SEPTEMBER 2018

WELCOME

Welcome to Washwood Heath Sixth Form. As you start to take the first steps on a path which can take you to an exciting university place and a challenging, rewarding career, we are really excited about providing you with information about our Sixth Form to help you make that decision.

Post 16 education can be a bit daunting because so much seems to hang on what you achieve at this level. However, we pride ourselves on the provision we offer and we are confident that if you work hard and take advantage of the many opportunities available to you here at WHA you will achieve success.

We are proud of the achievements of our Sixth Form, and believe that the quality of teaching, learning and relationships with staff are the reason why we offer some of the best opportunities for young adults in the area.

SUBJECTS OFFERED IN THE SIXTH FORM

Choosing the right subjects to study in Sixth Form is a defining moment in your life as this often sets the pathway for University and your career beyond Higher Education. A ‘level subjects range from ones you have probably already met at GCSE to ones which sound interesting but which you may not know much about. It is important that you get good advice from teachers, parents and other students.

ACADEMIC A-LEVEL

Biology

Chemistry

English Language/Literature

History

Mathematics

Media Studies

Physics

Psychology

Religious Studies

Sociology

VOCATIONAL BTEC LEVEL 2 AND 3 COURSES

Business Studies

Construction

Health & Social Care

Information Technology

Law

Sport & Exercise

All our subjects offered at our Sixth Form are planned to support progression to specific job roles or to higher education at University. However, some combination of courses are advised for particular University courses and employment. You need to ensure you check University and employment websites if you have a particular path in mind.

Post 16 Pathways

Depending on your career choice and which entry requirements are required.

You will be guided along one of the following pathways.

Pathway 1 (2 YR Course) / Pathway 2 (2 YR Course) / Pathway 3 (3 YR Course)
A levels / Level 3 BTEC / Level 2 BTEC

P16 offer through pathways:

There will be 3 Pathways- 5 Lessons per week for each subject to best direct students to a suitable pathway based on ability, and to provide subject pathways that complement each other. Please see separate page for subject entry requirements.

  1. A Levels (2 years). Students will choose options from 3 blocks.
  1. L3 BTEC with re-sits (2 years) (all singular equivalent to 1 A Level to improve consistency). Students will choose options from 3 blocks. Where the 2-A level equivalent L3 BTEC is chosen in block A, students need to choose 1 other subject from another option block.
  1. L2 BTEC with re-sits (3 years). Students will choose options from 3 blocks.

QUALIFICATIONS / BLOCK A / BLOCK B / BLOCK C / BLOCK D
A LEVELS / MATHS
HISTORY
ENGLISH / PHYSICS
PSYCHOLOGY
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION / CHEMISTRY
SOCIOLOGY / BIOLOGY
MEDIA STUDIES
L3 BTECS
(with Maths/Eng re-sits) / *INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(2 A Levels)
*HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE (2 A Levels) / CONSTRUCTION
BUSINESS / SPORT / LAW
L2 BTECS
(with Maths/Eng
re-sits) / MATHS AND ENGLISH RESITS / CONSTRUCTION
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
SPORT / CONSTRUCTION
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY / BUSINESS
SPORT ACADEMY
(TO BE CONFIRMED)

OUR ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS


Biology

Course Name: AQA Biology 7401/7402

Exam Board: AQA

Qualification Level: A-level

Why choose this subject?

Biologists are scientists who study the natural world and all the living things in it, from the largest mammals down to our very own microscopic DNA. They try to understand how animals and organisms work (including us humans), how we evolved and the things that can make us sick or improve our health. Biologists use this knowledge to do things like try to stop the spread of disease, track down natural resources, improve public health, animal care and conservation and work out the true impacts of things like pollution. Biology is a key subject for lots of STEM careers, particularly in healthcare, medicine and jobs involving plants or animals. The list is pretty long and includes: nursing, dentistry, forensic science, psychology, physiotherapy, botany, environmental science, zoology, geology, oceanography, pharmaceuticals, energy, teaching, science writing, genetics and research.

What will I learn?

A-level Biology is a stepping stone to future study, the specifications allow students to develop the skills that the universities want to see. The course will inspire students, nurture a passion for Biology and lay the groundwork for further study in courses like biological sciences and medicine. Biology is fundamentally an experimental subject. These specifications provide numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality, and equip students with the essential practical skills they need.

AQA Core Content unit

1. Biological molecules

2. Cells

3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment

4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

5. Energy transfers in and between organisms

6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

8. The control of gene expression


How will I be assessed?

All students taking this Biology specification are expected to have carried out the required practical activities. These develop skills in the use of many of the following apparatus and techniques

For further information contact:

Mr M Akhtar (Head of Science Faculty)

Business Studies Level 3

Course Name: Pearson Level 3 BTEC in Business

Exam Board: Pearson (Edexcel)

Qualification Level: Equivalent in size to 1-3 A-Level’s

Why choose this subject?

The BTEC Business course is a two year, full-time course that meets entry requirements for students who want to progress onto higher education courses in business areas before entering employment. It can also support students who want to progress directly to employment in job roles in business or business management and Higher Apprenticeships in the business sector.

What will I learn?

The BTEC Level 3 BTEC in Business consists of up 13 units as follows (depending on the size of qualification you follow):

Units covered include:

  • Unit 1 – Exploring Business
  • Unit 2 – Developing a Marketing Campaign *
  • Unit 3 – Personal and Business Finance *
  • Unit 4 – Managing an event
  • Unit 5 – International Business
  • Unit 6 – Principle of Management *
  • Unit 7 – Business Decision Making *
  • Unit 8 – Recruitment and Selection Process
  • Unit 14 – Investigating Customer Service
  • Unit 18 – Creative Product Promotion
  • Unit 21- Training and Development
  • Unit 22 – Market Research
  • Unit 27 – Work Experience in Business

How will I be assessed?

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Business
Unit Number / Unit Title / GLH / Type / How assessed
Mandatory units
1 / Exploring Business / 90 / Mandatory / Internal
2 / Developing a Marketing Campaign / 90 / Mandatory / External
3 / Personal and Business Finance / 120 / Mandatory / External
4 / Managing an Event / 90 / Mandatory / Internal
5 / International Business / 90 / Mandatory / Internal
6 / Principles of Management / 120 / Mandatory / External
7 / Business Decision Making / 120 / Mandatory Synoptic / External
Additional units
8 / Recruitment and Selection Process / 60 / Additional / Internal
14 / Investigating Customer Service / 60 / Additional / Internal
18 / Creative Promotion / 60 / Additional / Internal
21 / Training and Development / 60 / Additional / Internal
22 / Market Research / 60 / Additional / Internal
27 / Work Experience in Business / 60 / Additional / Internal

For further information contact:

Miss J Hawkins, Business Teacher

Mr SAntell, Head of Faculty

Chemistry

Course Name: AQA Chemistry 7404/7405

Exam Board: AQA

Qualification Level: A-level

Why choose this subject?

Chemists conduct experiments to study how elements work in different conditions, test how they mix, and work out what they are made up of right down to the tiniest particle.The results can be ground breaking, colourful, explosive, or almost impossible to see. Chemists use their experiments and knowledge to develop medicines, foods, fabrics and other materials, from neon lights to shatterproof glass. They also use it to understand the world around us, from why leaves change colour to discovering invisible pollutants in the air.

What will I learn?

AQA A Level Chemistry Core content:

3.1.1 Atomic structure
3.1.2 Amount of substance
3.1.3 Bonding
3.1.4 Energetics
3.1.5 Kinetics
3.1.6 Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc
3.1.7 Oxidation, reduction and redox equations
3.1.8 Thermodynamics (A-level only
3.1.9 Rate equations (A-level only)
3.1.10 Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems (A-level only)
3.1.11 Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells (A-level only)
3.1.12 Acids and bases (A-level only) / 3.2 Inorganic chemistry
3.2.1 Periodicity
3.2.2 Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
3.2.3 Group 7(17), the halogens
3.2.4 Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides (A-level only)
3.2.5 Transition metals (A-level only)
3.2.6 Reactions of ions in aqueous solution (A-level only)
3.3 Organic chemistry
3.3.1 Introduction to organic chemistry
3.3.2 Alkanes
3.3.3 Halogenoalkanes
3.3.4 Alkenes
3.3.5 Alcohols / 3.3.6 Organic analysis
3.3.7 Optical isomerism (A-level only
3.3.8 Aldehydes and ketones (A-level only)
3.3.9 Carboxylic acids and derivatives (A-level only)
3.3.10 Aromatic chemistry (A-level only)
3.3.11 Amines (A-level only)
3.1.12 Acids and bases (A-level only)
3.3.13 Amino acids, proteins and DNA (A-level only)
3.3.14 Organic synthesis (A-level only)
3.3.15 Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (A-level only)
3.3.16 Chromatography (A-level only

All students taking this Chemistry specification are expected to have carried out the required practical activities. These develop skills in the use of many of the following apparatus and techniques

How will I be assessed?

For further information contact:

Mr M Akhtar (Head of Science Faculty)

Construction Level 2

Course Name: Construction BTEC Level 2

Exam Board: WJEC

Qualification Level: Level 2

Summary

WJEC Level 1/2 Awards in Planning and Maintaining the Built Environment offer a learning experience that focuses learning for 14-19 year olds through applied learning, i.e. acquiring and applying knowledge, skills and understanding through purposeful tasks set in sector or subject contexts that have many of the characteristics of real work.

Description

The indicative content defines the breadth and depth of learning for each assessment criteria. It is expected that all the indicative content will be delivered during the programme of learning. It is not required to assess every aspect of the content when assessing the unit. Learners will be expected to apply the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired through the learning to the specifics of the assessment context. In some learning outcomes unit content is given as an example (e.g.). This is used to exemplify the content only and learners can use any examples that they are taught in their summative assessments.

Units of Study

Unit Number / Unit Title / Assessment
9831 / Adding value to the built environment / External
9832 / Maintaining the built environment / Internal
9833 / Sustainable built environments / Internal

Entry Criteria

A genuine interest in pursuing a career within the Construction industry.

For further information contact:

Mr G Danaher

Mr Asphall (Head of Faculty)

Construction Level 3

Course Name: Construction BTEC Level 3

Exam Board: BTEC Edexcel

Qualification Level: Level 3

Summary

This two year course will provide you with an introduction to a range of technical and professional occupations such as architecture, estimating, surveying, site engineering, building control and town planning. It is perfect for anyone looking to extend their knowledge of construction in general. You will study the theory skills that will get you up to speed with the construction industry help you to progress to a higher level.

Description

As well as learning about the construction industry, you will develop the skills you need to start a career in the technical or management side of the industry. You will also be taught by tutors that have lots of industry experience, meaning that you get expert advice and guidance, right from the start of your course.

Key Areas

  • Construction principles
  • Construction design
  • Construction technology
  • Surveying in construction
  • Graphical design
  • Environmental studies
  • Health and safety
  • Building regulations
  • Site engineering in construction
  • Building information modelling

Entry Criteria

You'll need a BTEC in Construction Level 2 qualification or a related vocational area, four GCSEs at grades 4-9 or relevant work experience.

For further information contact:

Mr G Danaher

Mr Asphall (Head of Faculty)

English Language/Literature

Course Name: AQA English Language/Literature

Exam Board: AQA

Qualification Level: A-level

Why choose this subject?

This is an accessible and stimulating course in which you will engage creatively and independently with a variety of spoken, written and multi-modal texts. Designed with a focus on the integration of language and literature, this specification enables you to see how linguistic and literary methods are related and to explore these links in your work. Offering clear skills progression from GCSE, this course allows you to build on the skills and knowledge already gained and prepare for your next steps. The variety of assessment styles used, such as re-creative writing, commentary writing, discursive essays and research-based investigative writing, allows you to develop a wide range of skills. These include the ability to read critically, analyse, evaluate and undertake independent research, which are invaluable for both further study and future employment.

What will I learn?

  • Writing about Society – the role of the individual in society, and re-creative writing based on set texts
  • Critical commentary – evaluating own writing
  • Dramatic Encounters – conflict in drama

TEXTS WE STUDY:

Mary Shelley Frankenstein
Bram Stoker Dracula
Margaret Atwood The Handmaid’s Tale
Alice SeboldThe Lovely Bones
Poems by Carol Ann Duffy (selected from Mean Time)
The Captain of the 1964 Top of the Form Team
Nostalgia
Before You Were Mine
Beachcomber
First Love
Valentine
The Biographer
Litany
Stafford Afternoons / The Cliché Kid
Small Female Skull
Never Go Back
Close
Mean Time
Jon KrakauerInto the Wild
Kate SummerscaleThe Suspicions of Mr Whicher: or the Murder at Road Hill House
F. Scott Fitzgerald The Great Gatsby
Khaled Hosseini The Kite Runner
William Shakespeare Othello
Arthur Miller All My Sons
Tennessee Williams A Streetcar Named Desire
Rory Kinnear The Herd

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: Telling Stories
Section A – Remembered Places One compulsory question on the AQA Anthology: Paris (40 marks)
Section B – Imagined Worlds
One question from a choice of two on prose set text (35 marks)
Section C – Poetic Voices
One question from a choice of two on poetry set text (25 marks) / Paper 2: Exploring Conflict
Section A – Writing about Society One piece of re-creative writing using set text (25 marks)
Critical commentary (30 marks)
Section B – Dramatic Encounters
One question from a choice of two on drama set text (45 marks) / Non-exam assessment:
Task - A personal investigation that explores a specific technique or theme in both literary and non-literary discourse (2,500 – 3,000 words).
Assessed by teachers
50 marks
20% of A-level

For further information contact:

Mrs K Murray, Head of Department

Health & Social Care Level 3

Course Name: Pearson BTEC Level 3 in Health and Social Care

Exam Board: Pearson

Qualification Level: BTEC Level 3 (equivalent to 1-3 A Levels)

Why choose this subject?

The health and social care sector comprises two sub sectors, health care and social care. Health care encompasses all hospital activities, medical nursing homes and GP services, for example. The social care sector includes residential nursing care, residential nursing facilities, residential care facilities, domiciliary care and social work. Students are able to progress into work in the sector through degree programmes in nursing, midwifery, social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and pharmacy, for example. The Pearson BTEC Level 3 in Health and Social Care is intended as an Applied General qualification for post16 students wanting to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education, and probably to employment in the health and social care sector. The qualification is equivalent in size to 1-3 A levels (depending on the size of qualification you follow).

The qualification develops a deep common core of knowledge, understanding and skills in the sector through mandatory content, and allows students to focus on a particular aspect of the sector through a selection of option units, including a route that focuses specifically on health studies.

Students are required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours work experience as part of the course, to develop a better understanding of the demands of the sector and for students to demonstrate their commitment and interest in the sector when applying for further study.

What will I learn and how will I be assessed?

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Health and Social Care
Unit Number / Unit Title / GLH / Type / How assessed
Mandatory units
1 / Human Lifespan Development / 90 / Mandatory / External
2 / Working in Health and Social Care / 120 / Mandatory / External
4 / Enquiries into Current Research in Health and Social Care / 120 / Mandatory Synoptic / External
5 / Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs / 90 / Mandatory / Internal
6 / Work Experience in Health and Social care / 60 / Mandatory / Internal
7 / Principles of Safe Practice in Health and Social Care / 90 / Mandatory / Internal
8 / Promoting Public Health / 90 / Mandatory / Internal
Optional / Choose 2 from below…
11 / Psychological Perspectives / 60 / Additional / Internal
12 / Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs / 60 / Additional / Internal
17 / Caring for Individuals with Dementia / 60 / Additional / Internal
18 / Assessing Children’s Development Support Needs / 60 / Additional / Internal
19 / Nutritional Health / 60 / Additional / Internal

For further information contact: