sixth form annual information booklet

Buxton Community SchoolSixth Form Annual Information Booklet

www.buxton.derbyshire.sch.uk

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Buxton Community Sixth Form

Welcome Staying on in education post 16 is a natural progression in your learning. Buxton Community School Sixth Form offers the opportunity for young people to continue with their studies to achieve a range of A Level and other higher level (Level 3) qualifications. These provide the necessary stepping stone to higher education (university) or open the door in to employment.

For some, joining our Sixth Form will be part of a clear career pathway. For others it will be the opportunity to continue learning in a supportive and caring environment whilst they consider what they want to do later in life.

Whatever your reasons for joining our Sixth Form, you must have a passion and desire to learn. We expect you

to continue to broaden your understanding of the world and use education as an important tool in developing an active and positive role in society. Sixth Form learning is very demanding and requires a significant degree of self-discipline, commitment and determination to succeed.

It is well recognised that the higher the level of qualifications you possess, the higher the level of salary that can be achieved; joining Buxton Community School Sixth Form to continue with your learning could be the next investment you make in your future.

As well as the opportunity for academic achievement, the Sixth Form offers a range of enhancement activities to develop our students as more rounded individuals – promoting personal and social skills that will be of benefit as you take your place in the adult world.

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Our Sixth Form has a variety of pathways to suit the needs of a wide range of learners. The majority of our students successfully study the traditional A Level route and it is also possible to take a combination of A Level and Level 3 BTEC qualifications. Whatever combination of Post 16 subjects you choose to study, you will experience high quality teaching and support as we help you transition from school to sixth form life.

What does staying on in the Sixth Form involve?We regard our post-16 students as young adults. As a result, we expect you to be mature and committed in the way you manage your learning and contribute towards the life of the wider school. At the same time, we recognise that the change in the level of challenge between GCSE and A Level is significant and we provide support to see you through the process of adjusting to life in the Sixth Form. You will work more independently, and manage far more of your own time (not all of your time will be with teachers – you will also have independent study periods with additional learning tasks to complete on your own). You may also have to balance learning demands with social, family and often work commitments. At Buxton Community School, support is offered in a number of ways. Its aim is to help you to achieve the best possible outcomes from your time in the Sixth Form.

It is a condition of joining our Sixth Form that each student agrees to take part in all aspects of the programme we provide to help you to succeed. We believe that students should choose our Sixth Form because they are committed to doing their best in all they do and are prepared to meet our expectations, requirements and standards.

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Why should you join Buxton Community School Sixth Form? Whatever your starting point, we expect you to work hard and focus on making the best progress possible. We have a dedicated target system that encourages you to achieve your own personal targets and keep you on track. As well as a variety of taught subjects delivered by expert teachers, we have excellent facilities designated for our Sixth Form such as specialist Study Centres (which are staffed full time by our Sixth Form Learning Advisor).

“ The friendly atmosphere means you can just be yourself here.” HARRISON

Our subject staff are all trained specialists in their own areas. They are enthusiastic about learning and committed to the young people they work with.

They give our students a great deal of time and support in and out of lessons and will enable you to achieve your highest possible grades.

Our Sixth Formers receive a great deal of support in applying for university and college places. We give individual support for students aiming for Oxford, Cambridge and other specialist institutions. We are also committed to supporting those students who wish to progress on to further education and college. We also have a progression tutor who works with students wishing to go straight into employment or apprenticeships.

We offer a wide range of enrichment activities to develop your skills and qualities. This is crucial in your preparation for university or employment.

There are also additional opportunities to develop your individual interests and skills, as well as taking part in a wide range of extra-curricular trips and activities. Additional fieldwork forms an important part of a number of courses, as well as chances to attend specialist lectures at universities and a range of events to help you find out about university and career choices. Maybe joining our Sixth Form for the social life and the opportunity to go to our Year 13 Ball should not be the main reason for applying – but we do provide a happy atmosphere for young people to develop friendships for life!

“ The teachers have lots of experience; many are examiners and have taught the content and techniques for years.” CAITLIN F

Progression after Sixth Form Students will progress from Sixth Form onto a range of pathways:

1. Higher Education2. Apprenticeships3. Employment

The school offers supportive opportunities for each pathway:-

1. Higher Education support with UCAS applications; guidance from the Progress Team; mock interviews;

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pre-university experience at Manchester University; visits to open days at Oxford and Cambridge; input from HE institutions on the application process, finance and other aspects of HE life; approved visits to university open days.

2 & 3. Support with identifying and applying for apprenticeships and employment from our Careers Advisor and guidance from the Director of Progress, Learning Mentor and Progression Tutor.

Support for our Sixth Form: • 12 timetabled study periods per week when you

will work in the Sixth Form Study Centre or the Independent Learning Area. You can also work in our Learning Resource Centre, the Sixth Form Refectory, or in specialist areas such as Art/Music rooms.

• Specialist support with study skills.

• Our Learning Advisor offers group and individual support in study periods with any aspects of learning. This support can be arranged by students or a subject teacher referral.

Whilst we are aware that many students have part time jobs to support them through their time in the Sixth Form, we require students to agree to working no more than 16 hours per week as a maximum in term time. The reason for this is that we know that additional hours will affect the way you are able to work and your eventual grades. A typical Sixth Form student would be expected to complete up to 36 hours of independent study per fortnight over and above lessons. Even allowing for time spent working in study periods and other time in the school day, this still requires a considerable amount of work to be done at evenings or weekends.

We will track your progress on a regular basis throughout your time in your Sixth Form. We use data from a dedicated system to produce challenging but achievable target grades for each student. The mentoring process supports students in meeting or bettering these initial targets.

A LevelsOur policy is that all students will study three A Levels or equivalent as a two year course. We will also support those students who wish to study four A Levels, providing that they are fully committed to the workload, the study programme and we can fit the choices within our option structure.

All students will be offered advice and guidance on the selection of appropriate course choices during the application process.

“ At BCS, I have found happiness within myself and this is down to having a good working relationship with my teachers and other staff. ” MOLLY

It is important to understand that although we will endeavour to deliver as many of the courses on offer as we can, they must attract sufficient demand for them to be viable. Any courses that attract very small numbers of students may not run.

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Admissions Our Sixth Form offers opportunities for as wide a range of students as possible. However, we expect everyone who joins us to be able to demonstrate they are serious about their studies and committed to working with us to be successful. Students should be able to show that they have the determination, as well as the ability, to achieve. We expect all of our students to have high levels of attendance and punctuality and a real commitment to making the most of the opportunities that Buxton Community School will offer. We do recognise the additional barriers or pressures some young people face and work hard to help them to overcome these. For example, we support students who are young carers for family members and young people in care.

Students intending to follow A Level courses must have achieved at least five GCSE passes at grade 4 or above including English and maths, some subjects require students to have achieved a grade 5 or above at GCSE in order to take the A Level in that subject.

GCSE re-sits are offered in maths and English for those students who have not yet achieved a grade 4.

Enhancement courses/opportunitiesAs well as working towards academic success we believe your time in the Sixth Form should allow you to get involved in activities that enable you to develop your skills and qualities as well as your life experience. Involvement in a range of activities beyond your chosen subjects will provide you with evidence of your skills, qualities, motivation and enthusiasm. This is essential when

preparing for the world of work or for Higher Education.

Opportunities at Buxton Community School include:

• First Aid Qualifications • Extended Project Qualification • Post 16 Mentoring scheme • Compulsory Work Experience and/or Work

Placements locally, nationally or even abroad to be completed before the start of Year 13

• Community Service Opportunities • Opportunities for involvement in the wider school

and the Sixth Form Committee. • Paired Reading • Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award • Sports Teams • Recreational Activities• Food Hygiene Certificate• School Sports Leadership Award

For details of all learning pathways and our Enhancement Programme, please talk to staff at our dedicated Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 24th October 2019 or contact our school on 01298 23122 or [email protected] for an appointment.

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Courses on OfferAll courses listed are for A Level unless otherwise stated

AQA Extended Level 3 Certificate in Applied Science This vocational qualification gives students a practical introduction to science. Topics covered include; applied experimental techniques and science in the modern world, undertaking a scientific investigation and optional units in biology, chemistry and physics. A mixture of internal and external assessments, means students can apply their knowledge in a practical way. Please note that this qualification also attracts UCAS tariff points.

Art A natural progression from GCSE Art and Design or Fine Art. You will study a much higher standard of practical work than experienced at GCSE, and you must be able to cope with the written and in depth research of a personal investigation. Successful candidates would usually be expected to have gained at least a grade 5/6 or equivalent to enter A Level, but please discuss this with Mr Moore.

The qualification you will enter will be AQA A Level Art and Design: Fine Art, consisting mainly of painting and drawing skills. You will be entered for the full A Level qualification over a two year course.

It is estimated you will need to spend a minimum of five hours of additional work each week, outside of the taught lesson time. Independence, enthusiasm and a strong work ethic are excellent qualities to have in your approach to this course.

“ The teachers here are amazing and the small size of the Sixth Form means you don’t get lost in the system.” ELIOTT

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Biology The course offers students an exciting opportunity to build on and delve deeper into the biology topics studied at GCSE. The course is designed to inspire students, nurture a passion for biology and lay the ground work for further study in courses like biological sciences, nursing, medicine and veterinary science. It is also an excellent A Level for those just interested in how living organisms survive and function!

Biology is fundamentally an experimental subject so throughout the course there are opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality.

Students will cover areas such as cellular mechanisms, genetics and variation, ecology, biological molecules and genetic developments.

A good grade 6 is required in Triple Biology or Combined Science at GCSE to study this course.

Business Studies The course assumes no prior knowledge of Business Studies; however, an interest in current business and economic issues would be an advantage. The course would ideally suit students who prefer to sit exams and want to find out more about how businesses work both in the private and public sector whilst developing an understanding of the external pressure on businesses as barriers to their success.

A Level Business follows the AQA specification.

Business students will study business in a variety of contexts (eg large/small, UK focused/global, service/manufacturing) and consider :• the importance of the context of business in relation

to decision making• the interrelated nature of business activities and how

they affect competitiveness• the competitive environment and the markets in

which businesses operate• the influences on functional decisions and plans

including ethical and environmental issues• the factors that might determine whether a decision

is successful, eg the quality of data and the degree of uncertainty

• how technology is changing the way decisions are made and how businesses operate and compete

• the impact on stakeholders of functional decisions and their response to such decisions.

You will be required to develop an understanding of non-quantitative and quantitative data in decision making (including the interpretation of index numbers and calculations such as ratios and percentages).

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Key topics:What is business?

Managers, leadership and decision making

Finance and Accounting

Understanding Human Resources

Decision making to improve operational performance

Analysing the strategic position of a business

How to pursue strategies

Managing change

Understanding economics and the external environment

You will be required to sit 3 exams at the end of the 2 year course: • paper 1 – written exam 2 hours – including multi

choice and data response• paper 2 – written exam 2 hours – data response

questions• paper 3 – written exam 2 hours – based on a pre-

release case study. Progression routes (career choices)Business students who have completed an A Level course have a range of options. The course can open up a wide range of career opportunities including: management, accountancy, HR, marketing and sales. Whether you want to go to university or look for work after sixth form then the A Level Business course is ideal for you.

“ Teachers will willingly mark any extra work you do and provide useful feedback to help you improve. The teachers care about your education and push you to work hard. ” JASMINE

Chemistry Current course structure: This course builds on the Chemistry topics studied at GCSE. In order to study this course you will need a good grade 6 in either Chemistry or in Combined Science and grade 5 in GCSE Maths.

Students are introduced to the chemical reactivity of atoms and molecules and an understanding of their structures. The development and use of the periodic table is explained. Topics covered include collision theory and effect, definitions of oxidation and reduction and the extraction of metals, the study of kinetics, equilibria, organic chemistry and spectroscopic techniques to determine the molecular formulae and structures of organic compounds. Other units of work incorporate learning in areas such as acids and bases, polymers and properties of transition metals.

Essential practical skills such as making observations and taking measurements are developed alongside analysing and evaluating results.

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Design and Technology A minimum GCSE Grade 4/5 in a related subject is the entry requirement. The course is in Product Design and is intended to stimulate students’ creativity and innovation, provide progression from GCSE, enable students to follow either a broad-based or more specialist course and link learning to industry.

Students increase their understanding of design, materials, manufacture and marketing. Historical aspects of design and technology are studied as well as skills in using ICT in design, understanding consumer behaviour and collaborative ways of working. Critical and evaluation skills are also developed.

Assessment is through written exam papers and coursework that includes both projects and a portfolio of design work. As part of the course, students are required to produce evidence of a single, substantial design and manufacture activity.

“ The most supportive and lovely team ever, where you are treated as an individual rather than a number.” MOLLY

English Language Do you have a passion for words and language? A desire to understand how writers use language to manipulate their readers? If you do and you want to understand how the English language works you will enjoy studying English language at A Level.

We would expect you to have shown skills in reading texts for meaning and writing for a range of situations during your GCSE course. Due to the analytical nature of the course, students who have achieved lower than a grade 5 in GCSE English language will find the course highly challenging.

Students learn key linguistic concepts and frameworks for the study of language, and then apply these by analysing a wide range of spoken and written texts. You will study current hot topics in language study and how language is affected by gender, technology and power. You will also study how children acquire spoken language and how language has changed over time from the 1600s to the present day. You will complete your own investigation into an area of language use.

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English LiteratureTo be, or not to be… a student of English Literature? That is the question. If you have a passion for literature as a medium for examining our human nature, as well as exploring different cultures and contexts, then the answer is yes.

For those with a passion for reading, this course will provide a range of challenging texts. After reading them independently, students are given the opportunity to discuss them with their peers, bringing unique and thoughtful interpretations, before learning how to communicate their ideas in written form.

Students complete a module entitled, ‘Love through the ages’, during which they explore the presentation of a diverse range of relationships through the study of a Shakespeare play, an anthology of poems, and two prose texts.

A second module entitled ‘World War 1 and its aftermath’ requires students to study one prose text, one drama text and an anthology of poetry, all of which explore the impact and aftermath of World War one.

In addition to these aspects of the course, students get the opportunity to conduct a comparative critical study of two texts, one of which must have been written pre-1900. This independent, extended essay of 2500 words counts for 20% of the overall A Level grade.

Students considering applying to study English Literature at A Level should have enjoyed this subject throughout school, and should have achieved a minimum of a grade 5 at GCSE level.

Geography Geographers have a passion for the world in which they live and desire to learn more about the processes that drive both physical and human change. It is suited to students who are passionate about our planet, the impact of humans on it and have a genuine interest in geopolitics. Geography A Level is extremely varied and gives you the chance to keep your options open as it covers both arts and science components.

Geography covers the following physical and human core and optional themes:• The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity • The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security • Tectonic Processes and Hazards • Coastal Landscapes and Change• Globalisation Regenerating Places Superpowers• Global Development and Connections with a focus

on Health, Human Rights and Intervention.

The course involves 3 x 2 1/4 hour written examinations and an independent investigation of 5000 words. Fieldwork plays an integral part of the course but does come at a cost of approx £300 which needs to be taken into account when choosing this as an option.

An A Level in Geography opens the door to many different degrees beyond the sixth form as it is a highly respected and facilitating subject.

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History

“ How do you know who you are unless you know where you’ve come from? .… History isn’t just about the past. It’s about why we are who we are – and about what’s next” TONY ROBINSON, ACTOR AND TELEVISION PRESENTER, 20TH CENTURY AD

Ideally students require a GCSE History Grade C minimum if they have studied the subject at KS4. Grade 5 in English Language is also desirable, but is essential if students have not studied History at GCSE.

Students will be following the GCE AQA syllabus. The A Level will require students to study 3 units over the 2 years. Students will investigate the Quest for German stability 1871 - 1991 and the Making of Modern Britain 1951-2007. Both of these units will be assessed by a written exam where students will be expected to write three essays.

The final coursework unit will focus on developing students’ skills of historical facts. Students will be required to study an historical issue over 100 years and complete an extended essay on a topic of their choice. Alternatively, a taught unit will be offered along with a set question for students to answer.

BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Information TechnologyThe objective of this Pearson qualification is to give learners the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in IT. Learners study the relationship between hardware and software, managing and communicating information and data, and the principles of designing and developing digital technologies and processes to support organisations.

This qualification also includes a choice of optional units, covering areas such as data modelling and analytics, mobile internet technologies, creative technologies and enterprise for IT.

This will allow progression to a variety of degrees when combined with other suitable Level 3 qualifications.

What could this qualification lead to?In addition to the IT sector - specific content outlined above, the requirements of the qualification enable learners to develop the transferable and higher-order skills that are highly regarded by higher education providers and employers. For example, the study of IT particularly encourages development of research and analysis skills, project management and prioritising, effective communications, the synthesis skills of adapting and integrating, and the evaluation skills of assessing, interpreting and validating.

This qualification meets the requirements for progression to some degree programmes in IT or related study such as an HNC or HND in Computing, IT, Engineering and Business Management. For progression to a degree course, learners should study this qualification alongside

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other qualifications, such as an A Level or BTEC Extended Certificate in a different or complementary subject area, which will give access to a range of courses such as:• BSc (Hons) in Computer Animation• BSc (Hons) in Digital Media• BSc (Hons) in Web Technologies• BSc (Hons) in Information Systems.

2 units each year in Year 12 and 13:Mandatory Group A Units; Information Technology Systems, Creating Systems to Manage Information and Using Social Media in Business.

Mandatory Group B Unit; Website Development.

Equivalent in size to 1A LevelMandatory content (76%).External assessment (41%).

There is no pre-requisite to have studied ICT or Computer Science at GCSE. However; candidates will need to show passion and commitment for the subject to be allowed to undertake it.

Mathematics Maths and Further Maths are versatile qualifications, well-respected by employers and are both facilitating subjects for entry to higher education. Careers for men and women with good mathematics skills and qualifications are not only well paid, but they are also often interesting and rewarding.

Studying mathematics enables you to become better at thinking logically and analytically. Through solving problems you develop resilience and are able to think creatively and strategically. The writing of structured solutions, proof and justification of results help you to formulate reasoned arguments. And importantly you will have excellent numeracy skills and the ability to process and interpret data.

The mathematical skills you learn in A level Maths are of great benefit in other subjects, such as physics, chemistry, biology, computing, geography, psychology, economics and business studies. It is also important to have strong mathematical skills for progression to many university courses. For most science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees courses, A level Maths is a requirement.

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A Level Mathematics Students will be assessed through three 2 hour long exams at the end of Year 13. Paper 1 covers only Pure Maths topics and includes: proof, algebra and functions, coordinate geometry in the (x,y) plane, sequences and series, trigonometry, exponentials and logarithms, differentiation, integration, numerical methods and vectorsPaper 2 will contain a mixture of Pure Maths and Mechanics. Mechanics features topics such as quantities and units in mechanics, kinematics, forces, Newton’s laws and moments.

Paper 3 will be a mixture of Pure Maths and Statistics. In the statistics topics we will study statistical sampling, data presentation and interpretation, probability, statistical distributions and statistical hypothesis testing. Students should have a minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE.

A Level Further Maths Any students who wish to pursue a mathematics related degree at university should consider studying Further Maths. It develops the work studied in A Level Maths. Students will be assessed through three 2 hour long exams at the end of Year 13. Paper 1 and Paper 2 assess Pure Maths only and include questions on: proof, complex numbers, matrices, further algebra and functions, further calculus, further vectors, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions, differential equations, trigonometry and coordinate geometry.Paper 3 will assess a combination of mechanics and

discrete maths. The mechanics topics include: dimensional analysis, momentum and collisions, work, energy and power, circular motion and centres of mass and moments.

The discrete maths topics include: network problems, game theory groups, critical path analysis, graph theory and linear programming. Students should have a minimum of a grade 8 at GCSE.

WJEC A Level Film Studies Course OutlineThe new Film Studies A level launched in September 2017 and is a contemporary and relevant course that will engage and challenge all learners. It is both academic and practical, and students will learn how theory supports practice in both the examined elements of the course and in film production coursework.

Students will begin the course with an introduction to the history of the film industry and the Hollywood studio system, be given the tools to analyse film form and language and be introduced to the concept of spectatorship (audiences). They will deepen their understanding as they move on to study a diverse range of set texts both Hollywood and independent from around the globe, encompassing silent movies, documentary, and experimental films. They will learn to analyse and discuss how each film has been created, using a range of critical approaches and will also explore how each film is a product of the industry, era and society that created it.

AssessmentThe course is examined in three components, which comprises 2 written exams at the end of Y13 (70%) and practical film production coursework (30%).

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PAPER 1SIX films will be studied for this paper

Section A: Hollywood 1930 – 1990 (comparative study) Students will study 2 films to compare, one made before 1960, one after. For example, these could be:• Some Like It Hot & Do the Right Thing or• Vertigo & One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s NestSection B: American Film since 2005 (two-film study)Students will study 2 films, one mainstream Hollywood and one indie. For example, the mainstream could be one of the following:• Inception or La La LandThe indie film could be:• Winter’s Bone or Boyhood

Section C: British film since 1995 (two-film study)Students will study 2 films which could be from the list below:• Trainspotting• Sweet Sixteen• This Is England• Secrets and Lies

PAPER 2FIVE films will be studied for this paper

Section A: Global FilmStudents will study two global films, which could be from:• City of God• Pan’s Labyrinth• Wild Tales• Mustang

Section B: Documentary filmStudents will study one film, which could be:• 200,000 Days on Earth• Amy• Stories We Tell

Section C: Silent CinemaStudents will study an early silent movie, for example a Buster Keaton comedy or Eisenstein’s ‘Strike’

Section D: Experimental FilmStudents will study one film that changed cinema, such as:• Pulp Fiction• Fallen Angels• Timecode

COURSEWORKStudents will study a selection of short films in order to create a film or write a screen play for a short film of their own.They will also complete a written evaluation of their production.

SkillsFilm Studies students will need to have a keen interest in film and media, have some creative flair and a willingness to plan, investigate, explore and make their own productions. Students will need to be independent learners. You do not need to have studied media or film at GCSE, although this would be an advantage.

A Level Film Studies helps students to develop sophisticated critical skills and the texts studied will provide rich and challenging opportunities for interpretation and in-depth critical analysis.

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Modern Languages A Level courses are offered in MFL.

Do you want to follow a course which is both challenging and rewarding? There are many exciting career opportunities available for those who acquire language qualifications! In order to study MFL at this Level, candidates should have acquired the knowledge, understanding and skills equivalent to those specified for the GCSE Higher Tier. Therefore, we would usually recommend at least a grade 5/6 at GCSE.

The course will cover a range of issues including social issues, trends, political, intellectual and artistic culture. Students will listen and respond to a variety of authentic spoken and written sources. They will also gain the language and information to discuss literature and the cinema in writing and to conduct individual research on a topic of personal interest culminating in an oral presentation and discussion. Assessment is through examinations in the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Level 3 BTEC Extended Certificate in MusicThe programme covers a broad basis of study for the music sector with a focus on performance, personal instrumental technique development, music theory and professional practice.

Students complete 4 units of which 3 are mandatory and the 4th is optional.

Mandatory units include –

• Music Performance Brief Learners plan, prepare and deliver a musical

performance from start to finish.

• Music Composition Brief Learners explore music theory and its application

through composition. They will use music technology to produce a composition in response to a given brief.

• Professional Practice in the Music Industry Learners explore what it is that makes someone a

professional in the music industry and how to put forward a bid for work.

Optional units include:• Arranging Music• Composing Music• Music Promotion• Solo Performance• Ensemble Performance• Music Software Skills

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A Level MusicCourse Requirements:Music GCSE Grade B or Grade 5 ABRSM (or equivalent) on first instrument and Grade 5 ABRSM Music Theory.

AS ExaminationsUnit 1 – MUSC1Influences on Music30% of AS, 15% of A Level1 hour 45 minutes written examinations - 80 marks

Unit 2 – MUSC2Composing: Creating Musical Ideas30% of AS, 15% of A LevelExternally Assessed Coursework - 60 marks

Unit 3 – MUSC3Performing: Interpreting Musical Ideas40% of AS, 20% of A Level10-16 minutes Internally Assessed - 80 marks

A2 ExaminationsUnit 4 – MUSC4Music in Context20% of A Level2 hours 15 minutes written examination - 100 marks

Unit 5 – MUSC5Composing: Developing Musical Ideas15% of A LevelExternally Assessed Coursework - 60 marks

Unit 6 – MUSC6Performing: A Musical Performance15% of A Level10-15 minutes Externally Assessed - 60 marks

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Level 3 Btec Extended Certificate in Performing Arts (Drama) The course is comprised of four units: units 1 – 3 are mandatory, with unit 4 being an optional unit where the teacher can choose the option most suitable for the cohort.

Unit 1: Investigating practitioners’ work

Unit 2: Developing skills and techniques for live performance

Unit 3: Group performance workshop

Unit 4: Variety performance (subject to change)

Physical Education This course has been designed to provide progression from GCSE and to form a sound foundation for study in higher education. You are not required to have studied PE at GCSE, but it would be an advantage. It relates well to other subjects in both social and natural sciences. The theory in the course is related to practical work throughout.

Year 12 covers work on anatomy and physiology, contemporary issues and skill acquisition as well as practical coursework. In the latter, students are assessed on one activity and a and a piece of work on evaluation and appreciation.

In Year 13 students study areas such as historical perspectives, comparative studies, exercise physiology and sports psychology. There is further assessment in one practical coursework activity and observation / analysis skills.

It is essential to be playing regular competitive sport out of school at least to club level.

Physics Current course structure : The course builds on the Physics topics studied at GCSE. In order to study this course you would need a minimum of a good grade 6 GCSE in either Physics or Combined Science and a grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics.

This course is designed to: • enable smooth progression from previous GCSE

studies in Physics • develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of the

principles of physics • gain hands-on practical skills and data analysis skills • appreciate how science works and its relevance

beyond the laboratory • see how physics links to other sciences and how the

subject underpins important technologies • study optional topics to allow students to specialise.

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Psychology Students do not need to have studied psychology at GCSE however as 20% of the marks and assessments require mathematical and scientific research method skills, students will be expected to have a grade 5 in all core subjects; English, maths and science.

The course is taught on the basis that it will be a new subject for all. However, it is essential that students come into this course with interest and enthusiasm and it is important that they are prepared to discuss their own ideas and use their study periods each week to undertake independent study and wider research. Students will also be expected to regularly practise their ability to undertake extended writing in timed conditions, in order to further keep up with the demands of the new style of paper.

In Y12 students study different approaches to psychology as well as research methods used to investigate human and animal behaviour – there is a large section on biopsychology. Other topics studied include social influence, memory, attachment and psychopathology.

In Y13 students study areas such as; aggressive psychology, gender, schizophrenia and psychological debates.

Psychology relates well to most other subjects and leads to a range of career progression.

“ I love how friendly the atmosphere is; everyone gets along and joins in with activities because no one is judged. ” BECKY

Philosophy & Ethics Ideally, students will get a 4 in English and a 5 in RS/Philosophy GCSE. The course aims to:• Introduce students to philosophical thinking and

theories.• Study the history of religious, philosophical and

anthropological thought.• Stimulate ethical debate• Enable students to formulate good, valid and reasoned

arguments. • Develop key skills in critical thinking and essay writing. • Develop an enquiring, critical and empathetic

approach to the study of ethics and philosophy of religion.

We are on the new OCR A level course. The two years consist of three main strands:1. Philosophy – Ancient Philosophy (Aristotle & Plato),

Body and Soul, Life after Death, Evil and Suffering, Religious Experience.

2. Ethics – Study of ethical theories (Kantian, Utilitarianism, Natural Law Theory) applied to Euthanasia, Sex Ethics and Business Ethics.

3. Theology – Study of the role of Christianity in today’s society, the sources of authority available to adherents and studies of theologians like Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Forms of assessment• Students sit an exam at the end of the two year

course for each unit. • All three exams last 2 hours each and count equally

towards your final grade. • There is no coursework. • Students answer 3 questions - worth 40 marks each -

on every paper.


Buxton Community Sixth FormCollege RoadBuxtonDerbyshireSK17 9EA

Tel: 01298 23122E-mail: [email protected]: www.buxton.derbyshire.sch.uk

Created by www.concept4.com (ref J13828-08/2019)

Sixth Formers from Buxton Community

School have been very successful in obtaining

First Class and 2:1 Honours Degrees from a

wide variety of universities including; Oxford &

Cambridge, Durham, Warwick, Bristol, Sheffield,

Manchester, Chester, Nottingham, Birmingham,

Leeds, York and many more.

sixth form annual information booklet

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