• Unit 1 – Coursework
• Unit 2 – Coursework
• Unit 3 – Exam
• Unit 4 – Coursework
• Unit 5 – Coursework
• Unit 6 – Exam

What does the course involve?

The AS/A2 level course builds upon the three strands covered at GCSE:

• Listening (40%), Performing (30%) and Composing (30%). The course is flexible enough to suit a variety of musical tastes and it is possible to create your own path though composition and performance work. In terms of performance there are no limits and you may perform in any style on any instrument. However, a minimum of Grade 4 or equivalent is expected at this level. Performances must include solo work, an ensemble piece and the performance of a composition.
• The Composition unit involves two main strands: Compositional techniques exercises and a composition. Techniques exercises are chosen by the teacher from a selection of topics including Serialism, Bach Chorale and many others. The composition is chosen by the student, similarly from a variety of topics, amongst which are Variations, Popular Song, Romantic Miniatures, Club Dance and Hip Hop, Music Theatre and Film and Television.
• The Listening and understanding of music is achieved through the in depth study of two musical areas. Once again, these are chosen by the teacher and may, for example, involve set works in both Secular Vocal Music and Popular Music and Jazz (there are nine different options). Extensive listening work also forms a significant part of this unit.

What qualifications do I need?

It is highly desirable for you to have studied music at GCSE, although it is not absolutely essential. As long as you are a competent musician, with a sound grasp of music theory and various musical forms and styles, the AS/A2 level course could also be suitable for you. A very important quality for all those wishing to embark on this course, however, is a genuine interest in ALL musical styles, forms and periods. It is expected that you will engage in listening to music on a regular basis and that you will be involved in a number of extra-curricular musical opportunities. A minimum of Grade 4 or equivalent has already been mentioned in terms of performance work.

Equipment

The facilities of the School music centre will be available to you, including practice rooms, acoustic and electronic instruments, recording facilities and computer-based composing, sequencing and notation software.

Assessment

40% Listening, 30% Composing, 30% Performing – Internal and External.

Future Prospects

Approximately half of students who study music at AS/A2 continue their music studies at University. Other music students have used their talents for recreation rather than employment. Musical qualifications are highly regarded by prospective employers and further education establishments as evidence of commitment and ability.

What does the course involve?

The study of History is popular. Those who enjoy finding out about the past discover themselves fascinated by the inter-involvement of different threads and themes. If you want to know why something is the way it is today then History is for you. You will study the history of a variety of countries, and develop a variety of academic skills. These range from researching any topic, developing your own ideas and arguments whilst maintaining your objectivity and understanding the different sides of an argument.

What qualifications do I need?

What is necessary to study History at this level is simply an interest in the past and a reasonably good command of English. The prospective Historian needs to have an enquiring mind which demands evidence to prove theories. It is not essential to have studied the subject at GCSE.

Assessments

The course will involve the study of British and World History. This will be divided into four assessment units, two for AS and two for A2. Source analysis and interpretation, essay writing and coursework will all form part of the assessment.

• Unit 1 – Tsarist Russia 1854-1917
• Unit 2 – Life in Nazi Germany 1933-45
• Unit 3 – British State and People 1865-1915
• Unit 4 – Coursework. France 1783-1905

General Comments

Much of the study of History is based on research, both your own and other peoples. However, the beauty of this research is that it can be done in many ways. History is literally all around us so television programmes, the radio or visits to historical sites can help. Even the cinema can help to fuel your interest and set your research on the right track. The one crucial skill is being able to talk to your colleagues. Your ideas and research will inevitably lead you to disagree with those about you but that is what makes the study of history so fun. Where there is one view point there is always another. There is of course another reason to study history, it is fascinating. ‘Only a good for nothing is not interested in his past.’ Sigmund Freud

Future Prospects

History is quite simply unique among all subjects. It opens up career opportunities in any field. This is because it teaches you such a huge variety of skills that you will not find anywhere else. Ask any employer, be they from the medical profession or a captain of industry and they will tell you that history is a great qualification to have. For example, did you know that Lord Sainsbury the Chairman of Sainsbury’s supermarket, and Ali G both have history degrees? University courses for recent students have included not just an increasing number choosing to study History, but also Engineering, Medicine, Music, English and Law.

What current students say

• ‘Great subject, great teachers, great choice.‘
• ‘History is the one subject where you are allowed to have an argument (historical of course!) with your class mates and not get told off.‘
• ‘Without doubt the most interesting and fun subject I’ve studied.‘

• Unit 1: ELLA1 – Integrated Analysis and Text Production
• Unit 2: ELLA2 – Analysing Speech and its Representations
• Unit 3 – Comparative Analysis and Text Adaptation
• Unit 4 – Comparative Analysis Through Independent Study

What does the course involve?

If you like to be creative, if you are imaginative and analytical, and you find discussion-based work mentally stimulating, you should study this subject.

You will be expected to read and prepare in advance of the sessions so that class time can be spent on active tasks such as discussions and drama activities. As a follow up to lessons you will write analytical essays and creative writing responses. There will also be opportunities to visit theatres, cinema and universities to attend relevant lectures.

Depending on the levels of interest, three courses will be offered, all comprising four units of study, two at AS and two at A2:

We intend to offer two courses both comprising four units of study, two at AS and two at A2:

• AQA English Language and Literature: The focus here is to look closely at the way text is constructed and analyse how style and language is used to convey meaning. Students will study and compare a variety of set texts and produce their own writing.
• AQA English Literature A: The focus here is study how literature relates to, informs and comments on the wider world. At AS Level, a broad topic, such as World War One Literature, is taken and texts of different genres are closely studied and compared. At A2 Level, the topic taken is Love through the Ages and in Unit 4 students analyse three texts of their own choice, one of which must be a Shakespeare play.
• AQA English Language: The focus here is to increase your abilities in written and spoken English, and deepen your understanding of it. You will write for a variety of audiences and purposes as well as exploring speech and conversation.

What qualifications do I need?

It is essential that you gained at least a Grade C at GCSE in both English subjects.

Resources

All texts studied on the course are provided for students, though many prefer to buy their own. The library has a special, senior fiction section which has an expanding selection of books, and also an increasing range of Language resources.

Assessment

The total ‘A’ Level mark for the course is made up as follows:

AQA English Language and Literature:

• Three written examinations – 80%
• Coursework Unit – 20%

AQA English Literature A:

• Two written examinations – 60%
• Coursework – 40%

You can resit any of the modules once. Some exams are ‘open book’ which means that you can take the text in with you.

General Comments

Students must be prepared to read widely and, wherever possible, broaden their exposure to literature by attending live performances, listening to radio broadcasts and visiting the cinema.

Future Prospects

A’ Level English opens up many possibilities at post-18 because of the analytical, writing and oral skills you have gained. Successful English students typically embark on a variety of career paths, most popular are those linked to law, media, drama, journalism and education.

What does the course involve?

• How does an actor play and breathe life into his role?
• How does a director give life to the ideas in the play?
• How do you interpret an ordinary script into a stunning visual performance?

On this course, we will learn to do all of the above and more. You will be shown the wonderful diversity in theatre and will learn to analyse, interpret and create imaginative, stylish and effective theatre, whilst increasingly becoming a competent theatre practitioner. While this A level is rigorously academic, it is essentially practical and offers a unique approach to learning.

What qualifications do I need?

You need to be really enthusiastic about acting and theatre: watching it, doing it, talking about it and writing about it. Team-work is an essential element to the course. Students need to be very reliable in their attendance and punctuality, they need to like working creatively in teams and enjoy sharing and experimenting with ideas. There needs to be a willingness and independence in taking direction and developing both practical and academic skills. If you love drama and theatre and are able to commit your time and energy to your work, you will have a wonderful time on this course!

Assessment

AS Units

• Unit 1 - Exploration of drama and theatre Internally assessed evaluation & performance
• Unit 2 - Theatre text in performance Externally assessed performance

A2 Units

• Unit 3 – Exploration of dramatic performance Internally assessed research and performance
• Unit 4 – Theatre text in context Written examination

General Comments

The AS year is essentially about taking a play from the page to performance. You will begin by exploring two contrasting plays and learning about one recognised theatre practitioner. The approach is mostly practical with a high level of analysis. Through written and practical coursework assessment, you will demonstrate your understanding, practical skills and ideas. We will also visit the theatre to review plays and here you will learn to critique all aspects of the production with skill.

At the beginning of the A2 year, you will embark on an exciting project where you will draw on all of your experience, research and ideas to develop an original piece of theatre. You will be assessed on your rehearsal process, your performance and on a detailed written evaluation you will write. For your written exam, you have the wonderful opportunity to explore a play from the point of view of a Director. You will develop your own production ideas. Within the bounds of relevance, you are free to be as imaginative and daring as you wish. You will also write a critique of a historic play you have seen, drawing comparisons with the plays original performance context.

Future Prospects

Drama & Theatre Studies is accepted by universities. It is excellent preparation for a degree in Drama or Drama School training, however, the skills developed through this course are relevant to many different academic and professional areas. It combines very well with other Arts, Humanities and English.

Applications letter 2012

CAP learner guide