllabus you to develop your careers ideas . investigative science skills; develop in each year. In the first year pupils for stretch and challenge is to give a broad and balanced, yet and apply ICT skills; develop study: A Level External Assessment and recent examples have academically demanding programme included the Experimental of study with the development of awareness of the moral, ethical, 1 . Biological molecules: All life on You will carry out 12 core practicals Biology Club and Biology critical-thinking and reflective skills . social, economic and environmental Earth shares a common chemistry which are recorded and assessed in Olympiad sessions . There are It also aims to develop research implications of using science and including: proteins, carbohydrates, class and knowledge of these is then a variety of trips every year skills, independent learning skills technology; develop an appreciation lipids, nucleic acids and water . formally tested in the final exams . including Biology lectures in and intercultural understanding . of the possibilities and limitations 2 . Cells: All living organisms are Assessment is based on three written London . There is an annual associated with science; develop an In the core syllabus you learn about made from cells . This unit looks exams in the final term . Biology field trip to sand dune understanding of the relationships Cell theory, Molecular Biology, at different types of cells and the and saltmarsh . between scientific disciplines and the Paper 1, 35% covers topics 1-4 Genetics, Ecology, Evolution and membranes that surround them . overarching nature of the scientific Paper 2, 35%, covers topics 5-8 and University Courses and Biodiversity and Human Physiology . method . 3 . Organisms exchange substances Paper 3: 30%, is a synoptic paper and At Higher Level you will learn with their environment: How cells Professions that Require covers topics 1-8 the Subject about Nucleic acids, Respiration maintain an internal environment and Photosynthesis, Plant Biology IB External Assessment different to the external one . Biology A Level can act as a and further studies on Genetics and At Standard Level there are three 4 . Genetic Information: DNA, genes, gateway to many university Evolution, and Animal Physiology . exam papers: gene expression and how differences course and careers . Examples There are also four options to choose between species are controlled by include: anatomy, biochemistry, Paper one: 20%, the DNA they contain . from for both Standard and Higher biotechnology, medicine, Level and these include: Paper two: 40%, In the second year pupils study: parasitology, agriculture, A . Neurobiology and Behaviour Paper three: 20%, 5 . Energy transfers in and between virology and natural sciences . organisms: Life depends on the B . Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Internal assessment: 20% . continuous transfer of energy and C .Ecology and Conservation this unit looks at the processes of At Higher level there are three exam photosynthesis and respiration . D . Human Physiology papers: 6 . Organisms respond to changes The course involves a considerable Paper one: 20%, in their internal and external amount of experimental work and built Paper two: 36%, environments: How organisms into the specification are core practical MORE INFO detect and respond to the experiences that will be assessed on the Paper three: 24%, Miss R Poole, environment . final examination . Head of Biology Internal assessment: 20% . 7 . Genetics, populations, evolution Skills Required and Developed T: 023 9236 4225 and ecosystems . The internal assessment: at IB E: [email protected] 8 . The control of gene expression . This consists of an individual How are genes controlled and The IB course encourages you to: investigation which will take about Exam board: www.ibo.org switched on and off . understand science within a global 10 hours of work . www.aqa.org.uk

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

26 27 BUSINESS BUSINESS STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE BUSINESS MAX TERRY Course: A Level Year 1 Topics Subjects Studied at A LEVEL Entry Requirements Sixth Form: What is business? Business, Design Technology, Course Outline At least a Grade 7 or equivalent in GCSE Business Managers, leadership and decision making Economics or, alternatively, the equivalent of a Grade 7 or above In most walks of life citizens will be part of, or interact with, Decision making to improve marketing performance in GCSE Mathematics . Pupils wishing to take both organisations . This is a subject that explores how such Destination: Business and Economics should speak to Mrs Worley . organisations function: how they choose objectives; how Decision making to improve operational performance Loughborough to read Industrial they deal with a changing environment; how they find the Design and Technology Decision making to improve financial performance Skills Required and Developed at A Level right people and get the best out of them; how they use marketing and guide operations to ensure that objectives Decision making to improve human resource Business encourages pupils to acquire a range of are achieved; how they use financial accounts to review performance important and transferable skills . Pupils are expected performance and help with decision-making; ultimately, how to manipulate data in a variety of forms and to they succeed . We explore the interrelated nature of Business interpret their results . They present arguments and using business models, theories and techniques to support Year 2 Topics make judgments and justify recommendations on the analysis of contemporary business issues and situations . The What is business? basis of the available evidence . They are challenged syllabus is broad, highly relevant to the world outside the to recognise the nature of problems, solve problems classroom, and focuses strongly on problem-solving, and on Managers, leadership and decision making and make decisions using appropriate business tools the development of analytical and evaluative skills . Part of Decision making to improve marketing performance and methods . The subject suits the sort of pupil who the course involves the use of numerical and statistical work, has strong viewpoints and likes to argue their case . It though the emphasis is not upon number-crunching as such, Decision making to improve operational performance is not a subject of “right answers” but of the right way but rather upon the interpretation and application of the Decision making to improve financial performance of thinking . Business is a course from which all lively, numbers . independently-minded pupils will benefit . Decision making to improve human resource performance A Level External Assessment Analysing the strategic position of a business Beyond the Classroom Unit 1 – Business 1 120 minutes 33 .3% of A Level Choosing strategic direction Pupils can enhance their learning by reading the business and economics news pages . Additionally they Unit 2 – Business 2 120 minutes 33 .3% of A Level Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies will have the opportunity to enter a range of national Unit 3 – Business 3 120 minutes 33 .3% of A Level Managing strategic change essay competitions and will enjoy lectures from visiting speakers . All exams will be synoptic in nature The department offers exciting trips that bring the course to life . Pupils can gain first-hand experience on how financial industries and real businesses operate; recent trips include Vietnam, New York, China and Budapest . Planned trips for the future include Cuba and the Silicon Valley . University Courses and Professions that Require the Subject Business will prove particularly advantageous to those planning to enter Law, Accountancy, industry MORE INFO or commerce . Mrs M Worley, Head of Economics and Business T: 023 9236 4287 E: [email protected] Exam Board: www.aqa.org.uk

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

28 29 CHEMISTRY CHEMISTRY STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE

A LEVEL/IB CHEMISTRY Entry Requirements EMILY STONE You will normally have taken either GCSE Chemistry or GCSE Combined Science and have attained at least Course: IB a Grade 7 or 7-7, respectively . In addition, a Grade 7 or equivalent at Mathematics is a good indication that Subjects Studied at A LEVEL IB you have a suitable level of mathematical proficiency . Sixth Form: Course Outline A Level External Course Outline IB External Assessment English, Latin, History, Biology, Skills Required and Developed Assessment Chemistry, Mathematics Chemistry is concerned Chemistry is a Group 4 Practical Assessment In this course you will develop your skills in with the science of matter, During the course you will subject and is concerned (20% of the IB): Within Destination: experimental practical work . You will also become particularly its structure, do lots of experimental with the science of matter, the course you must Newcastle to read Medicine more fluent in the use of Mathematics . Your ICT skills properties and reactions . work . Twelve practicals will particularly its structure, complete at least 60 hours & Surgery will also play an important part in doing research, It is of central importance be formally recorded and properties and reactions . of recorded practical work processing data as well as presenting your work . to science as chemical assessed . At the end you will It is of central importance at Higher Level or 40 Lastly, we will also help you to develop a number of interactions are essential be awarded either a “Pass” to the sciences as a whole hours at Standard Level . transferable skills including how to put over your point to all of the sciences . The or a “Fail” for this aspect of as chemical reactions As part of the programme of view fluently and how to work in a team . first year explores the the course . Although, this are fundamental to all of work you will do an fundamental principles that will be recorded on your of science . In the Higher individual practically-based Beyond the Classroom form the basis of Chemistry A Level certificate it does Level course you will investigation of 10 hours . and includes atomic theory, not contribute to your final study: Stoichiometry, Your teacher will guide You are encouraged to become members of Chemnet, bonding, energetics, kinetics score or grade . However, Atomic Theory, Periodicity, you and will formally which is part of the Royal Society of Chemistry . We and organic chemistry . a pass in nearly always Bonding, States of Matter, assess your final written also arrange two visits . The first is to the “Chemistry This is followed by units stipulated as part of any Energetics, Kinetics, report . This work will be in Action“ conference at UCL in London . The second that develop the concepts university offer requiring Equilibrium, Acids and moderated by the IB and is to the Chemistry department at Southampton of physical chemistry and Chemistry A Level . Bases, Oxidation and contribute to your final University where we have the opportunity to use the introduce a quantitative Reduction, and Organic grade . undergraduate laboratories . You also have the chance treatment of kinetics and The written examinations Chemistry . The course Written Terminal to undertake project work either to explore your own equilibria . The study take the form of three provides an opportunity to Examinations (80% of interests or as part of your extended essay . At the end of organic chemistry papers each of two hours tailor a significant section the IB): Both Higher of Year 12 you are encouraged to take the Cambridge is extended to include in duration . The first two of learning to the interests Level and Standard Level Chemistry Challenge and, midway through Year 13, compounds containing the papers contribute 70% and strengths of the group examinations take the form the Chemistry Olympiad . carbonyl group, aromatic to the A Level and test so, in addition to the main of three papers . All three compounds, amines, the Chemistry content . content, you will study University Courses and Professions that papers test the content amino acids and polymers . They contain a mixture of one option topics from a material . However, Paper Require the Subject There is also a section on short and longer answer choice of four . The Standard 3 contains questions on spectroscopic techniques questions . The required Level Chemistry course Chemistry is a compulsory requirement for dentistry, experimental work as well and how they are used to practicals are tested in all covers the same core topic medicine, veterinary science and all the chemical-based as questions from the option determine the molecular three papers . However, in areas as Higher Level but degrees such as chemistry and pharmacy . It is also a studied . Paper 1 contains formulae and structures of Paper 3, which is synoptic, with a reduced content . preferred course for many biological-based degrees multiple choice questions organic compounds . The you are likely to see less At both Higher Level and for Natural Science . only . emphasis here is on problem familiar examples of and Standard Level, the solving rather than on experiment work . This course helps you develop spectroscopic theory . Finally, paper focuses on a deeper a deeper understanding inorganic chemistry is understanding of the of the nature of science extended and developed . work you have done so through an appreciation here you may be asked to of the wider implications MORE INFO develop and refine practical of the chemistry you are Dr M Howson, design and procedures studying, how the chemical Head of Science & Chemistry as well as to analyse, community works and how T: 023 9236 4230 interpret and evaluate chemical knowledge has scientific information, been acquired . E: [email protected] ideas and evidence . Exam Board: www.aqa.org.uk www.ibo.org

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

30 31 CLASSICAL CIVILISATION CLASSICAL CIVILISATION CLASSICAL STUDENT PROFILE CIVILISATION MALITHA PATABENDI Course: A Level Subjects Studied at A LEVEL Entry Requirements Sixth Form: Course Outline Classical Civilisation, There are no special entry requirements for this Mathematics, Physics subject but an interest in literature and history as well In Year 12 you will begin the compulsory component of The as the ability to write essays would be advantageous . World of the Hero, studying key books from Homer’s Odyssey . Destination: You will also be studying an additional topic on the Greek Skills Required and Developed at A Level Nottingham to read Theatre . In Year 13 you will conclude The World of the Hero Computer Science component by studying Virgil’s Aeneid, as well as gaining an Classical subjects tend to be taught in relatively small overview of heroic epic . In addition you will study a topic sets . You will be expected to contribute actively to related to social or political history in the Classical period . discussions and prepare thoroughly for lessons . Essays will play an increasingly important role in your work A Level External Assessment and there will be much seminar work on literary appreciation and essay technique . We try to generate Component 1 The World of the one 2 1/2 hour a positive and cheerful atmosphere but we also have Hero (40%) paper high expectations . Those studying Classical subjects are generally very committed to their studies . Component 2 The Greek one 1 3/4 hour Theatre (30%) paper Beyond the Classroom Component 3 Social / Political one 1 3/4 hour The Classics department organises study days, visits History (30%) paper to Classical Plays and Museums, as well as a biennial Each examination paper consists of context questions trip to Greece or Italy . Pupils are encouraged to (short answers based on a text or picture) and an essay . help out at Fishbourne Roman Palace to gain some practical experience . University Courses and Professions that Require the Subject Pupils may wish to continue the study of Classical Civilisation at university or it may provide a useful context for the study of other subjects such as English, History or the History of Art . Because of the multi- disciplined nature of the study of Classical Civilisation, particularly at university, the analytical and practical skills it develops are highly regarded by employers .

MORE INFO Mr M Murray, Head of Classics T: 023 9268 1326 E: [email protected] Exam board: ocr.org.uk

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK 32 33 COMPUTER SCIENCE COMPUTER SCIENCE

A LEVEL Entry Requirements Course Outline You do not have to have studied Computer Science before taking A Level however it would The A Level Computer Science course aims to develop your be a significant advantage if you have done so . computational thinking skills in solving a variety of coding Mathematics GCSE at Grade 7 or above is required problems and scenarios . Your ability to program in Python as well as an interest and experience in coding . will be enhanced and developed far beyond the GCSE level, including writing code that reads from and writes to Skills Required and Developed at A Level a database . While the A Level course focuses on the data structures and algorithms that are the foundations for most • Computational thinking and problem solving modern applications, there will also be time to explore other • Programming areas of programming that interest you . Different types of programming languages and their uses are explored . The • Computer architecture and hardware course also covers many aspects of Computer Science theory • Data representation and structures at various levels of abstraction, from the understanding of computer components and systems, to a more detailed Beyond the Classroom analysis of communication, security and the functionality While studying A Level Computer Science pupils are of computer networks . There is a stronger mathematical encouraged to take part in the annual competitions focus, for example learning how binary is used to perform for coding and computational thinking . Every year calculations and how we can store floating point numbers we enter pupils into Bebras Computational Thinking efficiently for these calculations . competition which acts as a qualifying round for A Level External Assessment entry to the TCS Oxford Computational Challenge . The department also enters the most able pupils into the annual British Informatics Olympiad, which is Paper 1 – Theory 90 minutes 25% designed to find the very best computer programmers Fundamentals of A Level in this age group . Paper 2 – Fundamental 120 minutes 25% University Courses and Professions that Problem-solving and of A Level Require the Subject Programming Skills 90 minutes 25% The Russell Group Universities have identified Paper 3 – Advanced Theory of A Level Computer Science A Level as being a useful course to have taken for the following university courses: 240 minutes 25% Paper 4 – Practical* Geology/Earth Sciences, Material Science (including of A Level Biomedical Material Science), Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medicine, Optometry *Candidates will submit complete program code and (Opthalmic Optics), Orthoptics, Physics, Psychology, evidence of testing . Candidates will be required to use Sociology, Aeronautical Engineering, Biochemistry, Python programming language . Candidates will answer all Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil questions on a computer without internet or email facility . Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Engineering (General) . Professions that require the subject include: Computer Hardware Engineer, Computer Network MORE INFO Architect, Computer Programmer / Software Engineer, Mr H Stayte, Head of Digital Learning Cyber Security Analyst, Data Analyst, Forensic Computer Analyst, Software/Games Developer and T: 023 9268 1399 Web Developer . E: [email protected] Exam board: www.cambridgeinternational.org

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

34 35 DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY DESIGN STUDENT PROFILE & TECHNOLOGY ELLA JOHNSON Course: A Level A LEVEL Subjects Studied at Entry Requirements Sixth Form: Course Outline • Explore product design and its place in the market, for Design Technology, Business example how a design idea may be transformed into a A grade 7 or above in Design and Technology is Studies, Geography A Level Product Design is a linear qualification; students will marketable product . It seeks to examine the many factors required for further study at A Level . Your Maths undertake one terminal examination along with an assessed influencing product design, market research techniques and skills will be tested in the final examination and so it Destination: design and make coursework project consisting of a portfolio their influence on producing innovative products . You will is also desirable for pupils to have a grade 6 or above Nottingham Trent to read of work leading to the production of a final product . develop an appreciation of the effects of social, economic, in Maths too . Product Design cultural and ethical issues in addition to material and A Level Product Design helps students take a broad view of Skills Required and Developed Design and Technology, developing a capacity to design and manufacturing technologies . make products and appreciate the complex relations between 2. Applying specialist knowledge To follow this course you should not only have good design, materials, manufacture and marketing . – Design and Make Project (coursework) 50% engineering, design and maths skills but also be able to think creatively about the world around you and Product Design Students will be required to demonstrate the practical see opportunity in failures of design . Designers can application of technical principles, designing and making often be described as anthropologists, observing others The contents of the course will be split into two main areas principles and specialist knowledge through a substantial using and working with the made world and finding which relate directly to the final assessments . design and make project . During the course of the design new ways to improve objects and systems . 1. Design and Technology in the 21st century and make project you: (3h written paper) 50% • Develop and sustain your creativity and innovative practice . Beyond the Classroom For this paper a wide range of product design skills and • Use Iterative designing principals to develop and The department holds trips to a variety of design technical knowledge will be assessed along with relevant improve prototypes . studios, museums and local industry . The department mathematic and scientific principles . Over the two years • Recognise and overcome challenges and constraints when has also included pupils in the Engineering in you will be learning to; working towards the production of high-quality products . Education scheme which enables pupils to solve • Develop a critical understanding of the influences of problems set by industry and gives pupils the chance • Develop your ability to design and enhance your basic to earn 40 UCAS points . design skills in order to solve problems . You will also the processes and products of design and technological develop an understanding of a range of external influences activities from a contemporary and historical perspective . University Courses and Professions that and demands which affect the work of product designers . • Draw on a range of skills and knowledge from other Require the Subject subject areas . • Acquire the knowledge and understanding needed to • Draw on and apply knowledge, understanding and All universities will accept Product Design as an A support design activities through an increased awareness of Level for entry for Degree courses . We see increasing the designer’s social, moral, ethical and legal responsibilities . skills of production processes to a range of design and technology activities . numbers of pupils going on to study a wide range It also allows students to explore the environmental and of engineering and design related courses, including • Develop an understanding of contemporary design and consumer factors which impact on designers and which Architecture, Engineering with Product Design, technology practices . might affect the final nature of a product . Industrial Design, Industrial Design and Manufacture, • Develop a general appreciation of the wide range of • Use digital technologies and information handling skills to Product Design and Interior design to name a few . materials and components available to designers and enhance their design and technological capability . manufacturers, along with core technical principals . This • Recognise the values inherent in design and technological general appreciation will be supported by a more detailed activities, and develop critical evaluation skills in technical, knowledge of a range of materials and processes used in aesthetic, ethical, economic, environmental, sustainable, industry . You will gain an in-depth understanding of various social, cultural and entrepreneurial contexts . methods of production and be able to apply appropriate commercial practices in practical projects . A Level External Assessment MORE INFO • Gain the knowledge and understanding of the requirements Pupils who study A Level Product Design will be taking Miss M Flack, Head of Design a product must satisfy to be successful, along with the Educas Product Design course . The Product Design and Technology the ability to critically assess existing products and assessment will be by one examination which will last for T: 023 9236 4227 visualising new products in a context of past, present and 3 hours and is worth 50% of the course . The other 50% is future possibilities . assessed through the design and make project . This project E: [email protected] will last for approximately one year of the course . Exam board: www.educas.co.uk

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

36 37 DRAMA/THEATRE DRAMA/THEATRE STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE A LEVEL/IB Entry Requirements It is not essential to have studied Drama at GCSE, or DRAMA/THEATRE equivalent, to take this course, although it is desirable . A good standard of written English is important, as is DANIEL HILL a real interest in theatre and live performance . Pupils Course: IB will be expected to have achieved at least a Grade 7 in GCSE English Language or Literature, or equivalent . Subjects Studied at Sixth IB Beyond the Classroom Form: Course Outline English, German, Economics, There are many opportunities for Sixth Formers to Physics, Maths, Theatre The IB Theatre course covers three core areas: Presenting participate in Drama activities, including the School Theatre, Theatre in Context and Theatre Processes . Pupils Production which is staged at the King’s Theatre in Destination: study a very wide range of theatre traditions from around Southsea every November . Each summer the Sixth Exeter to read Drama the world and learn about all aspects of staging from design Form stage a production which is directed by a pupil skills to directing, acting and playwriting . Original theatre is and, in recent years, PGS has sent productions to the created from different stimuli and based on different theatre Edinburgh Fringe and the Avignon OFF Festival in theories as well as from traditional play texts . Provence during the summer holidays . There are also House Plays and other productions throughout Although there is a considerable amount of practical work the year . involved in the course, this is assessed through portfolios of projects and not just performances alone . All pupils University Courses and Professions that A LEVEL keep a Journal of their experiences . There is no terminal Require the Subject Course Outline examination which makes this course very attractive as all assessment is completed by the end of the final Spring Term . Drama is a practical subject and a small number of Drama A Level is an academic course which includes universities, including Cambridge, prefer candidates assessment of practical performance or technical skills . Skills Required and Developed at IB to offer only one practical subject at A Level . This does not apply to the choice of IB Theatre . During the course pupils study the work of key directors The course is likely to appeal to those who enjoy acting Drama is not a “soft subject” and it is no barrier to and playwrights and learn about a range of important and performance but the most important skills which are Oxbridge or Russell Group universities . Drama is performance styles . Written work is a crucial aspect of the developed during the course are an appreciation of different not a requirement for any university course but is course and pupils write about their ideas for performing cultures and the place of theatre within those cultures . There of value in the study of literature, history and law . roles, how they would direct a scene from a play, and their will be many opportunities to develop acting, design and Drama pupils from PGS have gone on to read Law design ideas . Theatre trips are an essential part of the course directing skills during the course, as well as the academic at Oxford, History at Durham, and Drama at a wide and at least two or three are arranged to theatres both locally skills required to research into unfamiliar theatre forms . For range of universities and drama schools including and to London . the final assessments good presentational and writing skills Birmingham and Bristol universities, Central School are required . Skills Required and Developed at A Level of Drama and LAMDA . Out of our first cohort IB Assessment of IB Theatre pupils, one went on to read History Good acting skills, or alternatively good technical skills, at Oxford and another Physics and Philosophy at are important to success at A Level Drama . Much time is All pupils engage in an internally assessed collaborative Bristol . Many pupils chose to continue their studies spent on practical work in Drama lessons so the willingness performance project (SL 35%, HL 25%) . Externally assessed of Theatre at university level . As the IB requires to work constructively with others and to share ideas is projects make up the rest of the structure: the Director’s pupils to study a broad range of subjects, Theatre essential . The technique of writing essays about performance Notebook based on a play of each pupil’s choice (SL 35%, is seen as an excellent addition to the rounded will be taught and good note-taking is a crucial skill pupils HL 20%) and a Research Presentation about an aspect of a education provided by the Diploma . need to develop during the course . theatre tradition chosen from an eclectic list provided by the A Level External Assessment IB (SL 30%, HL 20%) . At Higher Level only there is a Solo Performance piece presented at the end of the course (35%) . The subject content is divided into three components: MORE INFO 1 . Drama and Theatre (an open book examination worth Mr J Robinson, 40% of the A Level) Director of Drama 2 . Creating Original Drama (coursework and practical T: 023 9268 1358 performance worth 30% of the A Level . Design and Directing are also options here .) E: [email protected] 3 . Making Theatre coursework and practical performance or Exam board: www.aqa.org.uk design of three scripted extracts, worth 30% of the A Level . www.ibo.org

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

38 39 ECONOMICS ECONOMICS

IB STUDENT PROFILE Course Outline Economics is a dynamic social science . The study of Economics is essentially about dealing with scarcity, resource ECONOMICS allocation and the methods and processes by which choices THOMAS AUSTIN are made in the satisfaction of human wants . As a social science, Economics uses scientific methodologies that include Course: A Level quantitative and qualitative elements . The IB Diploma Programme Economics course emphasises the economic Year 1 Topics Year 2 Topics Subjects Studied at A LEVEL theories of microeconomics, which deal with economic Sixth Form: variables affecting individuals, firms and markets, and the Economics, History, Mathematics Course Outline Economic methodology Economic methodology economic theories of macroeconomics, which deal with and the economic problem and the economic problem The most commonly held misconception surrounding the economic variables affecting countries, governments and Destination: study of Economics is that it is all about ‘money’ . In fact, societies . These economic theories are not studied in a vacuum Nottingham to read Economics it is not; the study of money is actually a relatively minor Price determination in Individual economic but are applied to real-world issues . Prominent among these and Politics issue . Economics is about how a society decides to divide a competitive market decision making issues are fluctuations in economic activity, international trade, up its scarce resources and therefore determines who gets economic development and environmental sustainability . Production, costs and Price determination in The ethical dimensions involved in the application of what and why . All concepts and theories are illustrated revenue a competitive market with real world data and case studies, and pupils enjoy economic theories and policies permeate throughout the being able to apply their knowledge and understanding Competitive and Production, costs and Economics course as pupils are required to consider and to issues which arise daily in the news . Some typical concentrated markets revenue reflect on human end-goals and values . A LEVEL/IB questions give a sample of what is in store . Why do The market mechanism, Skills Required and Developed At IB governments impose taxes on alcohol but not children’s Perfect competition, Entry Requirements market failure and clothes? Why have oil prices increased, and fallen, so imperfectly competitive government intervention The Economics course encourages pupils to develop Pupils are expected to have achieved a Grade 7 at rapidly recently? Should we pay to use a motorway? markets and monopoly in markets international perspectives, fosters a concern for global issues GCSE Mathematics . A Level pupils not wishing to What has been the effect of granting the Bank of England and raises pupils’ awareness of their own responsibilities at a take Mathematics alongside Economics or wishing to independence? What are the long-term prospects for the The measurement local, national and international level . The course also seeks take Economics and Business Studies together should European Union, and to what extent will the UK be of macroeconomic The labour market to develop values and attitudes that will enable pupils to consult Mrs Worley . involved? What rules must a firm apply to maximise its performance achieve a degree of personal commitment in trying to resolve profits? Has the introduction of the National Minimum these issues, appreciating our responsibility as citizens of an Beyond the Classroom Wage resulted in more unemployment? How can small How the macroeconomy increasingly interdependent world . The distribution of income Pupils can enhance their learning by reading the airlines such as Ryanair and Easyjet afford to charge works: the circular flow of and wealth: poverty and business and economics news pages . Pupils can gain passengers so little? Why is there a gender pay gap? income, AD/AS analysis, inequality IB External Assessment first-hand experience on how the financial industry and related concepts Skills Required and Developed at A Level and real businesses operate through the co-curricular Higher Level activities on offer in the department such as Stock The market mechanism, Economics encourages pupils to acquire a range of important Market Club and the Fiscal Policy Challenge . market failure and Paper 1 – Extended Response Paper 90 and transferable skills . Pupils are expected to manipulate Economic performance Additionally, they will have the opportunity to enter government intervention (30% weighting) mins data in a variety of forms and to interpret their results . They a range of national essay competitions and will enjoy in markets will present arguments and make judgments and justify 90 lectures from visiting speakers . Paper 2 – Data Response Paper (30% weighting) recommendations on the basis of the available evidence . mins They are challenged to recognise the nature of problems, The measurement University Courses and Professions that Macroeconomic policy of macroeconomic 60 solve problems and make decisions using appropriate Paper 3 – HL Extension Paper (20% weighting) Require the Subject economic theories and concepts . performance mins Economics will prove particularly advantageous to How the macroeconomy Internal Assessment (20% weighting) those planning to enter Politics, Law, Accountancy, work: the circular flow of industry or commerce . income, AD/AS analysis, and related concepts A Level External Assessment Standard Level Economic performance Unit 1 – Markets and 120 minutes 33 .3% of Paper 1 – Extended Response Paper 90 Market Failure A Level Financial markets and (40% weighting) mins monetary policy Unit 2 – The National and 120 minutes 33 .3% of 90 MORE INFO Paper 2 – Data Response Paper (40% weighting) International Economy A Level Fiscal policy and supply- mins Mrs M Worley, Head of Economics and Business side policies T: 023 9236 4287 E: [email protected] Unit 3 – Economic 120 minutes 33 .3% of Exam Board: www.aqa.org.uk The international economy Internal Assessment (20% weighting) Principles and Issues A Level www.ibo.org

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

40 41 ELECTRONICS ELECTRONICS STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE ELECTRONICS NICHOLAS COOK Course: A Level Subjects Studied at A LEVEL Entry Requirements Sixth Form: Electronics, Mathematics, Physics Course Outline You do not need to know any Electronics before Electronics is responsible for what is perhaps the most rapid you start but you do need at least the equivalent of Destination: period of change in human history . The world is becoming a Grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics and at least the Surrey to read Electronic increasingly dependent upon Electronics and it underpins equivalent of a Grade 7 in either GCSE Physics or Engineering with Space Systems the Information Technology, Engineering and Computing Grade 7-7 in Combined Science . industries . Skills Required and Developed at A Level In the first year of the A Level course pupils will study Basic Principles of Electronics, logic gates, simple digital This is an academic course with the emphasis on circuits, Boolean Algebra, Circuits used to store digital understanding . Students start by revising Year 10 information, Op Amps as comparators and amplifiers, and 11 Electricity and progress through learning DC Electrical circuits, Energy and Power, Mains power about basic electronics and how these principles are and supply systems . applied to more everyday devices such as a guitar amplifier, digital radio and computers . The students In the second year of the course pupils will look in will complete the course by producing a project based more detail at the application of Electronics such as on topics they have found the most interesting over Communication systems using both digital and analogue the previous eighteen months . This subject is best information, transmission of information, including optical communication and wireless transmissions and Audio studied in combination with Mathematics systems for amplifying Audio signals and the microcontroller and Physics . as a programmable device . University Courses and Professions that Two coursework projects will be undertaken by pupils, the Require the Subject first will be to design and create a microcontroller system, programmed in assembler language, to solve an identified Most university Engineering faculties require three problem eg controlling an incubator to keep it within a A Level passes including Mathematics and Physics . suitable temperature range . The second gives the pupils the A Level Electronics is a very suitable second or third opportunity to focus on something that has interested them A Level for degrees in Engineering, Physics, throughout the course . The emphasis is on the content, Computer Science and Music Technology, Robotics not the quality of the finished product . Recent projects and Artificial Intelligence . “In my first year studying have included a guitar tuner, a light display linked to the Engineering I had to take a module on Electronics frequency and amplitude of music played on an MP3 player (like all the engineering students whether mechanical, and a digital signal, sent in code, down an optical fibre . civil or electrical) . Other students found this difficult… but I found it easy as I had been taught a lot of it A Level External Assessment at school . Even in the second year I still found my notes useful as… I had a good overview and sound Pupils will take WJEC educas Electronics with two written exams at the end of the course . Each exam will be a mix of understanding of the circuits covered ”. Employers short answer and extended answer questions with some set report a shortage of well-qualified graduates in in a practical context and be worth 40% of the A Level . Engineering and Electronics . The coursework module will be worth 20% . MORE INFO Mrs M Fake, Head of Physics T: 023 9236 4292 E: [email protected] Exam Board: www.eduqas.co.uk

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

42 43 ENGLISH ENGLISH STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE IB Course Outline IB External Assessment The course, at both Higher Level and Higher and Standard Level (External Standard Level, is split into four parts Assessment): Paper 1: Literary analysis ENGLISH (Standard Level students study slightly 2 hours (HL) 1 hour 30 minutes (SL), POPPY GOAD fewer texts): Paper 2: Literary essay 2 hours (HL) 1 hour 30 minutes (SL), Coursework: Course: A Level Teacher Choice: texts here will 1,200–1,500 words written vary enormously, but might include assignment and an initial reflective Subjects Studied at works such as The Bluest Eye by Toni statement . Internal Assessment: Oral A LEVEL A LEVEL/IB Morrison, Educating Rita by Willy Sixth Form: commentary: 10 minutes: literary Russell, The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Drama, English, History Course Outline Skills Required and Developed Entry Requirements commentary based on poetry, followed Mohsin Hamid or even a graphic novel at A Level by questions on the selected passage, A Level English Literature (exam board: The equivalent of a Grade 7 or such as Watchmen . Destination: Eduqas) is a linear qualification, and, as A Level English Literature enables you higher in English at GCSE for Oral presentation: 10–15 minutes: Edinburgh to read well as completing a lengthy coursework to explore a wide range and variety A Level or IB Higher level Detailed Study: this is designed to be a individual presentation (HL and SL) . English Literature essay (20%), pupils will take three of books, experience all three major study . The equivalent of at wide-ranging module, so may contain terminal examinations (80%) in Year 13 . genres: poetry, prose and drama, and least a Grade 6 in English the study of a Shakespeare play, as to investigate historical, biographical GCSE is required for Standard well as a text selected from one or two During Year 12, pupils will be taught and cultural contexts . Level study . genres such as poetry, drama, prose the Poetry unit . One teacher will lead fiction and non-fiction . the class through the work of a poet You will immerse yourself in history, University Courses and writing before 1900, such as John philosophy, politics, music, drama Literary Genres: this component Professions that Require allows a comprehensive study into the Donne or Geoffrey Chaucer . With the and art, as well as literature . You will the Subject other teacher, the class will study two develop your creative and critical art of drama, prose or poetry . This module will still be shaped by an over- modern poets . Authors include T .S . writing . The teaching style of A Level Many of our pupils go on to arching theme, such as tragedy, and Eliot, Thomas Hardy, Owen Sheers, is very different from I/GCSE . Classes read English at university, either therefore might include the study of Seamus Heaney, Gillian Clarke, Carol are smaller (averaging 10 pupils), are as a single honours subject or Othello, paired with Death of a Salesman . Ann Duffy and Philip Larkin . taught for seven periods per week and in combination with Modern shared between two teachers . There Plays such as King Lear or A Streetcar Throughout the course, pupils will work Languages, Communication and will be many opportunities to express Named Desire might offer contrasting towards the Unseen paper, exploring Media, History and Classical your views in class and to explore opportunities to develop this theme a range of poems and prose extracts, Studies . The subject opens your own interests during independent even further . as well as literary and critical theory . up a wide array of possible study; the best students take advantage Pupils are encouraged to read widely, careers: television, law, radio, Works in Translation: this features of these opportunities . so that they are equipped to tackle texts theatre, journalism, creative texts originally written in languages they have not studied from a range of arts, teaching, marketing, other than English . The focus is less historical periods . public relations and any form on deconstructing the language of of business career . The English texts and more on holistic and critical In Year 13, we will deliver the Drama Department equips pupils approaches . Texts include: If This Is unit . One teacher will focus on a for success in their university a Man, Allah is Not Obliged, A Doll’s Shakespeare play, such as Hamlet or King applications, helping to House, Madame Bovary or even Classical Lear . The other teacher will focus upon develop confident, articulate, Greek texts, such as Antigone or Oedipus a pair of plays, one written before 1900, intellectually independent and the King . and one after . One example of such a interesting individuals . pairing would be to compare A Streetcar Skills Required and Named Desire with The Duchess of Malfi . Developed at IB The coursework essay demands a The English Literature IB Diploma comparison of two prose texts . Pupils course involves reading, writing are encouraged to select their own and oral work . It will develop your titles, which must be prose but not communication skills as well as your necessarily fiction – for example, ability to reflect upon and appreciate letters, memoirs and travel writing MORE INFO different styles of writing and your Miss L Burden, Head of English, would be admissible . One of the texts ability to form independent literary should have been published after 2000 . judgements . This is an exploration into T: 023 9268 1374 Again, pupils will be encouraged to the whole realm of human endeavour E: [email protected] read widely throughout the course and creativity and so offers endless to help them formulate ideas on text opportunities for inquiry, thinking Exam board: www.ibo.org pairings and titles . and discussion . www.eduqas.co.uk

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

44 45 FRENCH FRENCH

IB STUDENT PROFILE Course Outline French is offered at Higher and Standard Level (HL and SL) . Both FRENCH courses are built around a common group of topics which allow pupils to NATASHA PALFREY build on knowledge acquired at GCSE . Course: IB The themes are Identities, Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Social Organisation Subjects Studied at and Sharing the Planet . In addition, the A LEVEL A LEVEL/IB HL course includes the study of two Sixth Form: Course Outline Entry Requirements to the 11 periods a fortnight with works of literature . Chemistry, English, French, German, Philosophy, your teachers, you will have a Pupils study four topic areas that Mathematics You should gain at least a Grade weekly period with our French IB External Assessment comprise: the evolution of French 7 at GCSE or equivalent in order Assistant, in pairs or individually . The assessment at both HL and SL Destination: society; the political and artistic to study . A Level, IB HL and SL culture of the French-speaking world; is split into three sections . At the end Oxford to read Philosophy courses with confidence and a Beyond the classroom immigration and multicultural France; of the course there is a listening and and French strong foundation . Pupils who gain Occupation and Resistance in France Study trips are regularly organised reading comprehension paper (50%) a Grade 6 are also able to study and a written paper (25%) which in World War Two . In addition, all and are open to both A Level French successfully at SL, although involves writing using different study one work of literature and one and IB pupils . There are also a programme of additional support registers and text formats . In addition, film, both in the target language . In several enrichment opportunities may be provided in the early weeks there is an oral component (25%) preparation for the oral exam, pupils throughout the two years, including complete an independent research of the course . which comprises an individual oral an Able Linguists Day at the project on a topic of their choice, lasting 12-15 minutes . At Higher Level University of Southampton and relating to the French-speaking world . Skills Required and the oral involves a short presentation Developed the chance to support the teaching and a discussion on one of the literary A Level External Assessment of French in the Junior School, texts studied, as well as a general During the two year course you which can count towards the CAS conversation on one of the course Pupils take the Pearson Edexcel will further develop your language component of the IB . Students of themes . At Standard Level the oral A Level examination . This consists skills of speaking, listening, reading A Level have the opportunity to involves a discussion based on a photo, of 3 papers: Paper 1 – Listening, and writing . You will be able to read complete a PGS Extend in French . along with a general conversation on reading and translation (40%); at least one of the course themes . increasingly longer texts and will be Paper 2 – Written response to works University Courses and encouraged to read for pleasure in and translation (30%); Paper 3 – Professions that Require Speaking (30%) . French . By the end of the course you will be able to hold a conversation the Subject at normal pace, be able to write Modern Languages is a popular analytical essays in French and have subject choice amongst leavers and sound translation skills . You can provides excellent preparation for expect to be taught in small groups a wide number of careers . In recent and your relationship with your years, pupils have gone to study teachers - two teachers will normally French at university in combination be allocated to each group - should with a number of other subjects, be quite different from your previous such as Italian, Spanish, Law experience . You will have much and History and with a view to more opportunity to contribute in careers in translation, journalism, lessons and you will play a more law and the diplomatic service . active role in discussion . We aim Combining a language with another to use French in class as much as subject is often an excellent way MORE INFO practicable and you have a weekly to gain a place at a top university Mr P Gamble, Head of French session in the language laboratory as applicants for languages have for independent listening . In addition declined in recent years . T: 023 9268 1307 E: [email protected] Exam Board: Pearson / Edexcel www.ibo.org

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

46 47 GEOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHY STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE GEOGRAPHY MAX BECKETT Course: A Level Subjects Studied at Sixth A LEVEL Form: Course Outline A LEVEL/IB Geography, Government and Entry Requirements Politics, History “Where we come from, what we do, what we eat, how we move about and how we shape our future are all directly the province of It is preferable to have gained at least a Grade 7, or Destination: the geographer. More than ever we need the geographer’s skills and equivalent, in GCSE Geography but a pupil who has Birmingham to read foresight to help us learn about the planet – how we use it and how not done so may take A Level or IB Higher Level Political Science and we abuse it.” – Michael Palin by catching up with the base level of knowledge over International Relations the summer before Year 12 . A Grade 6 at GCSE is The OCR A Level in Geography has been designed to give preferable for IB Standard Level . It is really important pupils the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary that you want to do Geography for its own sake . to become engaged global citizens . Through the study of dynamic and contemporary content, pupils can understand and interact with issues which affect peoples and places at Beyond the Classroom a range of scales from local to global – and all that is in- All AS, A Level or IB pupils are required to carry out between . Geography is a multi-disciplinary subject, ranging fieldwork throughout the Geography course, either for from the physics of weather, to the biology of the spread examination or as a piece of coursework . The majority of disease, the environmental aspects of population growth of the fieldwork takes place during Year 12 . There are and climate change, the art of field sketching and the five fieldwork days during the course of the year when chemistry of soil . Geography graduates remain some of the Geography pupils travel to a variety of locations to most employable . The skills, knowledge and understanding collect data for further investigation on their return to gained during the study of geography are held in high school . Year 12 fieldwork trips include a residential to regard by businesses . pupils to engage with, reflect on and think critically about them . The concepts of inequality, mitigation and adaptation, the Lake District where pupils carry out river, glacial and settlement studies, and a further day trip to the Skills Required and Developed at A Level sustainability, risk resilience and threshold underpin this component . Investigative Geography is an independent London Olympic site, Queen Elizabeth Park, to study microclimates and the rebranding of a settlement Pupils will consider their own roles, values and attitudes, as investigation consisting of a written report, recommended to site . They will use these experiences to assist in well as those of others, including decision-makers, in relation be between 3000 and 4000 words in length . It can be related developing their own coursework study . In addition to themes and issues being studied . Pupils are required to to any area of the specification . to these essential days the department offers optional develop a sense of place, ranging from local to international overseas trips to Iceland and other destinations, the scales, and be able to evaluate and critically analyse spatial Fieldwork most recent of which saw 12 pupils visiting Tenerife and temporal change . Skills such as mapping, graphicacy There will be a 3 day residential trip to the Lake District in in March 2019 . and quantitative techniques are developed . March and two other day trips, visiting sites in Portsmouth and London . The aim of these trips is to provide pupils with University Courses and Professions that Components a range of fieldwork opportunities in a variety of settings, Require the Subject carrying out a number of data collection activities in order The Physical Systems component considers the inter- There are no courses or professions which specifically relationships between the land, oceans and atmosphere to to inform them about possibilities for their own independent investigations . We also run optional overseas trips every require Geography at A Level, although many recognise help pupils understand the processes, characteristics and the subjects development of transferable skills . impact on these landscapes and cycles which shape them other year to Iceland and other possible destinations like over time and create a number of issues when attempting Tenerife in March 2019 . MORE INFO to manage them . The Human Interactions component IB course details overleaf > investigates the actions, interactions and spatial patterns of Miss S Stewart, Head of people and places . Through examples and case studies pupils Geography & Geology will explore a variety of contrasting places, unpicking the T: 023 9236 4206 flows and connections that have made them what they are E: [email protected] and the way in which global systems and governance have local consequences . Geographical Debates takes some of Exam board: www.aqa.org.uk the most dynamic issues the planet faces and encourages www.ibo.org

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK 48 49 GEOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHY

IB Course Outline Skills Required and Developed At IB The Geography course focuses on geography as a multidisciplinary subject Over the two year course, you will be that asks fundamental questions about required to develop a sense of place, individuals and societies and their ranging from local to international complex inter-relationships with the scales, and be able to evaluate and physical environment . It will particularly critically analyse spatial and temporal develop communication skills, as well change . Similarly, skills such as as those of critical analysis . In addition, mapping, graphicacy and quantitative the coursework component encourages techniques will be developed . decision-making by highlighting the applied nature of geography and the need to collect and analyse field data in order to explore one of the themes in greater depth . The course is split into: Part One - Geographic themes where HL pupils will study 3 topics and Standard Level pupils will study 2 options . Part Two - the Core - Geographic perspectives - global change, which must be studied by both SL and HL pupils . Part Three - Geographic perspectives and global interactions, which will only be studied by HL pupils .

IB External Assessment

Paper 3 Internal Assessment Paper 1 Paper 2 (HL only) (Coursework) This is a fieldwork component where pupils 2 (SL) or 3 (HL) structured 4 structured questions One extended essay produce a written report of 2500 words and extended questions on and one extended answer (from a based on fieldwork questions, information Geographic themes answer question choice of 3) collection and analysis with evaluation . 1hr 30 mins (SL) 1 hr 15 mins (HL only) 2500 words 2hrs 15 mins (HL) 35% (both SL 40% SL 25% (SL) 20% (HL only) and HL) 25% HL 20% (HL)

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

50 51 GEOLOGY GEOLOGY STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE GEOLOGY HARRY KNOTT Course: A Level Subjects Studied at Sixth A LEVEL Entry Requirements Form: Geography, Geology, Course Outline At least a Grade 7, or equivalent, Specification Mathematics in Science and Mathematics A Level Geology will introduce pupils A Level GCSE is strongly advised to to the science which studies the whole Destination: study this Earth Science . http://www .ocr .org .uk/Images/322105- Earth: how it is formed: how it has specification-accredited-a-level-gce- Cardiff to read Geology evolved over time and the materials of Skills Required and geology-h414 .pdf which it is composed . It covers a range Developed at A Level of real life geological contexts for example Geohazards in Britain and The course assumes no prior Engineering Geology . It also includes experience of Geology but builds the challenges that face contemporary on GCSE science concepts . It geoscience for example fracking and will provide hands-on practical resource management . It is a practical experience and develop science A Level and has subject investigative skills . Pupils will cross-over with Biology, Chemistry, work towards gaining a Practical Geography, Physics and Maths . Endorsement, through a range The course consists of seven modules of fieldwork and practical which are completed over Years 12 investigations . This develops and 13: skills for undergraduate practical science components . Development of practical skills in Geology: practical skills developed Beyond the Classroom through fieldwork, experiments and hands-on investigations . Field trips to Cornwall (five days), which includes a visit Foundations in Geology: study of to the Camborne School of fossils and time and minerals and Mines, Bude, Sennen Cove, rocks . Lizard Point and Kimmeridge Global Tectonics: Earth structure, to study Palaeontology . plate tectonics, geological structures . University Courses and Interpreting the Past: sedimentary Professions that Require environments, geochronology . the Subject Petrology and Economic Geology: Igneous Petrology, Metamorphic There are no specific courses Petrology, Mining Geology, or professions which require Sedimentology, Fluids and Geological Geology A Level, although it is Processes . an advantage if a pupil wishes to read Geology or Earth Science . Geohazards: Earthquakes, Geohazards It is also an accepted science in the British Isles, Risk Analysis and qualification for progression to Engineering Geology . other science courses including MORE INFO Miss S Stewart, Head of Basin Analysis: Earth’s climate Marine Science, Archaeology, over time, Palaeontology and Engineering, Environmental Geography & Geology Evolution, Mass Extinctions, Studies . T: 023 9236 4206 Oil and Gas Basins . E [email protected] Exam board: www.ocr.org.uk

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

52 53 GERMAN GERMAN STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE

GERMAN A LEVEL/IB KIERAN ELLIOTT Entry Requirements Course: IB Ideally you should gain at least a Grade 7, or equivalent, at GCSE, and you should be keen to Subjects Studied at communicate in the foreign language and want to Sixth Form: A LEVEL IB learn more about the culture of Germany and Biology, English, French, Course Outline Course Outline German speaking countries . Pupils who gain a Grade German, Psychology, 6 are also able to study German successfully at SL, Mathematics Pupils study four broad topics that comprise: the evolution German is offered at Higher and Standard Level . The Group although a programme of additional support may be of German society; the political and artistic culture of the 2 Language B German courses equip you with the ability to provided in the early weeks of the course . German-speaking world; immigration and multicultural discuss both orally and in writing topics of local, national Destination: Germany; the reunification of Germany . In addition, pupils and global importance as well as matters from a range of Beyond the Classroom Durham to read Modern will undertake a study of at least one work of literature and cultural sources . The new IB syllabus provides opportunities Languages and Culture one film, both in the target language . Ahead of the oral to study five core topics; Identities, Experiences, Human Sixth Form pupils are regularly invited to take part exam, pupils complete an independent research project Ingenuity, Social Organisation and Sharing the Planet . HL in study trips to Berlin or Munich and are open on a topic of their choice, relating to the German- pupils also study two works of literature . to A Level and IB pupils . There are opportunities speaking world . to publish work in Portsmouth Point and compete Skills Required and Developed at IB in national essay competitions . Pupils are also Skills Required and Developed at A Level encouraged to apply for courses and bursaries to travel The focus of the course will be on providing the best to Germany through the UK-German Connection and During the two year course you will further develop your opportunities for you to succeed in the acquisition of key Geothe Institut . Regular cinema and theatre visits are language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing . communicative skills . You will finish the course equipped also organised throughout the two years . You will be able to read increasingly longer texts and will with the skills necessary to engage in reasoned debate on be encouraged to read for pleasure in German . By the end issues directly affecting your own country as well as others University Courses and Professions that of the course you will be able to hold a conversation at globally . You will have developed an ability to accept or Require the Subject normal pace, be able write analytical essays in German and reject other people’s opinions appropriately; giving informed have sound translation skills . You can expect to be taught in and reasoned responses in a range of registers of informal The A Level and IB courses prepare you for degree small groups and your relationship with your teachers – two and formal language . level study of German, whether as a single honours teachers will normally be allocated to each group – should be subject, a dual honours subject with another language quite different from your previous experience . You will have IB External Assessment or a totally unrelated subject, or a subsidiary subject . much more opportunity to contribute in lessons and you will Studying German develops analytical skills in both The assessment at both HL and SL is split into three play a more active role in discussion . We aim to use German English and German and builds a unique insight sections . At the end of the course there is an audio and text- in class as much as practicable and you have a session in the in to the cultures of more than 100 million people based paper (50%) where aural and reading comprehension language laboratory for independent listening . In addition to who speak German as their mother tongue across is assessed and an essay paper (25%) which involves one the 11 periods a fortnight with your teachers, you will Central Europe . The range of university courses question at HL and one at SL . In addition, there is an oral have a weekly period with our German Assistant, in pairs offering a language as one element is extremely broad, component (25%) which includes a discussion of a literary or individually . encompassing law, business, management, finance, text studied and a further discussion of two topics for HL computing and engineering, to name but a few . and a discussion of two topic areas for SL . A Level External Assessment Combining a language with another subject is often an excellent way to gain a place at a top university . Pupils take the Pearson Edexcel A Level Examination . This consists of 3 papers: Paper 1 – Listening, reading and translation (40%); Paper 2 – Written response to works and translation (30%); Paper 3 – Speaking (30%) . MORE INFO Mr J H Murphy, Head of German T: 023 9268 1319 E: [email protected] Exam Board: https://qualifications.pearson.com/ en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/german- 2016.html www.ibo.org

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

54 55 GOVERNMENT & POLITICS GOVERNMENT & POLITICS GOVERNMENT STUDENT PROFILE & POLITICS LUKE GARDNER Course: A Level Subjects Studied at A LEVEL Entry Requirements Sixth Form: Course Outline Geography, Government You do not need to have studied Government and and Politics, History Politics previously and there are no prescribed entry The AQA politics course is followed which consists of three requirements . The course involves some essay writing units all examined externally at the they of Year 13 . The Destination: though and some comprehension of passages explaining course begins with British politics covering areas such as the Exeter to read History ideas and arguments so a GCSE Grade 7 in English Prime Minister, Parliament, civil rights and pressure groups . and International Relations and/or History is highly preferred . Towards the end of Year 12 we then move on to American and comparative politics where there is a chance to learn Skills Required and Developed at A Level how the American political system functions - indeed some might say aspects of it are deeply dysfunctional! Among the You should have a lively and enquiring mind, an topics studied are the US Constitution, the presidency and interest in politics and current affairs, a desire to explore Congress and the Supreme Court . There is also a strong new ideas and an ability to communicate your ideas comparative element too, comparing British and American effectively, both verbally and on paper . If you have political systems and how they are divided by a common no interest in power, politics, current debates and system . The last third of the course is an excursion into consider Hello to be the epitome of your magazine political ideas with a focus on the ideologies of liberalism, or newspaper reading, look elsewhere! It is not a soft socialism, conservatism and anarchism . The latter part links A Level option, but it is a lively and interesting one . in nicely with some aspects of PRS, while the first two papers It is also an increasingly popular one at PGS with around tie in especially well with History among other subjects . 25 pupils anticipated to start the subject in Year 12 in September 2019 . External Assessment At A Level Beyond the Classroom All three exams follow exactly the same format and structure . Each is worth one third of the total marks, last two In Year 12 we visit Parliament and the Supreme hours, and covers respectively; government and politics of Court, as well as occasional conferences and debates . the UK, government and politics of the US and comparative Politics students are automatically eligible for the politics and political ideas . annual History trips to places as diverse as Vietnam, Germany, the USA and Latvia/Lithuania . There is also an active Politics Society which meets twice termly, featuring talks by a range of academics and politicians, including local MPs . We also ran moot elections for the EU Referendum in 2014 and the General Elections in 2015 and 2017 . University Courses and Professions that Require the Subject Politics can be a useful choice for a wide range of careers including journalism, law, the Civil Service and business . You may even want to climb the greasy pole yourself! It combines well with a wide range of courses, most especially History, but also English, MORE INFO Economics and the creative/expressive subjects . Mr S Lemieux, Head of History and Politics, T: 023 9268 1322 E: [email protected] Exam Board: www.aqa.org.uk

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

56 57 GREEK GREEK STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE A LEVEL/ GREEK IB Entry Requirements TRINITY GOACHER Pupils should normally have Course: IB already gained a GCSE, or equivalent, at Grade 7 or Subjects Studied at Sixth A LEVEL IB above in the language they Form: wish to study . Course Outline Course Outline Biology, English, Greek, History, Beyond the Classroom Mathematics, Physics Those studying A Level Greek build their knowledge of Pupils may study Latin or Greek or both at Standard or vocabulary and linguistic structures through reading and Higher level (SL or HL) . The course consists of the study The Classics department Destination: studying prose and verse texts in Classical Greek . There of selected passages from some key Latin or Greek authors organises study days, visits to Manchester to read History is no prescribed vocabulary as such at this level, although developing critical skills through analysis and literary Classical Plays and museums, as an AS prescribed vocabulary will provide an essential appreciation . One particular author is studied in depth as well as a biennial trip to Greece framework . Two Prose and two Verse Set Texts will be preparation for an Unseen translation . There is additionally or Italy . Pupils are encouraged studied although the two texts may be different parts of a an Individual Study, consisting of a research dossier or an to take part in the Classical work by the same author . It is anticipated that the prescribed oral presentation . Association, Latin Reading texts will be Euripedes ‘Medea’ and Herodotus ‘Histories’ . Competition and help out at As part of the preparation for the unseen paper, selections Skills Required and Developed at IB Fishbourne Roman Palace . from other authors, particularly Xenophon and Euripides Choosing Latin or Greek (or both) at IB provides you will also be studied . University Courses and with the opportunity to explore the languages, literature Professions that Require Skills Required and Developed at a level and cultures of ancient Greece or Rome as well as to develop your linguistic and analytical skills . You will also the Subject Good translation skills and the ability to show appreciation be encouraged to reflect on the place of ancient texts at The study of Latin and Greek of the literary features of a particular author are essential . the heart of western literature and thereby gain a greater are very highly regarded by Those studying the subject will be expected to write understanding and appreciation of our society and its roots universities as disciplines coherent and well-planned essays on the literary topics . in the Classical World . requiring high analytical skills . A good memory for vocabulary and grammar and the ability IB External Assessment Well-trained classicists are to learn material efficiently are also vital . Teaching groups in great demand at the top tend to be small, allowing pupils to develop their own ideas Paper 1 (HL: 1 hour 30 minutes; SL: 1 hour 15 minutes) universities and those continuing through discussion and mutual evaluation . Translation of a specified part or parts of one unprepared to study at University are well- A Level External Assessment passage from the prescribed authors . (35%) . placed to find good jobs in a whole range of disciplines . Dictionaries are permitted in this examination . At the end of Year 13 candidates take four papers: an unseen translation paper (33%); a comprehension paper (17%); a Paper 2 (HL: 2 hours; SL: 1 hour 30 minutes) Questions prose literature paper (25%); a verse literature paper (25%) . based on ten extracts, two from each genre . Students answer questions on four (HL) or three (SL) extracts from two Beyond the Classroom genres . (45%) . The Classics Department organises study-day visits Individual Study, internally assessed by the teacher and to Classical Plays, museums and lectures relevant to externally moderated by the IB . (20%) . the syllabus . There are also biennial trips to Greece or Italy . Pupils are encouraged to take part in the Classical Association Reading Competition . Those considering studying Classical subjects at university are strongly encouraged to do an extended essay on a Classical theme . MORE INFO Mr M Murray, Head of Classics T: 023 9236 0036 E: [email protected] Exam Board: www.ocr.org.uk www.ibo.org

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

58 59 HISTORY HISTORY

IB STUDENT PROFILE Course Outline IB External Assessment Both Higher and Standard Level (HL Standard Level: Paper 1 (1 hour) and SL) pupils study the history of a 30%, Paper 2 (1½ hours) 45%, Internal HISTORY selection of countries across continents, Assessment (coursework) 25% . and become more aware of the Higher Level: Paper 1 (1 hour) 20%, ALEX GIBSON similarities and differences between Paper 2 (1½ hours) 25%, Paper 3 Course: A Level A LEVEL/IB varied peoples, cultures and states . (2½ hours) 35%, Internal Assessment There are many overlaps in the course (coursework) 20% . Subjects Studied at at IB and therefore topics are taught Entry Requirements History is traditionally one of the most A LEVEL using a variety of both source analysis Sixth Form: popular of the option subjects for IB At least a Grade 7 in GCSE/ and essay work within each topic . English, Government and Course Outline Skills Required and Developed at PGS, in September 2018, around IGCSE History, or equivalent, Paper 1 (HL and SL) Civil Rights Politics, History at A Level two thirds of our IB students opted The PGS History course is based is preferable, or a similar grade in the US and Apartheid in South for history mostly at HL . Several HL on modules offered by OCR . All You need to be interested in the past; in GCSE English if History has Africa; Paper 2 (HL and SL) Origins Destination: IB History students have gone on to examinations are taken at the end to see value in studying it, whether in not been studied . Last year the and development of authoritarian and Nottingham to read Law read the subject at leading universities of Year 13 . terms of how it explains the present, A*-B pass rate was over 90%, single-party states . Particular reference with around 60% of results at A* including Oxford and Cambridge in The A Level History course comprises or for its own sake . You must also be is made to China (Mao) and Russia or A . Over 30 pupils normally recent years . a range of topics, some but not all prepared to read a lot, and to learn (Stalin) . The Cold War: East-West study History to A Level each sets will study one unit of Medieval from and digest what you have read . relations from 1945 are studied, trying year and many in recent years or Early Modern History . All sets History is a literary subject, so there to promote an international perspective have read History at Oxford will study at least two topics of is also a need for you to be able to and understanding of the origins, cause and Cambridge . Late Modern History, including write literate and logical essays which and effect of the Cold War . Internal the coursework . analyse and explain . It also helps if you Assessment (HL and SL): this is a 2000 enjoy arguing and debating . Historians Beyond the Classroom word Historical Investigation, on a At least 20% of each course covers should have naturally inquiring minds, The Senior History Society has subject of the pupil’s choice, amounting an aspect of British History . so a sense of curiosity is helpful . talks on a wide range of topics to about 20 hours of study time . This provides pupils with the opportunity to Given the current subject interests A Level External Assessment by outside guest speakers . The and specialisms of the members of the annual dinner is well subscribed investigate and make use of the research facilities offered both by the school History Department, the topics that There will be a coursework element to and enjoyable . We organise an Library and nearby University Library, will feature on the course include: the course involving an independently annual overseas trip and have as well as electronic resources . Paper 3 researched project, based around a visited: Berlin, Vietnam, the Early Modern: the Crusades, the later (HL only): we offer three we offer three taught topic, normally the Vietnam USA, Budapest, Latvia, Lithuania Tudors, the European witchcraze and topics from the Americas paper which War, of around 3000-4000 words and Belarus . For 2020 there is the Catholic Reformation 1492 - 1610 . are the US Civil War 1840-77, civil rights which will account for 20% of the a trip to Russia in October . in the Americas (which contains some Late Modern: aspects of Britain 1900 - final mark . overlap with Paper 1), and the Cold 1951, Russian history from 1855 University Courses and This will be excellent preparation for War and the Americas (largely taught - 1964, the Vietnam War and the US Professions that Require university style research and will be via Paper 2) . War of Independence . the Subject marked internally by teachers and The exact selection of topics could moderated by the exam board . The skills required for Skills Required and Developed vary slightly between sets based on History are much prized by at IB We follow the OCR syllabus which the specialisms and interests of your both universities and future comprises four modules . The course teachers, you will have two teachers employers . Careers for which The study of History is intended is also examined by three external throughout the A Level course . History is a good grounding to offer a diverse, stimulating and examinations with the European/US include the legal professions, enquiring insight to the past through paper accounting for 15% of the final journalism and the Civil Service . eyes of the present . You will develop an work . The British paper accounts for Business and industry also value analytical approach which will allow 25% and the thematic paper making the skills of an historian; the you to challenge assumptions and up the remaining 40% . comedians Sacha Baron-Cohen develop an independent and critical and Al Murray are History view, thus becoming better informed of MORE INFO graduates, so too are a fair the past and an independent and critical Mr S Lemieux, Head of History number of our politicians! Some observer of the world . You will develop & Politics may even want to teach . essay skills and practise the construction T: 023 9268 1322 of balanced argument and critical source analysis . These skills not only transfer E: [email protected] into other areas of the IB course, such Exam board: www.ocr.org.uk as TOK and the Extended Essay, but also develop your interpersonal skills . www.ibo.org

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

60 61 ITALIAN ITALIAN STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE ITALIAN DAISY ALLEN Course: IB Subjects Studied at IB Entry Requirements Sixth Form: Course Outline Biology, English, Italian, The ab initio course is generally Mathematics, Philosophy, open to anyone who does not The Italian ab initio course is a Psychology, Film have any prior knowledge of language-learning course for those or qualification in Italian . If without any previous knowledge or Destination: in any doubt, potential pupils qualification in Italian . It is studied Kent to read Film Studies are advised to consult with over 2 years and is a Standard Level Mr Taylor, Director of the option subject . IB, in advance of making an We focus on developing application to study the course . communicative skills, both orally and in writing, as well as receptive Skills Required and skills through the key “Themes” . Developed at IB Our language lessons are highly interactive in which you will develop The course is structured around your linguistic skills alongside your language acquisition through understanding and awareness of five key “Themes”: Identities, MORE INFO Italian culture . The ab initio Italian Experiences, Human Ingenuity, Mr S Page course is an ideal subject for all types Social Organization and Sharing T: 023 9236 0036 of IB candidate – from pure linguists The Planet . The study of each to those simply motivated to learn “Theme” will equip you with the E: [email protected] something brand new . Enthusiasm and linguistic skills to express yourself Exam board: www.ibo.org commitment are the keys to success! fully in written and spoken Italian . The course should be IB External Assessment considered a linguistic journey in which you advance your Paper 1 – Writing – 25% – two understanding and improve your short tasks skills as time progresses . Over the two years of the course, you will Paper 2 – Reading and Listening – 50% – two separate exams move from describing yourself and your experiences to the Internal Assessment – Oral – 25% – world around you and your place photo description and topic discussion in it . It is a stimulating, exciting and rewarding course and is open to all pupils of the IB . Beyond the Classroom Pupils of Italian will have weekly class time with the native speaker assistant and will build confidence through use of the language for genuine communication . Subject to sufficient numbers, there may be an opportunity to participate in a visit to Italy .

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

62 63 LATIN LATIN STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE A LEVEL/IB Entry Requirements Pupils should normally have already gained a GCSE, LATIN or equivalent, at Grade 7 or above in the language they wish to study . DANIEL FREMANTLE Beyond the Classroom Course: A Level The Classics Department organises study-day visits Subjects Studied at A LEVEL IB to Classical Plays, museums and lectures relevant to Sixth Form: Course Outline Course Outline the syllabus . There are also biennial trips to Greece or Latin, Mathematics, Spanish Italy . Pupils are encouraged to take part in the Classical Most of the essential grammar and syntax should have Pupils may study Latin or Greek or both at Standard or Association Reading Competition . Those considering Destination: been covered at GCSE but this will be consolidated and Higher level (SL or HL) . The course consists of the study studying Classical subjects at university are strongly Durham to read Modern new constructions and grammatical forms added . The AS of selected passages from some key Latin or Greek authors encouraged to do an extended essay on a Classical theme . Languages and Cultures vocabulary list will provide the foundation for A2 unseen developing critical skills through analysis and literary work, although additional vocabulary, particularly of poetic appreciation . One particular author is studied in depth as University Courses and Professions that words, will need to be learnt . Two Prose and two Verse Set preparation for an unseen translation . There is additionally Require the Subject Texts will be studied although the two texts maybe different an Individual Study, consisting of a research dossier or an The study of Latin and Greek are very highly parts of a work by the same author . It is anticipated that oral presentation . regarded by universities as disciplines requiring high the prescribed texts will be Tacitus ‘Histories’ and Virgil analytical skills . Well-trained classicists are in great ‘Aeneid XI’ . As part of the preparation for the unseen paper, Skills Required and Developed at IB demand at the top universities and those continuing to selections from other authors, particularly Livy and Ovid Choosing Latin or Greek (or both) at IB provides you study at University are well-placed to find good jobs in will also be studied . with the opportunity to explore the languages, literature a whole range of disciplines . Skills Required and Developed at A Level and cultures of ancient Greece or Rome, as well as to develop your linguistic and analytical skills . You will also Good translation skills and the ability to show appreciation be encouraged to reflect on the place of ancient texts at of the literary features of a particular author are essential . the heart of western literature and thereby gain a greater A good memory for vocabulary and grammar and the ability understanding and appreciation of our society and its roots to learn material efficiently are also vital . Teaching groups in the Classical World . tend to be small, allowing pupils to develop their own ideas through discussion and mutual evaluation . IB External Assessment A Level External Assessment Paper 1 (HL: 1 hour 30 minutes; SL: 1 hour 15 minutes) Translation of a specified part or parts of one unprepared At the end of Year 13 candidates take four papers: an unseen passage from the prescribed authors . (35%) translation paper (33%); a comprehension paper (17%); Dictionaries are permitted in this examination . a prose literature paper (25%); a verse literature paper (25%) . Paper 2 (HL: 2 hours; SL: 1 hour 30 minutes) Questions based on ten extracts, two from each genre . Students answer questions on four (HL) or three (SL) extracts from two genres . (45%) Individual Study, internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB . (20%)

MORE INFO Mr M Murray, Head of Classics T: 023 9236 0036 E: [email protected] Exam Board: www.ocr.org.uk www.ibo.org

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

64 65 MATHEMATICS & FURTHER MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS & FURTHER MATHEMATICS

Both levels cover a wide range of topics STUDENT PROFILE IB in Pure Mathematics and Statistics such as proof, number and algebra, IB Higher Level Mathematics functions, trigonometry, calculus, MATHEMATICS There is a new curriculum for probability and statistical analysis plus Mathematics from first teaching contextual mathematical modelling . At & FURTHER MATHEMATICS September 2019 . This will include two HL, akin to A Level Mathematics and routes, both of which are available at Further Mathematics, this course takes SAMUEL SL and HL . It is likely that the options some topics, such as calculus, complex CHIMBWANDIRA numbers, matrices and algebra, to the available at PGS will be SL and HL Course: A Level in ‘Applications and Interpretation’ level of first year of a university course . Statistics and Pure Mathematics with and HL in ‘Analysis and Approaches’ Mechanics . Each paper is 2 hours long None of the IB Mathematics courses Subjects Studied at A LEVEL A LEVEL/IB although this is subject to change . with a weighting of 1/3 of overall marks contain specific Mechanics content, Sixth Form: Course Outline Entry Requirements though there is come coverage of these at A Level . Chemistry, Mathematics, IB Mathematics: Application aspects in the Physics IB curriculum . A Level Mathematics and Further Further Mathematics Further Maths AS and A Level and Interpretation Physics, Further Mathematics Mathematics are both linear and IB Higher Level Skills Required and Developed Destination: qualifications; pupils undertake terminal The major elements of this course will Grade 8, or equivalent, in This course is designed for pupils at IB examinations in Year 13 which will focus on the Pure Core, Mechanics and IGCSE/GCSE Mathematics who are interested in developing Bristol to read Mathematics cover all topics studied throughout the Statistics in greater depth expanding their mathematics in a practical Only the very best mathematicians and Computer Science Single Maths A Level whole two year course: and developing pupils, knowledge, context for describing the world should consider the Analysis Grade 7, or equivalent, in mathematical thinking and argument around them, modelling and solving and Approaches course . It is Mathematics IGCSE/GCSE Mathematics skills beyond that expected in the practical problems . The emphasis is mathematically demanding and Mathematics core . It will also introduce The content of the course can be listed IB Standard Level on the application of the mathematics could be difficult to achieve a Level 7. new elements of mathematical Grade 6, or equivalent, in encountered and the use of technology Students of Mathematics at this level MORE INFO in different areas but These should understanding and exploration not be regarded as separate teaching IGCSE/GCSE Mathematics to support interpretation . The SL level learn to acquire new information, Mrs L Ashdown, Interim Head throughout the two years . In Further is suitable for the non-specialist, with methods and skills at a rapid pace . of Mathematics modules and links will be made Mathematics elements will include: across the content areas encouraging University Courses and ideas in number and algebra, such as They are expected to achieve and T: 023 9268 1309 mathematical thinking, analysis, Core Pure – A Level Mathematics Professions that Require the financial applications of geometric maintain a high standard, be resilient understanding and problem-solving . Pure topics are taught in greater depth the Subject series, modelling in mathematics and hard-working . Please contact E: [email protected] Elements will include: whilst also introducing new topics such through the use of functions, geometry the Head of Department to discuss Exam board: www.ocr.org.uk as matrices, complex numbers, polar Mathematics A Level is a likely and trigonometry, statistical testing the Analysis and Approaches course . Pure Mathematics – mathematical www.ibo.org coordinates and hyperbolic functions . requisite for most Mathematics, and probability and ideas involving Students following the HL Applications argument, problem solving, Economics, Engineering calculus such as optimization problems . and Interpretation course should proof, algebra, graphs, sequences, Statistics – the A Level Statistics ideas and Science courses . Further The HL course extends the ideas be competent Mathematicians and logarithms,trigonometry, calculus, are further developed exploring the Mathematics is a great asset from SL and includes areas such as will be expected to deal with algebra functions, numerical methods, vectors theories underlying the statistical content to applicants for all of these logarithms, vectors, complex numbers and expanding ideas to include working without difficulty . Students of the SL and differential equations . subjects, and certain universities and matrices along with discrete with discrete and continuous random Applications and Interpretation course make consistently lower offers maths ideas such as graph theory, Statistics – working with a large, variables, bivariate data, regression and must possess the basic skills required to Further Mathematicians . The tree and cycle algorithms . Many of pre-release data set and samples of the correlation, hypothesis tests and tests for at least a Level 6 at IGCSE IB Analysis and Approaches the HL subject areas will prepare data set to make inferences about the for association . or equivalent . These skills, and in under-lying population, probability course would be required for candidates well for non-maths specific particular problem solving, will be calculations, using the Binomial Mechanics – extending the knowledge of Mathematics courses and all degrees that require a substantial further developed throughout the Distribution, Normal Distribution kinematics and forces using the extended courses with a substantial mathematical understanding . course . and statistical hypothesis testing . It is pure mathematical understanding mathematical content expected that much of the statistical to explore physical systems and such as Physics and some IB Mathematics: Analysis and IB Coursework study will be enhanced by appropriate dimensional analysis including areas Engineering and Economics Approaches use of technology (Casio CG50 such as work, energy, power, impulse, courses . IB Applications and Higher Level and Standard Level in Graphical Calculator) . momentum and centres of mass . Interpretation provides a good This course is designed for pupils both strands of the course require an who enjoy developing their analytical Individual Exploration worth 20% Mechanics – kinematics, working with Assessment will be in the form of four technical background for less mathematically specialist courses skills and wish to develop strong skills of the overall grade awarded . These forces and Newton’s laws, motion under written papers . Each 90 minutes long in the construction of mathematical are assessed internally and a sample with a weighting of 25% of overall such as social sciences and gravity, friction, projectiles and simple arguments and thinking . It explores is moderated externally . Pupils are moments . marks . humanities and also provides the basic skills for many non- real and abstract applications and expected to make optimum use of develops mathematical problem solving Many of these topics will be introduced A Level External Assessment technical, but highly numerate Graphic Display Calculators [GDC in Year 12 and then studied in greater subjects, such as Psychology and generalization and is suitable for Casio CG50] in problem solving . depth in Year 13 alongside the more All examinations will be at the end and Geography . those who intend to study at degree thought-provoking, higher level ideas . of Year 13 . level on a course that demands a high level of mathematical ability . Assessment will be in the form of A graphical calculator Casio CG50 three written papers covering the Pure [or fx 991 EX (Classwiz)] calculator Mathematics, Pure Mathematics with is a requirement for mathematics at A Level and at IB .

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

66 67 MUSIC MUSIC STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE A LEVEL/IB Entry Requirements MUSIC Pupils normally have a Grade 7 or above in GCSE OLIVIA Music (or equivalent) and will need to be performing SMITHERMAN at Grade 7 Standard for their recital at IB HL and A Level . If this is not the case, an audition or performing Course: A Level exam certificates are required to ascertain suitability IB for the course . The standard for performing is Grade Subjects Studied at 7 at HL or A Level . You must have a keen interest in Sixth Form: Course Outline listening to and reading about a wide range of styles Biology, Design and and genres . We do expect all our A Level and IB The Music course for the IB Diploma provides you with an Technology, Music musicians to be part of the Chamber Choir . opportunity to explore all styles of music from a variety of Destination: different musical cultures around the world . The course is Beyond the Classroom demanding and rigorous for the more advanced musician Manchester to read Music and this broad approach may allow you to study new Pupils are expected to take an active part in the areas of music and look more closely at those of particular musical life of the school . With a team of 40 teachers, interest to you . You will develop your performing skills and there are many rehearsals that take place each week also your ability to communicate through music and be at lunchtime, before and after school . A large number expressive . At both Higher and Standard Level (HL and SL) of Sixth Form pupils participate in these activities, you will: prepare for an aural paper based upon extracts of including the Chamber Choir, Orchestra, Concert music from a variety of musical styles; study two prescribed Band, Big Band and Sinfonia . Pupils perform regularly works; conduct a musical investigation of up to 2000 words, in concerts and recitals in Portsmouth and further comparing music from two different musical cultures . At afield, and in the annual school musical at the Kings SL you can then choose one option from Solo Performance Theatre . Many also enter national and local music or Group Performance or Composition . At HL you will be competitions . Music tours are taken regularly, with assessed on Solo Performance and Composition . recent tours including trips to Spain, Venice and Prague, and a special trip to Jesus College, Cambridge External Assessment to record a CD of Christmas Music . The London Mozart Players are the school’s Associate Musicians External assessment 50% and perform annually alongside pupils in the A LEVEL Internal assessment 50% Remembrance Concert . There is a strong tradition Course Outline Listening Paper (30%): at HL, a 2½ hour paper with three of commissioning new works and, during an average musical extracts and two questions on the prescribed set year, pupils can expect to perform one or more newly The course is demanding and rigorous for the more Sixth Form Instrumental Music works . At SL, a two hour paper with three musical extracts commissioned works and have the opportunity to advanced musician and offers pupils a broad and varied Scholarships and Choral and one question on the prescribed set work . develop their own compositional skills alongside some curriculum, allowing musical development in the three core Scholarships, linked with of the world’s greatest composers . These activities areas: performing, composing and listening/appreciation . Musical Investigation (20%): at both HL and SL, an Portsmouth Cathedral, are in school are complemented by a thriving series of We teach the Edexcel composition and history / analysis . independent musical investigation exploring the relationship offered each year . Further details concert trips and regular workshops led by some of the We teach the Eduqas specification as it provides a broad between two different musical cultures, presented in a media from the Admissions Office . country’s finest professional musicians and ensembles . foundation in the Western Classical Tradition, Music in the script of no more than 2000 words . early twentieth century as well as more contemporary styles University Courses and Professions that such as Rock and Pop, Musical Theatre or Jazz . HL pupils do a Solo Performance (25%) which is a presentation of one or more solo recitals (approximately 20 Require the Subject A Level External Assessment minutes in total) and a Composition (25%) which is three MORE INFO contrasting compositions, arrangements or technical exercises, Many of our pupils have gone on to study Music Miss S Heath, In addition to the appraising examination (40%), all with recordings and a written statement . SL pupils do either at universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, King’s Head of Academic Music College London, Manchester, Cardiff and Leeds . pupils will be assessed in both performing and composing a Solo Performance (50%) which is a presentation of one or E: [email protected] (60%) . However the specification allows learners to more solo recitals (approximately 15 minutes) or a Group Others have found Music A Level a useful partner specialise in either performance (to a visiting examiner) Performance (50%) which is a presentation of two public to both Science and Arts subjects and have gone on T: 023 9236 4257 or composition (a portfolio) . Option A allows learners to performances (20-30 minutes) or a Composition (50%) which to study a breadth of degree subjects including Law, Mr G Hemmings, specialise in Performance: 35% performing (10-12 recital) is two contrasting compositions, arrangements or technical Engineering, Biochemistry and Medicine . Director of Music and 25% composing (a portfolio of two compositions) . exercises with recordings and a written statement . E: [email protected] Option B allows learners to specialise in Composition: 35% composing (a portfolio of three compostions) T: 023 9236 4226 and 25% performing (6-8 minute recital) . Exam boards: www.ibo.org.uk www.edexcel.com

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

68 69 PHILOSOPHY & ETHICS PHILOSOPHY & ETHICS STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE PHILOSOPHY A LEVEL/IB Entry Requirements A GCSE in PRS is not required but can be helpful . & ETHICS Pupils will be expected to have performed well in GCSE English Language or Literature achieving LOREN DEAN at least a Grade 7 or equivalent in either . Course: IB Skills Required and Developed Subjects Studied at A LEVEL IB Argumentation, analysis and evaluation are essential Sixth Form: Course Outline Course Outline and these are developed in class discussion and Chemistry, English, History, written work . Philosophy, Spanish, Maths The study of Christianity . A comprehensive study of the This is an inclusive course that aims to challenge you in a Christian faith, such as the authority of the Bible, who philosophical way . It explores the fundamental questions that Beyond the Classroom Destination: Jesus was as an historical figure, the nature of the Trinity, people have asked since the beginning of time and confronts Exeter to read Psychology The Senior Philosophy Society meets once the challenges of Christian migration to the UK, feminist new problems arising within contemporary society such as with Sport & Exercise Science every half term . theology, challenges to Christianity from science, atheism what exists, what is a human being, what can we know, and and other religious faiths . what is the right thing to do in a particular situation . These questions are explored through an examination of themes Philosophy of Religion . Pupils begin with the great thinkers and texts . The HL course has two additional papers: Ethics who tried to express their beliefs in God in philosophical and and response to an unseen text . This course is similar to the logical ways . You also work out how an argument works, A Level in that pupils doing SL and HL study either one or how it can be wrong and shown to be wrong . Thinkers such two options in Philosophy and Ethics . Therefore, you will as Richard Dawkins, Peter Atkins and David Hume are used be introduced to the greater philosophical thinkers such as to criticise these philosophical arguments for the existence of Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Descartes, Kant and Hume . In God which include Descartes’ Ontological Argument which Ethics, you learn how to apply the major ethical theories attempts to prove that God exists through the use of logic such as Jeremy Bentham’s utilitarianism to ethical issues such only . Other arguments from the standpoint of experience as abortion, euthanasia and genetic engineering . Pupils also are the First Cause Argument and Religious Experience study a compulsory paper on the theme of What is a human Argument . Then we study the philosophy of language and being? and How do we understand the human condition? examine whether religious language in particular can be Here you will encounter philosophical movements such as verified or falsified; religious experiences and whether, if they Existentialism and Rationalism . You can also attain a deeper can be proven, could point to the existence of a supernatural understanding of Buddhist and Hindu views of the ‘self’ . being; the existence of miracles and the examination of whether they may point to God’s arbitrary nature; and External Assessment at IB finally whether religious belief is the product of the human mind (Freud) and whether religion can be positive (Jung) At SL there are two written papers, which include an or an illusion (Freud) . analysis of a philosophical text, and HL there are two further papers . There is an Internal Assessment . Ethics . Ethical theories such as Natural Law, Religious Ethics and Kantianism (absolutist theories) and Utilitarianism and Situation Ethics (relativist theories) are applied to moral issues such as Sexuality (extra-marital issues and theories of gender and sexual orientation), Environmentalism (the link between business and the environment, Buddhist views towards environmental issues, and a Utilitarian view towards the needs of the environment and the needs of humanity) and Business (the work of multi-national corporations, the tension between product value and profit . A Level External Assessment MORE INFO EDUQAS Religious Studies, AS and A Level on Dr R J I Richmond, Head of PRS Christianity, Philosophy and Ethics . T: 023 9236 4240 E: [email protected] Exam Board: www.eduqas.org.uk www.ibo.org

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

70 71 PHYSICAL EDUCATION SPORT SCIENCE PHYSICAL STUDENT PROFILE EDUCATION SABRINA CHOI Course: A Level Subjects Studied at A LEVEL Sixth Form: Course Outline A Level External Assessment Performance Analysis Assessment Design Technology, French, (Analysis and Evaluation) Physical Education The course is demanding and rigorous Pupils will be assessed at the end of with a varied academic curriculum . two years through two papers and non- Pupils are required to analyse and Destination: Pupils who have been successful in exam assessment; evaluate, using appropriate theoretical Loughborough to read this course have current experience content included in the specification, a Sports Technology Paper 1: Factors affecting participation at performing or coaching sport at a performance as either player/performer in physical activity and sport and high level . The A Level specifications or coach, in one activity from the in Physical Education should equip Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal specification . Pupils can analyse and pupils with both a depth and breadth performance in physical activity and evaluate their own performance or of knowledge, understanding and sport . Both are assessed through: the performance of another, as long skills relating to scientific and practical as it is in an activity that is from the • Written exam: 2 hours aspects of physical education . specification . This can be written or • 105 marks presented . This will require pupils to: • 35 % of A-level Entry Requirements Beyond the Classroom • Develop theoretical knowledge and Non-exam Assessment: Practical At least a Grade 7 in a Science . Pupils are expected to take an understanding of the factors that performance, analysis and evaluation Current high performance in one of active part in the sporting life of underpin physical activity and sport in one sport is assessed through: the sports listed in the specification . the school . There are many clubs and use this knowledge to improve • Internal assessment, external For example playing in a school available before and after school performance . moderation 1st Team or club 1st Team level and during lunchtimes, particularly • Understand how physiological • 90 marks or above . Candidates must be the athletic development and psychological states affect • 30 % of A-level regularly competing throughout the programme, for pupils to attend and performance . Role requirement for Performance Sixth Form . improve their performance in their • Understand the key socio-cultural Assessment: chosen sport . factors that influence people’s Skills Required and involvement in physical activity Pupils are required to be assessed in Developed at A Level University Courses and and sport . one activity from a set list in the role of Professions that Require the player/performer or coach . Pupils will Practical skills of performing or • Understand the role of technology Subject be assessed on their ability to execute coaching are essential, this element in physical activity and sport . the core and advanced skills/techniques of the course is independent and Many of our pupils have gone • Refine their ability to perform outlined in the specific activity criteria, aimed for pupils to develop their on to study Sport Science at effectively in physical activity in a fully competitive situation . own performance over the two universities such as Loughborough, and sport by developing skills years and submit video evidence Bath, Exeter . Others have found All performers should demonstrate and techniques and selecting and for their practical assessment . The A Level Physical Education a their full range of skills and will using tactics, strategies and/or performance analysis assessment useful partner to the sciences, be assessed on their execution of compositional ideas . involves a comprehensive written particularly Biology and recognised techniques, compliance analysis and evaluation which Psychology . Professions that • Develop their ability to analyse and with the official rules and regulations, requires good understanding of a evaluate to improve performance . accuracy, consistency and outcome . this A Level would support: chosen sport . A range of academic • Understand the contribution which The application of skills and Physiotherapist, Exercise skills are important especially physical activity makes to health techniques will be assessed through Physiologist, Sport Psychologist, in the synoptic element of the and fitness . the implementation of appropriate Nutritionist, Sports Marketing, course which requires pupils to strategies and tactics to optimise Performance Analyst, Data MORE INFO • Improve as effective and draw together different areas of their performance to create effective Scientist, Designer for Mrs J Tweddle, Head of PE independent learners and as critical knowledge, skills and understanding attacking and defensive options/ Sports Technology . and reflective thinkers with curious from across the full course of study T: 023 9268 1388 and enquiring minds . equivalent situations depending on the requirements of individual activities in order to demonstrate how they E: [email protected] through the practical performance . interrelate . Exam board: www.aqa.org.uk

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

72 73 PHYSICS PHYSICS STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE A LEVEL/IB Entry Requirements PHYSICS You should have at least a Grade 7 or the equivalent at GCSE or IGCSE, in both Physics and Maths or IZZY HERBERT Grade 7 or the equivalent in both Physics components Course: A Level of Combined Science . If you are planning on using your Physics beyond school you will also need to Subjects Studied at have studied Maths at A Level . Most science and Sixth Form: A LEVEL IB engineering courses at University will require Maths Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Course Outline Course Outline and ideally Further Maths as well . If you are not Mathematics, Physics studying A Level Maths, because you are planning to Physics is about trying to answer big questions, in fact the Physics is all around you, in your iPod or mobile phone, go in to medicine for example, we would expect you to biggest questions in the universe . Physicists need curiosity, in the stars you see at night and in the sport you watch on Destination: have at least a Grade 7 in Mathematics at GCSE resourcefulness and common sense . If you look through our television . It explains the sublime to the ridiculous, from Bath to read Mechanical or IGCSE . syllabus, many topics will seem familiar: radioactivity and why your clothes stay on, to how we can tell if a cancerous Engineering nuclear physics, mechanics and materials, thermal physics, tumour is alive or dead . The IB Physics course will provide Skills Required and Developed electricity, electromagnetic and gravitational fields, waves . you with answers to all these things and give you valuable In addition there is a lot of new physics to keep you skills for an increasingly international world . The content As with any Sixth Form course you should be interested such as Particle Physics, Quantum Physics of the Higher Level (HL) Physics course is very similar to organised and efficient . The skills that you can expect and Medical Imaging . that of the Physics A Level . In the first year, topics include to develop are: analytical, mathematical, practical, Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Waves, Electricity, Forces, social and ethical, all of which are increasingly sought A Level External Assessment Energy and Power . There is a section on Climate Change after and will make you an attractive proposition for and topics on the “new” physics of Quantum Mechanics both universities and employers . Physics trains you We follow the OCR Physics A specification . There will be and Nuclear and Particle Physics . The Standard Level (SL) to understand and interpret scientific information, to three papers taken at the end of Year 13 . Two are of equal is only different in the depth of knowledge gained in each process data and solve problems . It develops your weighting and assess everything learned during the full two area . In the second year, you choose one area of Physics practical skills and encourages imagination and also year course . The third paper is slightly shorter and aims of particular interest . Current choices include; Relativity, common sense . You learn to analyse, to build mental to be more synoptic . Practical skills are embedded in the Engineering physics, Imaging and Astrophysics . All topics pictures, to propose theories and to be critical . This we course, through a programme of 12 required practical groups are available at either SL or HL . call ‘scientific thinking’ . and a practical skills endorsement alongside the A Level grade . In addition 15% of exam marks will be awarded for IB External Assessment Beyond the Classroom practical skills questions . There are three terminal written papers . There are cross-curricular links with Maths, Chemistry and Design . The department organises a number of Paper 1 (20% for HL and SL): Multiple choice questions lectures including the annual Brunel Science Lecture on the core topics; and the ICG Cosmology masterclass . Most IB

Physicists join the Portsmouth and District Physical Paper 2 (36% HL, 40% SL): longer written answers Society with lectures at Portsmouth University . including a choice of questions; We have run trips to RAL, local industries and even

CERN . For those who wish to take their studies Paper 3 (24% HL, 20% SL): longer written answers based further there are usually longer projects on offer such on the options studied . SL papers have fewer questions and as the Engineering Education Scheme . are shorter in length . At Standard Level you do 20 hours of practical work University Courses and Professions that and at Higher Level, 40 hours of practical work in normal Require the Subject lesson time . Many PGS pupils go on to read Engineering or In addition you carry out an internal assessment which Science at University . Physics is key for most such counts for 20% of your final mark, based on a 10 hour courses . All university courses from Architecture to practical project . Medicine regard an A Level, HL or SL in Physics as a secure qualification on which to base an offer . All MORE INFO universities are well aware of the similarities between Mrs M Fake, Head of Physics the A Level and the IB . The HL Physics course provides all the grounding required to do well at T: 023 9236 4292 university and Physics and Engineering admission E: [email protected] tutors regularly take IB students onto their courses . Exam Board: www.ocr.co.uk

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

74 75 PSYCHOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE

PSYCHOLOGY A LEVEL/IB LAURA MAYES Entry Requirements Course: A Level At least a Grade 6 in GCSE Maths and a 7 in at least one of the following subjects GCSE English and/or one of the Sciences (Biology, Physics, Subjects Studied at A LEVEL IB Chemistry or Dual or Single Award) . Sixth Form: Course Outline Course Outline Skills Required and Developed English, Government and Politics, Psychology Psychologists seek to reveal underlying laws to explain Psychologists seek to reveal underlying laws to explain Pupils likely to excel in Psychology have a relatively strong scientific behaviour and experience, and employ rigorous research behaviour and experience, and employ rigorous research background, competence in Maths but specifically, statistics, the ability to Destination: methods to gather evidence to support their theories . First methods to gather evidence to support their theories . explain complex concepts clearly and concisely in writing, to think logically Exeter to read English year A Level pupils will study Social Psychology including IB Psychologists are introduced to the biological, cognitive and critically to piece together an argument based on a range of often topics such as prejudice and obedience and Cognitive and socio-cultural levels of analysis . We ‘zoom in’ to apparently conflicting research evidence, to listen and then question concepts Psychology which primarily examines the processes of examine the role of genes, neurochemical and anatomical and evidence carefully . They have open minds and an inherent respect for remembering and forgetting . Pupils will also study Biological differences in our brains at the biological level and out again the human condition . You will develop skills in experimental design and Psychology which examines areas such as brain structure to explore the impact of social situation, societal norms and quantitative data analysis, including descriptive statistics and inferential and neurochemical transmission, evolution and genetics cultural beliefs, values and attitudes at the socio-cultural statistics . You will gain a toolkit of concepts and skills and an objective yet to explore topics such as aggression, criminality and the level, stopping off at the cognitive along the way! Higher empathic outlook, which will enhance your self-knowledge, relationships, effects of recreational drugs . The final first year topic is Level pupils will now study extensions to each of the social, study skills and employability . The Learning Approach which covers three explanations cognitive and biological approaches including interesting of how people learn and change their behaviour dependent new topics such as the use of animals models of human Beyond the Classroom upon experiences within the environment . In this final behaviour, cognitive processing in the digital world and the We run a variety of enrichment events throughout the year, including topic we use these explanations to comment upon clinical influence of globalisation on individual attitudes, identities visiting speakers, notably our neuroscience and criminal psychology days . conditions such as anorexia nervosa and phobias and and behaviour . We will continue to study clinical psychology the impact of social media and violent computer games . as an option topic where we have the opportunity to examine University Courses and Professions that Require the Subject The second year allows us the chance to focus on two disorders such as uni-polar depression and anorexia nervosa . applications of psychology: clinical psychology where we Psychological and biological treatments for these disorders The skills developed through IB and A Level Psychology are widely examine how mental disorders are classified, diagnosed and will also be addressed including the role of culture in both appreciated and transferable across a broad range of degree subjects and treated focusing on schizophrenia and uni-polar depression diagnosis and treatment . The Higher Level pupils will professions . Psychologists work in numerous fields including research and and criminal psychology including biological and social continue to study Health Psychology as their second option teaching, clinical practice, education, sport and exercise, health, business and causes of criminality, understanding and treating offenders, where pupils will have the opportunity to study one or more organisations, counselling and neuropsychology . Psychological knowledge eyewitnesses testimony and jury decision making . health problems such as stress, addiction, obesity, chronic and skills may be utilised in any profession involving people, for example pain and/or sexual health . All pupils will gain a sound the police, social work, health and care, probation services, sales, marketing . A Level External Assessment understanding of both quantitative and qualitative research Where there are people, there is psychology! methods and the use of statistics in psychology and Higher A Level Psychology will be assessed through three exam Level pupils will sit an additional paper which specially papers each two hours in length . These papers are completed assesses this knowledge, in response to an extract question . at the end of the two year course . Paper 1: Foundations in Psychology: Social, Cognitive, IB External Assessment Biological and Learning The current specification is assessed as follows and we await Paper 2: Applications: Clinical Psychology and Criminal information regarding the new specification for 2017 . Psychology . SL: Paper 1=50%, Paper 2=25%, IA =25%, Paper 3: Psychological Skills: psychological research HL: Paper 1=40%, Paper 2=20%, Paper 3=20%, IA=20% methods and statistics and the synoptic elements of the Paper 1 (2 hours): Assesses understanding of the biological, course including issues and debates which cut across all six MORE INFO cognitive and social approaches through three short-answer topic areas assessed in papers 1 and 2 . Mrs S Pye, questions and one essay to be selected from a choice of three . Head of Psychology On the HL version of this paper, one or more of these essays may include the higher level extension topics . T: 023 9236 0036 E: [email protected] Exam board: www.ibo.org www.edexcel.org.uk

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK

76 77 SPANISH SPANISH STUDENT STUDENT PROFILE SPANISH DANIEL WILLIAMS A LEVEL/IB Course: A Level Entry Requirements Subjects Studied at A LEVEL IB Sixth Form: For A Level study a Grade 7 at Economics, Mathematics, Spanish Course Outline Course Outline GCSE or equivalent is required . Pupils study four broad topics that comprise: the evolution The Spanish Higher Level and Standard Level courses are For IB, Grade 7 at GCSE is Destination: of Spanish society; the political and artistic culture of the language-learning courses for those who wish to continue required for HL or a Grade 6 University College London Hispanic world; immigration and multicultural Spain; the with a language they have already studied to GCSE or at SL . You should be keen to to read Economics transition to democracy following the dictatorship of Franco . equivalent level . The courses last for the two years of the IB . communicate in Spanish and In addition, all pupils will undertake a study of at least one want to learn more about the We focus on developing further your competence in the work of literature and one film, both in the target language . culture of Spain and Spanish communicative skills of speaking and writing, as well as Ahead of the oral exam, pupils complete an independent speaking countries . At IB the SL receptive skills through the key “Themes” . Our language research project on a topic of their choice . and HL courses are generally lessons are highly interactive and you will develop open to anyone who has gained Skills Required and Developed at A Level your linguistic skills alongside your understanding and a qualification in the language at awareness of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world . GCSE level or equivalent . The During the two year course you will further develop your Those opting for the HL course will also study two courses will equip you with the language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing . literary works from the Hispanic world . Enthusiasm necessary skills to discuss, debate You will be able to read increasingly longer texts and will be and commitment are the keys to success! and give justified view points encouraged to read for pleasure in Spanish . By the end of on a whole range of topic areas . the course you will be able to hold a conversation at normal Skills Required and Developed at IB They will, above all, allow you pace, be able to write analytical essays in Spanish and have an in depth knowledge of the The course is structured around language acquisition sound translation skills . You can expect to be taught in cultures of the Hispanic world . small groups and your relationship with your teachers - two through five key “Themes”: Identities, Experiences, Human teachers will normally be allocated to each group - should be Ingenuity, Social Organization and Sharing The Planet . The Beyond the Classroom quite different from your previous experience . You will have study of each “Theme” will equip you with the linguistic much more opportunity to contribute in lessons and you will skills to express yourself fully in written and spoken Spanish . Pupils of Spanish will have play a more active role in discussion . We aim to use Spanish The course should be considered a linguistic journey in weekly class time with the in class as much as practicable and you have a weekly which you advance your understanding and improve your native speaker assistant and session in the language laboratory for independent listening . skills as time progresses . Over the two years of the SL/HL will build confidence through In addition to the 11 periods a fortnight with your teachers, course, you will move from describing yourself and your use of the language for genuine you will have a weekly period with our Spanish Assistant, experiences to the world around you and your place in it . communication . There is an in pairs or individually . They are stimulating, exciting and rewarding courses . opportunity to participate in a visit to Spain to immerse A Level External Assessment IB External Assessment yourself in Spanish life . Pupils take the Pearson Edexcel A Level Examination . Paper 1 – Writing – 25% - one task University Courses and This consists of three papers: Paper 2 – Reading and Listening – 50% - Professions that Require two separate exams Paper 1 – Listening, reading and translation (40%); the Subject Internal Assessment – Oral – 25% - Paper 2 – Written response to works and translation (30%); photo description and topic discussion (SL) All top UK universities offer Paper 3 – Speaking (30%) . OR literature and topic discussion (HL) Spanish as a full or joint honours degree course . Spanish, as with any modern language, is an essential skill to have in MORE INFO the modern, globalised world . Mr O Stone, Head of Spanish Spanish is spoken globally in T: 023 9268 1307 20 countries, on 5 continents by over 450 million native E: [email protected] speakers! Exam Board: www.ocr.org.uk www.ibo.org

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE WWW.PGS.ORG.UK 78 NEXT STEPSNEXT

To find out more, the next step is to come and visit us and see the Sixth Form . There are open events held throughout the year, or we can arrange bespoke tours if required . You can apply easily online, visit our website www.pgs.org.uk to complete the online application form . All applicants will be invited for an interview and to undertake a number of short aptitude tests . Offers then made will be conditional on GCSE performance . International Pupils The Portsmouth Grammar School has been successful in welcoming international pupils in to the Sixth Form over recent years . The School holds a Tier 4 Homestay Licence which enables us to accept a number of international pupils . If you are currently resident outside the UK but would be interested in applying to join us please contact Senior School and Sixth Form Admissions to discuss the application process and visa requirements . Senior School and Sixth Form Admissions Mrs Wendy Scott, Senior School Registrar T: 023 9236 4269 E: [email protected]

SIXTH FORM PROSPECTUS | COURSE GUIDE