Globe Academy Sixth Form Course Guide
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Globe Academy Sixth Form Course Guide Biology BTEC Business BTEC Performing Arts Computing Economics English Literature French Geography Government History Mathematics and Politics Further Media Studies Chemistry Philosophy Mathematics Physics Psychology Sociology Spanish Theatre Studies BTEC Media Globe Academy Sixth Form Course Guide “Preparing our students for university and to be leaders in their communities” From the moment you join Globe Academy Sixth Form you will be encouraged to develop and foster habits that lead to a successful application to either a good university or an aspirational career path of your choice. Our core expectation of you is that you are willing to embrace the hard work required to reach excellence in both your studies and extra-curricular activities. We also expect that you will dedicate yourself to meeting or exceeding the aspirational targets we set for you. Our expectations of you are unashamedly high, both in terms of the progress you make as a student and the attitude you display to school and to your peers and teachers. We want you to achieve the great grades you need to progress to your next step, but we are also interested in developing individuals who are well-rounded, articulate and highly employable. Please read this course guide carefully to ensure you select the right courses for your Sixth Form study and talk to a member of staff if you have further questions regarding your choices. How to apply Application to Globe Academy Sixth Form is by an electronic application form. For full details on how to apply please visit the Sixth Form section of our website at www.globeacademy.org. 2 Sixth Form Pathways We have designed our sixth form curriculum to meet our core aim of preparing students for university. We are offering a range of A level courses as well as some carefully chosen other courses that will ensure we can meet the needs of a wide range of our students. Your choice of courses will be decided by how well you have done at GCSE. Depending on your results, you will move onto one of the following pathways: Pathway 1 2 3 Triple award BTEC (or Breadth 4 AS levels (3 A2 levels) 3 AS levels (3 A2 levels) equivalent) + 1 AS level Mostly B or better at Mostly B and C at Mostly C at GCSE with Entry criteria GCSE GCSE some B 43+ average GCSE 40+ average GCSE 46+ average GCSE Detailed point (Distinction in L2 point score (Distinction point score and B+ in entry criteria BTEC) score and C+ in in L2 BTEC) and C+ in English and Maths English and Maths English and Maths Entry NB: entry requirements for individual A level subjects apply requirements Students on Pathway 1 usually study three core AS levels and one broadening AS level or 4 core AS Levels. In some circumstances students may choose to study two core subjects and two broadening subjects. Students on Pathway 2 usually study two core AS levels and one broadening AS level or 3 core AS Levels. In some circumstances students may choose to study one core subject and two broadening subjects. Students on Pathway 3 study one subject for the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (worth three A levels) and one broadening AS level. Students wishing to study the Engineering Diploma must choose AS level Mathematics. Core A level subjects The core subjects are those that Russell Group universities have identified as being the best preparation for studying at degree level in good universities. Studying these subjects will help to keep your options as wide as possible. Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, History, Geography, Core A levels Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages All other A level courses listed: Computing, Economics, Broadening Government and Politics, Mathematics (Further), Media Studies, A levels Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Theatre Studies. 3 Globe Academy Sixth Form Course offer A level courses Minimum GCSE grades Biology B in Biology and Mathematics Chemistry B in Chemistry and Mathematics Computing B in Mathematics Economics B in English Language and Mathematics English Literature B in English Literature and English Language French* B in same language Geography B in Geography and English Language Government and Politics B in English Language and humanities subject History B in History and English Language Mathematics B in Mathematics Mathematics (Further) A* in Mathematics Media Studies B in English Language and humanities subject Philosophy B in English Language and humanities subject Physics B in Physics and Mathematics Psychology B in English Language and Mathematics Sociology B in English Language and humanities subject Spanish B in same language Theatre Studies B in Theatre Studies Other level 3 courses Minimum GCSE grades BTEC Media* 5A* -C (or equivalent) including English and Maths BTEC Business 5A* -C (or equivalent) including English and Maths BTEC Performing Arts 5A* -C (or equivalent) including English and Maths PL Engineering* 5A* -C (or equivalent) including English and Maths *Courses offered through our Sixth Form partnership with ARK Walworth Academy These subjects will be organised into option blocks based upon the timetable, with the intention of giving students flexibility and allowing common combinations of subjects. Popular subjects are often available in more than one option block, reducing class size and avoiding potential clashes. 4 Biology AS/A2 Biology Year One (AS) Unit 1: Cells, Exchange and Transport. In this unit you will learn about the structure of cells and how they work, including cell division and diversity. You will also cover transport and exchange systems in mammals and plants. Unit 2: Molecules, Biodiversity Food and Health. In this unit you will learn about the structure and function of biomolecules like protein and DNA. You will explore the diversity and origin of life on earth. The unit also covers how diet and smoking affect health, and how the immune system can protect the body against disease. You will carry out some fieldwork as part of this unit. Unit 3: Practical Skills in Biology 1. You will be assessed on your practical and investigative skills which you will have developed during AS Biology. The three tasks (qualitative, quantitative and evaluative) will be completed in lesson time under controlled conditions. Course content All AS students must attend a residential ecology field course. Year Two (A2) Unit 4: Communication, Homeostasis and Energy. In this unit you will learn about the way in which energy is used in organisms, including details of photosynthesis and respiration and control and co-ordination in animals and plants. Unit 5: Control, Genomes and Environmental Biology. In this unit you will study genetic control of cells and variation in animal and plants. You will explore various gene technologies like cloning and gene therapy. The unit covers the nervous control and animal behaviour. There is also a section on environmental biology. Unit 6: Practical Skills in Biology 2. This unit is similar to ‘Practical Skills in Biology 1’ in its format of three classroom based practical activities. However the tasks will require a higher level of understanding and explanation. Entry requirements B at GCSE in Biology and Mathematics AS: Unit One and Unit Two by written examination in June; Unit Three will be assessed internally during the first two terms of the first year. Assessment A2: Unit Four and Unit Five by written examination in June; Unit Six will be assessed internally during the first two terms of the second year. Progression A level Biology is needed for many higher education courses in medical and life sciences. The skills learnt in all science A levels are highly regarded by opportunities universities and employers, for example in the financial world. 5 Chemistry AS/A2 Chemistry Year One (AS) Unit 1: Atoms, Bonds and Groups In this unit you will learn about the structure of the atom, the importance of atomic masses, formulae and equations, chemical bonding and structure, and trends and patterns in the Periodic Table. Unit 2: Chains, Energy and Resources Here you will study the chemical ideas that underpin organic chemistry, some of the important chemicals produced from oil and the role of chemists in developing fuels and controlling pollution. This unit also includes energy changes in chemical reactions, the rate of reactions, the use of catalysts and the control of reversible reactions to produce useful chemicals. Unit 3: Practical Skills in Chemistry 1 You will be assessed on your practical and investigative skills which you will have developed during AS Chemistry. The three tasks (qualitative, quantitative and evaluative) will be completed in lesson time under controlled conditions. Course content Year Two (A2) Unit 4: Rings, Polymers and Analysis Here you will learn about how chemists use organic compounds to manufacture useful materials such as pharmaceuticals, dyes and polymers. You will also study spectroscopy, which is used to find the structure of carbon compounds. Unit 5: Equilibria, Energetics and Elements In this unit you will explore the physical chemistry that explains much of the chemistry encountered in all other modules. You will learn how to monitor reaction rates accurately, how to investigate reversible reactions and how acids, bases and buffers work. In addition you will study the colourful transition elements in more detail. Unit 6: Practical Skills in Chemistry 2 This unit is similar to ‘Practical Skills in Chemistry 1’ in its format of three classroom based practical activities. However the tasks will require a higher level of understanding and explanation. Entry requirements B at GCSE in Chemistry and Mathematics AS: - Unit One and Unit Two by written examination in June; Unit Three will be assessed internally during the first two terms. Assessment A2: - Unit Four by written examination in June; Unit Six will be assessed internally during the first two terms of the second year.