Sixth Form Option Choices
Sixth Form Options
Dear Parents/Carers,
Sixth Form Option choices
Welcome to West Somerset College’s Sixth Form. At the West Somerset College Sixth Form We are justifiably proud of the high standards we achieve. We promise to work with students and parents/carers to get the best results. We pride ourselves on giving excellent individual support that will help to ensure success. This is an exciting time that will help you and your sons/daughters to shape their future and to realise their dreams. Decisions they make now about subject choices and how they work and study will have an enormous impact on the opportunities available to them including higher education, apprenticeships and employment. At Sixth Form, they will work hard in the areas that they have chosen because they inspire them and they are passionate about them. They will also participate in the wider life of the Sixth Form, such as volunteering, enrichment and student leadership, as well as acting as an important role model to our younger students. They will also have more time to be an independent learner: this is a big responsibility - taking charge of their own learning. It is also worth noting that the government has now raised the participation age (RPA) to 18, which means that your son/daughter will be expected to remain in some form of education (school, college or apprenticeship) to age 18.
Choosing the right educational path is a big decision in your Son/Daughter’s life. The choices that he/she makes now can have a major influence upon future education, employment and, ultimately, life chances. We treat the decision-making process extremely seriously and are fully committed to providing you and your son/daughter with the best possible advice and support in making these important decisions in the months ahead and in to sixth form.
Both universities and employers really value ‘A’Levels. After ‘A’Levelqualifications, many students continue theirstudyor training through an apprenticeship, vocational qualification or a higher education course at a university or college and there is clear evidence to show that your son/daughter’s life chances will be dramatically improved by taking this path. For those wishing to study further at University our new ‘Studium Programme’ is tailored to meet the needs of aspiring students providing them with information they need to apply confidently to the best universities with the greatest chance of success.
As you read through this booklet, with your son/daughter, please consider the following questions carefully:
1) What number and type of qualifications should my son/daughter take?
2) What are the entry requirements of the subjects chosen?
3) How will these qualifications help in my son/daughter’s pathway into employment or further education?
Our new enrichment programme will allow students to build a rewarding and fulfilling personal development programme whilst studying with us and beyond.
Should your Son or Daughter not achieve the required level 4 pass at GCSE in English and Maths in August then they will be also fully supported in a resit programme tailored around their other options.
I trust you will find the content of this booklet informative, I hope that it highlights the opportunities available to you and your son/daughter and how to get further advice and guidance throughout this process.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at the College.
Yours sincerely,
Nicola Spicer.
Senior Leadership Team Post 16.
A Levels
When you are thinking about which A Level subjects to choose there are a range of factors you may wish to consider: Which subjects do you enjoy? Which subjects do you do best in? What would you like to study at university? What kind of career would you like? You may even have thought about questions like: Which university would you like to study at? Which course would you like to apply for? If you know what you want to do, for example a career in medicine, it is easier. Research the universities that offer the subject, look at the entrance requirements for the courses that interest you and make your choice accordingly.
The Russell Group and Oxbridge
The prestigious Russell Group of universities published a guide called "Informed Choices" which explains in detail which A Levels they are looking for. Universities in the Russell Group are often referred to as competitive universities or top universities. If you know you want to apply for a competitive university course you should check to make sure that the subject combination you have chosen would be acceptable.
What else do I need to think about?
It is important to recognize that there are many excellent universities with wonderful reputations and highly respected and sometimes specialist courses (i.e. Bournemouth is considered the best for Digital Media) that you might want to explore. These universities often have direct links with the employment sector and have courses that are feeding into the industries and employment streams of the future. In these cases universities are looking for a passion and enthusiasm for the subject and an indication that you can cope with academic study at undergraduate level. These courses are more likely to be interested in your overall UCAS point score (which is the way you add up your total ‘points’ for both AS and A2 rather than the grades).
Which subjects go well together?
Remember that breadth of subjects is valued, and therefore subjects with a significant curriculum overlap might be avoided (i.e. economics and business studies or sociology and psychology). However, there are subjects and careers, perhaps the Arts, where closely related subjects like Art, photography, media and fashion, or drama, music, dance and English literature might be seen as really attractive for specific careers or degree choices. So you need to be clear about what you want! You need to be sure there is coherence in the subjects you have chosen. Mixing media, maths and chemistry might be perfect if you would like to develop a career in science journalism?
For anyone who's still unsure about their future career I would always advise a mixture of A Levels. A passion for a non-degree related subject is highly valued by admission tutors. It shows you are a well-rounded candidate.
Some Top Tips
· Choose subjects which interest you and can hold your attention for at least two years... and possibly a lifetime!
· Research your next steps and career choices. Do your subjects link well?
· Research your university choices and entrance requirements carefully.
· Consider what being a ‘top’ university means to you.
· Try to be broad and balanced in your choices and keep your options open.
· If you are unsure, call the admissions office of the universities you might consider and ask for feedback on your ‘A’ Levels choices and their grade entry requirements.
· Remember getting a higher grade in a subject you love may open more doors in the future than a lower grade in a subject you tried your best in but just couldn’t sustain for two years. Choose carefully which A Levels you can achieve!
Level 2 courses
New for 2017
We now offer a range of 1 year Level 2 courses which are designed to lead to Level 3 courses, traineeships, apprenticeships and employment. These are full time courses and are aimed at students who may not have attained the required level of passes to progress to our level 3 BTEC and A Level courses. Students can re sit GCSE Maths and English during this year if required as part of their study programme.
Biology A level – AQA
Examining Board / Specification Title / Specification CodeAQA / (AS and) A Level Biology / (7401) 7402
Course Leader: Miss Vicky Roe Mottershead
What’s it all about?
Biology is the study of living organisms, how they work and how they interact with each other. Biology at A Level will enable you to acquire a systematic body of biological knowledge and an appreciation of its significance. This course will help you gain some understanding of the dynamic and exciting nature of biology today, studying different areas and how they relate to each other along with an awareness of the ethical, technological and economic aspects of the subject.
The Biology’ A’ Level course helps students develop a number of skills: how to collect data and evaluate it, how to investigate facts and use deduction, how to put over your point of view effectively and how to take responsibility for your own learning.
There are many careers that can directly stem from studying biology A Level when combined with other science A Levels such as chemistry or physics. These include: bioengineering, genetics, biochemistry, forensic science, neuroscience, conservation, botany, nursing and physiotherapy, medical physics, medicine and veterinary science. Biology A Level can also lead to some interesting degree options or careers, such as biology with a language, forensic anthropologist, forensic archaeologist, medical ethics, environmental consultant, science writer or editor, psychiatrist, biological illustrator, microscope photography and imaging specialist, wildlife cameraman or lawyer, to name but a few.
What are the entry requirements?
Grades 9-6 in higher tier GCSE science and higher tier additional science courses or in GCSE Biology course.
What will I learn on this course?
In two years you will study biological molecules, cells, organisms exchanging substances with their environment, genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms, energy transfers in and between organisms, organisms responding to changes in their internal and external environments, genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems and the control of gene expression.
A Level Biology is a very demanding course and students should ensure they are prepared to work consistently to the best of their ability in order to meet these demands. This will include significant independent work.
How will I be assessed?
All assessment takes place at the end of this two year course (summer of Year 13). The A Level Biology course is assessed by sitting externally examined written papers. All examinations assessed in the summer of Year 13 (3 exam papers in total). Practical work will be continually developed throughout the course and students will carry out 12 core investigations over the course of the A level, with the aim being able to develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of ‘How Science Works’. These practical skills are assessed in written papers.
10% of the overall assessment of A Level Biology will contain mathematical skills equivalent to Level 2 or above.
At least 15% of the overall assessment of A Level Biology will assess knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to practical work.
Is there anything else I need to know?
You will be provided with laboratory coats and given the opportunity to purchase recommended books or revision guides.
We benefit from excellent technician support and the biology department is well resourced with modern apparatus, glassware and hardware.
We pride ourselves on a strong, open and honest working relationship between teachers and students. Our students are kept informed of their progress via short topic tests and verbal feedback. We give students ample opportunity to practise their examination technique but also encourage interactive ways of learning and assessment.
For More information on AQA Biology go to AQA website
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/biology-7401-7402
Who can I contact for further information?
rset,gov,uk
Building Maintenance Multi-Trade Repair and Refurbishment Operations (Construction) - City & Guilds- Level 2 NVQ Diploma
Examining Board / Specification Title / Specification CodeCity & Guilds / Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Building Maintenance Multi-Trade Repair and Refurbishment Operations (Construction) / 601/2468/4
Course Leader: TBC
What’s it all about?
This is a work-based learning qualification that enables you to work as a maintenance operative in the construction industry. As a maintenance operative, you will carry out general repairs and maintenance to brickwork, paint, plaster, woodwork and other elements of existing buildings. You will perform tasks associated with a wide variety of different trades, rather than specialising in just one area.
What are the entry requirements?
For aLevel 2 Vocational Study Programmeideally students will need GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 3 or above plus a range of GCSEs at 4/3 grades. You are able to retake GCSE English Language, and Maths and upon completion of your Study Programme can look to progress onto a Level 3 Study Programme.
What will I learn on this course?
This is a Framework qualification that confirms competency in working as a maintenance operative. You will learn how to conform to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace, how to conform to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace and how to move, handle and store resources in the workplace, as well as developing the knowledge and skills to work competently in repair and refurbishment on a construction site.
There are no entry requirements for this qualification – anyone over the age of 16 that is seeking to demonstrate competence in working in building maintenance occupations can take this qualification. However, you are likely to hold other qualifications, such as the Level 1 Diploma in Construction Skills, or have significant experience working in repair and refurbishment in the construction industry.
City & Guilds offers a range of qualifications in construction crafts: level 1, 2 and 3 Diplomas that are taught full-time in college, and level 2 and 3 NVQs that are completed in the workplace (work- based learning). Diplomas can teach you advanced skills and gain you employment, however many large construction sites require the NVQ to demonstrate you are able to work safely and competently on- site.
You will take this Level 2 NVQ qualification if you are currently employed or have previously been employed as a maintenance operative, and wish to demonstrate your ability to work safely and competently to a recognised national standard.
What could this qualification lead to?
This qualification prepares you for work in the construction industry, with a specific focus on maintenance operations. Upon completion, you can apply to CSCS, or other industry card schemes, to gain a skills card that will enable you to work on site in your chosen trade. If you wish to progress to become a supervisor working on site, you may wish to study any of the following qualifications: