Key Stage 5 Curriculum
A Level English Literature
Grades Needed: Min GCSE 6
Location: Heathlands
The aims and objectives of the English Literature qualification is to enable students to:
- read widely and independently set texts and others that they have selected for themselves
- engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them
- develop and effectively apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation
- explore the contexts of texts and others’ interpretations of them
- undertake independent and sustained studies to deepen their appreciation and understanding of literature, including its changing traditions.
This course consists of three externally examined papers and one non-examination assessment component:
Component 1: Drama
Students will study one Shakespeare play and one other drama. They will also study critical essays related to their selected Shakespeare play.
Component 2: Prose
Students will study two prose texts from a chosen theme e.g. The Supernatural or Women and Society.
Component 3: Poetry
Students will study poetic form, meaning and language from a selection of post-2000 specified poetry and a range of poetry from either a literary period or a named poet.
Coursework
Students will produce one extended comparative essay referring to two texts of their own choice.
A Level Maths
Grades Needed: Min GCSE 6
Location: Heathlands
The A Level mathematics curriculum aims to encourage students to build their confidence in learning and applying their mathematical knowledge and skills across other subject lessons as well as in real life applications.
This is because mathematical cognitive thinking is the base of STEM subjects, engineering and digital technological courses.
The A Level curriculum consists of Algebra and Proof; Geometry, Calculus; Trigonometry; Exponentials and Logarithms. Sequences and series; Numerical methods; Statistics and Mechanics.
A Level Biology
Grades Needed: Min GCSE 6 6 in Combined Science, Min GCSE Maths & English 5
Location:At consortium school with CSW support
In A Level Biology you will discover in depth about areas you have just touched on at GCSE. For example,in biological molecules you will learn the detailed structure of different isomers of glucose and how these form polymers of glycogen, starch and cellulose. You will learn the structure of phospholipids and apply this understanding to the complex detail of cell surface membranes.
A Level Biology requires a curiosity and interest in the biological world, a strong commitment to daily independent study, a passion to read sources beyond the classroom and an ability to develop precise practical techniques.
Assessment includes twelve assessed practicals where you demonstrate your investigation skills and three written exam papers. One written exam includes a synoptic essay question where you will need to bring together your knowledge of the whole course.
To reach the highest marks you will need to be reading beyond the syllabus to gain a breadth and depth of biological understanding.
A Level Chemistry
Grades Needed: Min GCSE 6 6 in Combined Science, Min GCSE Maths 5, English 5
Location: Heathlands
Chemistry helps you to develop research, problem solving and analytical skills. It will encourage you to challenge ideas and show you how you worked things out through logic and step-by-step reasoning.
A Level Chemistry (AQA) covers physical, inorganic and organic topics, alongside practical skills.
Examples of topics covered:
Physical: Atomic Structure, Amount of Substance, Bonding, Energetics, Chemical Equilibria, Thermodynamics.
Inorganic: Periodicity, The Alkaline Earth Metals, The Halogens, Transition Metals, Reaction of Ions in Aqueous Solution.
Organic: Alkanes, Halogenoalkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols.
A separate endorsement of practical skills will be taken alongside the A Level. This will be assessed by teachers and will be based on direct observation of your competency in a range of skills that are not assessable in written exams. There is no coursework.
Assessment is in the form of three exam written papers each lasting two hours.
Core Maths
Grades Needed: Min GCSE 4
Location: Heathlands
Core Maths is intended for students who have passed GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 or better, but who have not chosen to study AS or A level Mathematics. It can be studied in a single year or over a two-year period and can be taken alongside A levels or other qualifications, including vocational courses.
Studying Core Maths helps students develop their quantitative and problem-solving skills. This is valuable preparation for the quantitative skills they will need for many degree courses, particularly subjects such as psychology, geography, business-related courses, sports and social sciences, and natural science courses that do not require AS/A Mathematics.
This qualification is equivalent to AS Level with the same UCAS points.
British Sign Language Signature Level 3 and 4
Grades Needed: GCSE grade English 4
Location: Heathlands
Level 3 Certificate (equivalent to A level) in British Sign Language will develop their skills and knowledge of BSL in order to understand and use it in a range of work and social situations.
Students will gain an advanced knowledge of the structure and function of BSL and an understanding of the Deaf community and Deaf Culture.
There are 3 external exams (presentation, conversation and receptive) taken at the end of the course.
A Level Geography
Grades Needed: GCSE Grade 6
Location: Heathlands
Geography is highly valued by universities as an A Level choice, and combines well with both arts and science subjects.
The AQA specification includes a selection of new, interesting topics not covered at GCSE level, and allows you to go into greater depth in some key elements previously studied. It covers both the physical and human environments and the complex interaction of processes that shape our world. Very transferable geographical skills are taught throughout the course.
Students will study water and carbon cycles, coasts, global systems and governance, contemporary urban environments, hazards and changing places.
Assessment is in the form of 2 written exams (2 ½ hours each) plus a fieldwork investigation.
Component 1: Physical Geography (40%)
Component 2: Human Geography (40%)
Component 3: Fieldwork Investigation – 3-4000 words on a topic of their choice using data collected in the field. (20%)
A Level Photography
Grades Needed: Preferably a Grade 5 in GCSE Art
Location: At consortium school with CSW support
5 hours per week (plus independent study 4 hours per week)
Learning how to take interesting pictures, develop film, controlled printing in the dark room, using studio equipment as well as electronic imaging. Manipulation of photographs using artistic approaches and materials. Students explore project theme/s using the camera as their medium.
Research and analysis of artists and photographers work to inform their own ideas.
A final practical exam is set by the exam board.
A Level Psychology
Grades Needed: At least a grade 5 in Maths, English and Science.
Location: At consortium school with CSW support
Psychology will appeal to a cross-section of students, regardless of whether they have studied the subject before. It builds on skills developed in the sciences and humanities which enables progression into a wide range of other subjects.
Students are able to develop their understanding through a number of applications including Criminology, Relationships, Aggression and Addiction in Psychology. Students will also conduct a number of practical investigations and develop an understanding of how science works.
These qualifications are linear. Linear means that students will sit all the AS exams at the end of their AS course and all the A-level exams at the end of their A-level course.
A Level English Sociology
Grades Needed: At least a grade 5 in Maths, English and Science
Location: At consortium school with CSW support
Sociology is a fascinating subject with its many interesting theories and topics it will appeal to anyone interested in understanding the world they live in. Sociology allows you to challenge the taken for granted and critically examine and explain the social world around you whilst considering alternative points of view.
AQA Sociology is full of thought-provoking questions, arguments, explanations, and evidence-based studies with helpful tips, exercises and assessments to help you achieve the best possible grade in your examination. A range of teaching and learning styles are embedded throughout the course. You will be guided carefully through the syllabus in stages so that you will see your skills and knowledge improving week by week.
All 3 exams are taken at the end of Year 2. Each paper is worth 33.3% of the final grade.
Assessment:
For the full A Level course you will need to take all three papers together in the same exam series to achieve this qualification.
Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods is worth 33.3% of the full A Level grade.
Paper 2: Families and Households and Beliefs in Society is worth 33.3% of the full A Level grade.
Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods is worth 33.3% of the full A Level grade.
Students learning Sociology at Marlborough will study the following two AQA options:
Option 1: Families and Households
Option 2: (Beliefs in Society) though this may be subject to change*
AS Level Art Craft & Design – only Personal Creative Enquiry component. (one year)
Grades Needed: Min GCSE Grade 5
Location: Heathlands
Personal Creative Enquiry: No time limit, 160 marks and 60% of A-Level/ 100% of AS Level. This includes a 3,000 word essay to explain your project. A practical portfolio with supporting contextual research in response to a set theme. The portfolio may be presented in a format appropriate to the specialism and area of study chosen.A related study using words and illustrations demonstrating the context in which their portfolio exists, exploring the relevant genre, subject matter, movement or historical framework of the selected theme.
A Level Art Craft & Design – all three components. (two years)
Grades Needed: Min GCSE Grade 5
Location: Heathlands
Personal Investigation: No time limit, 160 marks and 36% of A Level. This is a major in-depth critical, practical and theoretical investigative project/portfolio and outcome/s based on themes and subject matter that have personal significance. 2. An extended written element of 1000 words minimum, which may contain images and texts and must clearly relate to practical and theoretical work using an appropriate working vocabulary and specialist terminology.
Externally Set Assignment: Preparatory period from 1st February + 15 hours supervised time, 100 marks and 24% of A-Level. Students can choose a starting point from any of the seven given themes for which they will generate an appropriate personal response for assessment. They will carry out preparatory work to research, plan and develop their ideas, before engaging in 15 hours of supervised time to complete their work.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Business
Grades Needed: GCSE points score 38 GCSE Maths and English
Location: At consortium school with CSW support
The course is equivalent to one A Level and gives students a broad introduction to the business and enterprise industry, with an emphasis on core knowledge and fundamental skills that are transferable across other sectors.
The following units of study are covered within the courses:
- Financial planning
- Business dynamics
- Entrepreneurial opportunities
- Management and leading people
The course comprises 6 units, of which 4 units are internally assessed controlled assessment projects and 2 units (50% of the total qualification) are externally set examinations – one at the end of Yr 12 and one at the end of Yr 13.
You will be asked to carry out detailed research on relevant topics and you will be required to complete home learning in the form of business reports, essays and presentations. The controlled assessment units will be well structured and provide students with as much support as needed.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Sport and Fitness.
Grades Needed: GCSE points score 38 GCSE Maths and English
Location: At consortium school with CSW support
The course is aimed at students who have a passion for sport and are looking to follow a career in sports performance, coaching/teaching, officiating or medicine. It is a two year course and is equivalent to one A Level. It is designed to be taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels.
The course uses a combination of assessment styles to help students apply their knowledge to succeed in the workplace and develop study skills to continue on to Higher Education. Students will study each unit in depth to acquire a range of practical and transferable skills. There will be practical and written assessments to help students to showcase their learning.
The course content will include four units:-
- Anatomy and physiology;
- Fitness training and programming for health, sport and wellbeing;
- Professional development in the sports industry;
- Sports psychology.
The units will be assessed on a scale of Distinction*, Distinction, Merit, Pass and unclassified.