YEARS 12-13 SIXTH FORM Key Stage 5 (A Level) CURRICULUM GUIDE 2021-23 Exceptional People Outstanding Opportunities Academic Excellence Mission Statement Intus si recte ne labora – if the heart is right, all will be well Shrewsbury International School offers an inspirational English language education for carefully selected students, caring for them in an organisation committed to continuous improvement, and providing outstanding opportunities both in and out of the classroom. We recruit the finest teachers and staff, providing them with the resources to nurture outstanding students and exemplify the pioneering spirit and traditions of Shrewsbury School in the UK. From our Junior School students, enthusiastically developing their interests and passion for learning, to our exemplary Sixth Form leaders graduating to embark on careers at the world’s leading universities, Shrewsbury International School is established around its innovative, ambitious, dynamic international community. Key Stage 5 (A Level) 3 Curriculum Guide 2021-23 OPENING A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY 76% 74% EXAM A-LEVEL RESULTS IGCSE 2020 45% A* 48% A* >½ STUDENTS EARN >⅓ STUDENTS EARN STRAIGHT A*/A 7+ A* GRADES IMPERIAL COLLEGE MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY OF STANFORD PRINCETON LONDON RAMATHIBODI CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY 2020 EXAM RESULTS LEAD TO WORLD’S TOP UNIVERSITIES 1:8 TO 110 59 11 TOP 10 GRADUATES UNIVERSITIES COUNTRIES UNIVERSITIES (I)GCSE A*calculated as equivalent to 8/9 on UK numbered grading system. A+ equivalent to 7+ on numbered system @SHBriverside www.shrewsbury.ac.th/riverside Contents MISSION STATEMENT 3 WELCOME TO THE SIXTH FORM 6 A GUIDE TO SIXTH FORM STUDY 9 SHAPE OF THE DAY 11 SIXTH FORM STUDIES 13 READING THE WORLD 14 IELTS - ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMME 16 EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION (EPQ) 18 ART & DESIGN 20 BIOLOGY 23 BUSINESS STUDIES 25 CHEMISTRY 27 COMPUTER SCIENCE 30 DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY: PRODUCT DESIGN 32 DRAMA AND THEATRE 34 ECONOMICS 37 ENGLISH LITERATURE 39 GEOGRAPHY 41 HISTORY 43 MATHEMATICS 44 FURTHER MATHEMATICS 45 MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES 46 MUSIC 47 MUSIC TECHNOLOGY (A LEVEL) 49 PHYSICAL EDUCATION 51 PHYSICS 54 PSYCHOLOGY 56 SIXTH FORM TIMELINES 58 OUR VALUES 59 KEY CONTACTS 60 Key Stage 5 (A Level) 5 Curriculum Guide 2021-23 WELCOME TO THE SIXTH FORM Dear Parents and Students A very warm welcome to the A-Level curriculum guide for Shrewsbury International School. As you read through its pages you will be struck by how intellectually stimulating and fulfilling our Sixth Form academic programme is. The transition into Sixth Form learning is an exciting time for young people as they embark on the next phase of their academic and personal journey. World class universities and employers expect students to be able to think critically, be self-disciplined, learn independently and illustrate excellent leadership potential; at Shrewsbury we provide students with the opportunities to fulfil these expectations. Academic excellence is at the heart of what we do. Throughout their time in the Sixth Form, students are supported by our unique team of staff who recognise and understand their individual needs as well as preparing them for their successful transition to university or the working environment. Academic enrichment is recognised as an important strand in enhancing the intellectual awareness and development of each individual student. The Darwin Lecture Series, Department Societies and specialist speakers, provide the forum and catalyst, for high level thinking and debate. Students are regularly supported in their learning by each academic department, through the provision of ‘office hours’; a concept modelled on the support provision and structure made available at the leading universities. The A-Level curriculum is delivered by specialist hand-picked teachers, highly experienced in helping each student to reach his or her full potential. In addition, each student is guided on their journey by a personal tutor throughout Year 12 and 13 who is responsible for monitoring and supporting their academic and pastoral development. To reflect their status, the Sixth Form have their own dedicated Centre that provides a focus for individual and collaborative private study and research, along with a social area that becomes a hub of vibrant fun and activity at the end of the school day. This guide will give you an overview of what is on offer – but it is only a guide. To get a true sense of what makes our Sixth Form experience so special please book an appointment to meet the exceptional teachers, students and careers counsellors in our team. A warm welcome awaits. Neil Cornforth Head of Sixth Form 6 Key Stage 5 (A Level) Curriculum Guide 2021-23 Facilities The purpose-designed Sixth Form Centre is an outstanding facility that provides a dynamic environment to meet the varied needs of our Year 12 and Year 13 students. The centre was redesigned in 2017 with student involvement at the heart of the design process and provides a state of the art learning environment that facilitates both independent and collaborative learning styles. An extensive library is devoted to Higher Education and careers guidance as well as a regularly updated A-Level subject support section. A specially designed common room with kitchen facilities and outside balconies offering captivating views of the Chao Phraya River, provides for a comfortable social area for students to relax during break times and at the end of the school day. Dedicated seminar rooms have been designed in the ‘Harkness’ style, to support the ‘Reading the World’ programme, Shrewsbury’s unique critical thinking course, which helps to prepare all students for the demanding learning styles encountered at university. In 2021 the Sixth Form will be re-located to a prime position at the top of the new Senior School building. The new Sixth Form centre will feature the same range of spaces as the current facility but will be much larger in size, and an provide a pre-university environment that truly offers ‘space to think’. Motivation and management As you enter the Sixth Form programme, you will be immediately aware of the expectation for students to acquire and develop the motivation and skills required to learn independently. You will be given regular guidance and support to manage both your study and enrichment programmes in an effective way and you will work closely with your personal tutor who will monitor your academic progress and pastoral well being. Your Future A key role of the Sixth Form team is to prepare you successfully for the transition to university and to help equip you for the competitive global environment thereafter. You will have access to a wide range of careers and higher education resources and will be supported in the application process by a highly experienced team of staff who have specialist knowledge of the UK, USA and Thai university systems. They also have extensive experience of managing applications to many other countries. Representatives from many of the world’s leading universities visit the school each year to provide an insight into their campus and courses and how to process high quality applications. Enrichment Universities and global employers are increasingly focusing on the extensive skill base and leadership qualities that applicants illustrate. At Shrewsbury there are opportunities to become involved in a wide range of enrichment activities both inside and outside of school and this will allow you to demonstrate clear leadership skills. Our Sixth Formers are by definition, school leaders and are active role models for our younger students throughout the school. The Sixth Form Executive meets with the School’s Senior Management Team on a weekly basis, in order to represent The Student Voice’ and thus help to shape the development of the school and maximise the educational experience for all students; defining what makes Shrewsbury International School so special. Key Stage 5 (A Level) 7 Curriculum Guide 2021-23 The Leadership Structure provides a breadth of opportunities for all students to develop their leadership and innovation qualities and in addition, we look to our Sixth Form students to give back to the community and become involved in the School’s many charitable activities and varied community engagement projects. Aspiration Above all, the Sixth Form provides an intellectually challenging and stimulating environment that prepares students to meet the requirements and demands of both studying and competing at the very highest level on the world stage. 8 Key Stage 5 (A Level) Curriculum Guide 2021-23 A GUIDE TO SIXTH FORM STUDY What are AS and A-Levels? AS and A-Levels are British qualifications taken when students are normally aged 16-18 before they go to university. AS stands for Advanced Subsidiary. An AS-Level is a qualification normally obtained after a one-year course. It constitutes the first half of an A-Level course, but is a qualification in its own right. A stands for Advanced. An A-Level is a qualification normally obtained after two years of study. Modules studied in the second year of A-Level study are referred to as A2 modules. Normally three good grades at A-Level are required for university, although four A-Levels will increase the likelihood of a student gaining entry to a top university or a course for which there is a high demand. A* grades are necessary for the very best universities. Are AS and A-Levels suitable for me? A-Levels are a “gold standard” qualification, recognised around the world and currency for entry into major universities or employment. You will need to study very hard for two years. A-Level courses are best suited to students with an academic focus. What will I need to start the course? You will normally need to have passed, with a grade B or above (6/7/8/9), at least six subjects, excluding Thai, at IGCSE extended level, or equivalent.