Lodge a Level Booklet 2013 for Website

7/30/2019 Lodge a Level Booklet 2013 for Website

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LODGE INTERNATIONALAS-LEVEL AND A-LEVEL OPTIONS

BOOKLET

INTRODUCTION

The Sixth Form at Lodge International School aims to provide high quality academic courses to

enable high-achieving students to gain admission to the best universities in the world.

We offer the students the opportunity to gain Work Experience, develop their leadership skills withthe ultimate goal of instilling core values by allowing them to develop the skills required to surviveand flourish in todays socioeconomic climate.

The purpose of this prospectus is to give you the information about the courses we offer. As far aspossible, the timetable is designed to meet the individual needs and choices of students. To helpboth you and us to plan ahead, you should be getting ready to make a broad commitment to thenext stage, bearing in mind that the final details of your subject choices may still be a littleuncertain.

Read and consider carefully the information given in this booklet. If you are already a student atLodge School discuss your choice of courses with your teachers. If you are not currently a Lodgestudent then you will need to discuss your proposed choice with the A-level Coordinator, MissTeresa Attley.

We look forward to welcoming you into the Sixth Form and hope that you maximise theopportunities available and realise your potential. You will have to work hard but the rewards willbe enormous.

Year 12 students participating in Habitat for Humanity, as part if the International Award for Young People


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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Offers of a place on our A-level program is on condition that the following criteria are met:

A grade C in English Language and Mathematics for IGCSE / SPM.o For Mathematics A-level, Additional Mathematics (grade B) is preferred, however

strong candidates with high grades in other subjects will be considered.

A minimum of a grade B for IGCSE / SPM in the A-level subject you have selected.o For example, Chemistry A-level requires a minimum of a grade B in Chemistry

IGCSE / SPM.o You do not need to have studied Geography, Economics, Business Studies or

Psychology at IGCSE / SPM level to take the A-level option but your EnglishLanguage and Mathematics must be a grade B or above.

A minimum of 5 IGCSE / SPM subjects passed with grade C and above.

Initially, forecast or predicted grades will be used to decide your level of acceptability.

Those students wishing to find out more, or are unsure of their suitability, should contact MissTeresa Attley, A-level Coordinator, to discuss any concerns.

FACILITIES

Lodge International School has fully equipped laboratories and each classroom in the newSecondary Block has Wi-Fi access, an LCD Projector and computer.

CHOOSING A-LEVELS - MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR YOU

Entrance to university in the UK or elsewhere in the world has changed dramatically over the pastfew years. There are far more universities now, and there is a much wider range of courses

available. There are at present more university places available than students seeking a place.Requirements for entry into institutions vary both depending on the institution and also itsgeographical location. A-levels are recognised by countries across the world but you should seekadvice from the A-level Coordinator, Miss Teresa Attley, for specific advice regarding A-levelcombinations depending on future aspirations.

Most universities will expect students to have a GCSE/IGCSE grade C or better in English andMathematics and generally (for the UK at least), the more vocational the degree, the morespecific the requirements. Below is a rough guide only to give some indication of required subject:

(seewww.ucas.com/students/coursesearchfor more detail).

Career Aspiration Recommended A-levelsLaw Geography, Economics, a Science subject, Psychology, Business

Studies

Medicine Chemistry (compulsory), Biology, Physic or Mathematics (Australia) orany 3rd / 4th A-level depending on requirements of chosen University.See:www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Medical_School_A_Level_Requirements

Commerce Economics, Mathematics, Geography, Business Studies, Psychology

Engineering Mathematics and Physics (compulsory) Chemistry, or GeographyVeterinary Science Biology, Chemistry (and sometimes Physics or Mathematics)

Actuarial Science Mathematics/Further MathematicsComputer Science Mathematics and Physics

Psychology Biology and Mathematics useful
http://www.ucas.com/students/coursesearchhttp://www.ucas.com/students/coursesearchhttp://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Medical_School_A_Level_Requirementshttp://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Medical_School_A_Level_Requirementshttp://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Medical_School_A_Level_Requirementshttp://www.ucas.com/students/coursesearch


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As not many courses require more than two compulsory A-Levels, the third and fourth subjectscan often be a free choice, which may reflect your real bias of interest in courses and careers. It isalso worth remembering that many countries (such as the US for example) have no requiredsubjects as you can take a broad based degree and make up classes in requirements beforeembarking upon a major.

It is now perfectly acceptable to mix the arts and science subjects, provided you check whichsubjects you will need. In fact many universities prefer students with a range of strengths andinterests. For example, Geography can be useful to a future Economist. Languages will always beuseful. Dont be afraid of new subjects many students start A-levels without having studied asubject before.

To select courses the most important issues to consider should be:

What do I enjoy (6 hours of lessons and at least 6 hours homework per week in one subject means youhave to want to study it!)

What are my skills? Am I good at writing essays? Do I enjoy reading?

What am I good at? Speak to your teacher and consider your performance in that subject (or arelated area to date)

What are my future aspirations? Does this combination of subjects fit in with my career plans? If I do

not know what I would like to do in the future am I leaving sufficient options open with this combinationof subjects?

Dont be pressured into taking a subject think it through for yourself and get impartial advice. Dontchoose what your friends are doing. Dont choose the subject because you like the teacher. If in dou bt,seek the advice of the A-level Coordinator or any free Careers Counseling Service.

CHOICE OF A-LEVEL SUBJECTS AT LODGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL:

Subject

A Business Studies Chemistry

B Geography

C Physics Psychology

D Economics

E Biology Thinking Skills

F Mathematics A / * Further Mathematics

*Dependent on intake numbers

ONE subject can be chosen from EACH option block (A, B, C, D and E). A minimum of 4 subjectsand a maximum of 5 can be selected.Please note the information given in the article below:

Universities admit 'soft' A-l evels damage chance of top places

Students who 'avoid challenge' of traditional subjects miss out on places at Oxbridge or 'redbrick'

institutions

Jessica Shepherd, Education Correspondent The Guardian, Friday 4

February 2011
http://www.guardian.co.uk/profile/jessicashepherdhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/profile/jessicashepherdhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardianhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardianhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/profile/jessicashepherd


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Top universities have issued guidance which acknowledges officially for the first time that they favour students who study

traditional subjects at A-level. The guide compiled by the Russell Group, a lobbying group for Oxford, Cambridge and 18 other

leading universities, confirms rumours that have circulated for years that they favour those subjects over newer ones such asbusiness studies or photography

By not studying at least two of the following subjectsmaths, English, geography, history, any of the three pure sciences

or a classical or modern foreign language"many degrees at competitive universities will not be open to you," the guide,

produced in collaboration with the Institute of Career Guidance, states.It asks students to question why they are not taking

traditional subjects: "Are you trying to avoid a challenge?" It states that while there is no "set definition" of a "hard" or "soft"

subject, so-called "hard" subjects are like the ones the top universities prefer and are more theoretical. It gives media studies, art

and design, photography and business studies as examples of "soft" subjects and states that they are "vocational or have apractical bias".

"If you plan to take more than one perceived 'soft' subject, some caution may be needed," the guidebook warns.

See below for the lists of soft subjects to beware of at A-level.

London School of Economics list Accounting Art and Design Business Studies Communication Studies Design andTechnology Drama/Theatre Studies* Home Economics Information and CommunicationTechnology Law Media Studies Music Technology Sports Studies Travel and Tourism Cambridge list

Accounting

Art and Design

Business Studies

Communication Studies

Dance

Design andTechnology Drama/Theatre Studies Film Studies Health and Social Care Home Economics Information and Communication Technology Leisure Studies Media Studies Music Technology Performance Studies Performing Arts Photography Physical Education Sports Studies Travel and Tourism Business and Management Design and Technology Information Technology ina Global Society Theatre Arts Visual ArtsGeneral Studies and Critical Thinking A-levels will only be considered as fourth A level subjects and notas part of a conditional offer.

SIXTH FORM SCHOLARSHIPS

Lodge International School offers a limited number of scholarships for its Sixth Form A-levelcourses. These will be for70% or 40% of tuition fees and normally apply to both years of the full ALevel course.

Application for scholarship awards must be made by the student concerned and should consist ofa letter of application with a supporting statement. These should be addressed to the Director ofthe Lodge Group of Schools. The letter should describe why the student wishes to join the SixthForm at Lodge. It should also outline his or her future intentions after completing A-levels. Thegranting of scholarship awards is the responsibility of the scholarship committee. The committeesdecision will be final.

Scholarship criteria:

70% fees discount: SPM 9A+and above / IGCSE 8A+ and above

40% fees discount: SPM 8A+ and above / IGCSE 7A+ and above

The supporting statement should contain, where appropriate, references to the following:

Academic achievement predicted grades on the basis of performance in the mock exams.

Students leadership positions: - prefects, house captains, students council, prom committee,

Benefits from school trips and activities.

Participation in the International Award, Interact, Model United Nations, etc.

Sports leadership, contributions and achievements.

Musical achievements and contributions


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Contributions or achievements outside school and involvement in community service.

Students do not need to get references from their existing teachers we ask all staff for the viewson the relative merits of each applicant as part of the selection process.

Sixth Form students taking part inAS Geography Caving Field Trip

ENRICHMENT

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work Experience introduces young people to the world of work and is a valuable and essentialpart of their

It is recognised that the development of certain skills is essential in preparing young people fortheir first job. Six key skills have been identified. They are:

Communication Application of Number Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Working With Others Improving Own Learning and Performance Problem Solving

It is, of course, impossible for young people to develop all these skills just in a classroom; theschool environment cannot replicate all the demands of a wide range of workplaces. The bestplace to encourage work skill development has to be in a real place of work. Perhaps for the firsttime, young people will be able to experience for themselves the realities of working life in an adult

world. Lodge International now offers students an opportunity to participate in Work experienceduring Year 12.

CAREERS ADVICE

There is a dedicated careers counseling room where support and guidance can be offered tostudents if they are unsure of their A-level or University choices. Lodge now works closely withlocal careers agents to give students the best chance to gain a place at a University of their choice.In addition, students will meet regularly as a group to study and develop their soft skills, plan forUniversity choices and prepare for Work Experience.

INTERNATIONAL AWARD

Students are encouraged to complete the International Award up to Silver Award. This award ishighly regarded by both universities and scholarship admission officers.


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GENERAL INFORMATION

Being in the Sixth Form A Student Not A Pupil

As a member of the Sixth Form at Lodge International School you will immediately become part ofa caring community, participating with other students in a range of activities from the academic tothe sporting and extra-curricular. You will play an active part in the school whilst maintaining your

own separate role as a Sixth Former.

You will receive a range of privileges and responsibilities, as you will be seen as a role model forthe other students of Lodge. The way you approach your studies, the way you present yourselfand the way you interact with both staff and other pupils should be seen to be setting a positiveexample. Time management is vital and you play a far greater role in the organisation of yourstudies and extracurricular activities. You are expected to attend school full-time, and you may usethe library or classroom in your non-contact time, provided they are available.

You are given more freedom as a Sixth Form student. We expect you to respond with maturity tothis. You must be punctual and attend all your lessons when in school. Persistent lateness will not

be tolerated. If you leave the school at lunchtime, you must sign out and in . You should inform theschool if you are likely to be absent for family holidays or if you are sick.

The Sixth Form is an important and exciting time of your life. It will involve a great deal of hardwork and commitment, but the benefits in personal development and growth, as well as thequalifications you will receive, will make it all worthwhile.

Dress Code

Boys

Smart trousers (dark jeans or shorts) Conventional shirt (long or short sleeve according to personal preference

No other piercing or jewelry is allowed

Sensible foot ware, covered toes for laboratory work

Hair: Should be short, neat and tidy

Girls

Smart skirt, trousers (dark jeans only) or dress

All of the above should be of modest lengthno short skirts of shorts permitted

Shirt or blouse (long or short sleeve and different styles are acceptable, but must be modest)

Modest jewelry and make up allowed

Sensible foot ware, covered toes for laboratory work

The following should be completely avoided: casual shorts, beachwear, strappy or revealing tops,bare midriffs. If you are not sure if an item of clothing is acceptable...choose something else.Hair for boys and girls should be neat and tidy, with no extreme fashions.

ASSESSMENT, REPORTING AND EXAMINATIONS

AS and A2 final examinations take place from November to and June respectively, each year.

January entries will follow an accelerated 18-month course of study (January to June).

Re-sits for students wishing to improve on an AS grade take place in June. These must not disrupt


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A2 work.

Trial exams take place at in September of the first year and April of the following year for Januaryand putative June entrants. These will mirror the final exams.

Student performance on AS/A2 courses is regularly monitored and two formal reports are senthome in each academic year. Y12/13 students will receive full academic reports at the end of termone and term two. The term two academic report will include the results of the trial examinationsand their progression.

Final A Level grades will be made up through:

Year 12 AS:

+ = 1 A-Level

Year 13 A2:

Biology and Geography Field Trip to Bako National Park

HUMANITIES SUBJECTS

1. BUSINESS STUDIES

Managing Director: How many people work in your department?Purchasing Manager: About half of them!

Managers are people who never put off until tomorrow what they can get somebody else to dotoday. (Anonymous)

Greed is...good! (Gordon Gecko Wall Street)

This A-Level is ideal for those students who have enjoyed the practical application of IGCSE

Business Studies or who would like an excellent foundation from which to continue on to studyManagement or Business subjects in Higher Education establishments around the world.

The specific aims of the course are to understand and appreciate the nature and scope of


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business and its role in society whilst developing an understanding of the various types ofbusiness organisations. As well as investigating the process of decision-making in business, thecourse aims to develop the students own skills in terms of analysis of problems, interpretation ofdata and communication.

The emphasis of developing these skills as key tools for the students during the A-Level coursemakes Business Studies a good complement when studying subjects in other curriculum areas,such as Science, Humanities or Mathematics.

Whilst it is not necessary that you have studied IGCSE Business Studies it is recommended thatyou have obtained at lease a grade B pass at Mathematics and English Language. Also a keeninterest in the business world and an enthusiasm and willingness to read around the subject areessential.

Syllabus Content

business and the environment

people in organisations

marketing

production accounting and finance

information for decision-making

Strategic decision-making

The core elements of these areas will be studied at AS level, moving on to extension work at A2level.

Famous Business People:Henry Ford, Ray Kroc, Richard Branson, Anita Roddick

Possible Careers:Entrepreneur, Management Consultant, Human Resources, Marketing, Insurance and Sales.

2. ECONOMICS

If you are not confused, youre not paying attention! (Anonymous)

An economist is an expert who will know tomorrow why the things he predictedyesterday didnthappen today. (Dr.L.J.Peter)

Its a recession if you neighbour loses his job, its a depression when you lose your own.(Harry S. Truman)

This A-Level is ideal for those students who have enjoyed the investigative and theoretical natureof IGCSE Economics or who would like to follow various courses in either Economics or Businessat Higher Education establishments around the world.The specific objectives of the course includean ability to understand and interpret economic information and explain contemporary events andfamiliar phenomena with relevant economic principles. In order to do this, the students areencouragedto develop their skills of self-expression and, to support their studies, it is essential that

they read critically to gain information about the changing economy in which we live.

The emphasis of developing these skills as key tools for the students during the A-Level coursemakes Economics a good complement when studying subjects in other curriculum areas, such as


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Mathematics or Science or Humanities.

Whilst it is not necessary that you have studied IGCSE Economics it is recommended that youhave obtained a B grade at Mathematics and English Language. A keen interest in current affairsis also essential.

Syllabus Content

Central problem of economics

Theory of demand

Theory of supply

Price and output determination

Market Failure

National income accounting

Theory of income determination

Money and the price level

International trade

The economic role of government

Economic development

AS concentrates on the core themes of economics while the A2 syllabus covers extension materialof a more demanding nature. Elements of macroeconomics and microeconomics will be studied atboth AS and A2, the difference being the level of academic skills tested by the terminalexamination papers

Famous Economists: Adam Smith, John Maynard Keynes, Milton Friedman

Possible careers: Economics is extremely useful as a form of employment for economists!(J.M.Keynes) Accountant, Economist, Foreign Exchange Dealer, Lawyer,Market Analyst, Merchant Banker, Stockbroker, Teacher!

3. GEOGRAPHY

Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future (Michael Palin)

The world in which we live is likely to change more in the next 50 years than it has ever donebefore; in these changing times carrying on with Geography A-Level could be a wise choice. Welive in an increasingly globalised society where almost everything we do has a link to another partof the world. The CIE A-level course ensures that you will emerge as a well-informed and skilled

Geographer.The A-Level Geography course studies both human and physical geography themes,with studies at local, regional, national and global levels. The main thrust at A-Level Geography isto develop a secure knowledge about a range of places and to investigate the challenges facinghumanity today many of which will continue to be a challenge into the future. These includemigration, sustainable development, global climate change, food and water supplies, resourcedepletion, economic development and the future of our cities, amongst others. The course willcontinue to develop your skills in areas such as photograph interpretation, map understanding,numeracy, ICT, enquiry based data collection and analysis and fieldwork. With such a variedapproach to learning, there really is something for everyone in Geography. Lastly, if you lovelooking at maps and daydreaming about visiting far away places, this subject is for you!

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE GEOGRAPHY?

Geography can offer you:

The chance to further develop a global outlook and an awareness of what is going on in


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the world:

ICT skills in a range of contexts spreadsheets, Geographic Information Systems andresearch;

A bridge between the arts and the sciences, giving you greater flexibility if you decide to goon to higher education

High academic standards geography is welcomed as a subject by universities

Study of key geographical topics that provide you with the knowledge, understanding and

skills to help you prepare for further study in higher education or the world of work A wider range of job opportunities than almost any other subject transferable skills

developed by geographers are much sought after in the workplace.

WHAT DOES THE COURSE COVER?

ASLEVEL (50%)Physical Core:

Hydrology and Fluvial Geomorphology

Atmosphere and weather

Rocks and weathering

Human Core: Population change

Settlement dynamics

Migration

A2-LEVEL (50%)Advanced Physical:

Tropical Environments

Coastal EnvironmentsAdvanced Human:

Environmental Management

Global Inter-dependence (tourism and trade)

DOES GEOGRAPHY GIVE ME AN EDGE?

The answer is a resounding YES! The skills acquired through studying Geography mean that youhave much to offer an employer.

Geographers are:Good communicators, Spatially aware, Socially, economically and environmentally aware,Problem solvers and decision makers, Good team players, Computer literate, Well rounded,flexible thinkers

Geographers can:Make a concise report, Handle data, Ask questions and find answers, Make decisions about anissue, Analyse material, Think creatively and independently

WHERE WILL GEOGRAPHY TAKE ME?

Employers value Geography qualifications because they demonstrate a wide range of skills.

Some careers where Geography is essential are:Surveying, Town and country planning, Civil engineering, Landscape architecture, Transport andtourism, Estate management, Cartography, Environmental Scientist, Conservationist.

Careers where Geography is advantageous include:


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Pilot, Business Administration, Financial sector, Retail, Media, Law

The A-level Geography course is an excellent next step if you are currently studying IGCSEGeography or Environmental Management. It is also possible to opt for Geography at A-level ifyou arent currently studying it.

Raft Building as part of the Silver Expedition for the International Award

4. PSYCHOLOGY

The purpose of psychology is to give us a completely different idea of the things we know best.(Paul Valry)

Psychology is the science of the act of experiencing, and deals with the whole system of such actsas they make up mental life. (Samuel Alexander)

Like all science, psychology is knowledge; and like science again, it is knowledge of a definitething, the mind. (James M. Baldwin)

What is Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of human mind and behaviour:how we think, how we act, howwe react and interact, both individually and as groups.What teaching and learning strategies are employed?

A wide range of strategies are used to engage students and to aid the understanding of

challenging concepts. These strategies include traditional lecturing and note taking; studentresearch and presentation; mind-mapping; discussions; numerous games and quizzes; cut andpaste activities, and peer learning. Students are expected to think for themselves and be proactivein learning!

What skills will I need to study Psychology?As you have to be competent at both essay writing and statistics, you need to be literate andnumerate, and hopefully will have at least a grade C at both English and Mathematics GCSE.(This is a recommendation from the examination board). It is not necessary to have taken GCSE Psychology, and most, if not all, students, will not

have this GCSE.

You need to be interested in investigating human behaviour from a scientific perspective. Most students find learning the terminology and detail of studies the most difficult challenge.

However, they also report finding the subject extremely interesting.


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What other subjects can I do with a Psychology A-Level?Psychology is a subject that develops skills of numeracy and literacy, and therefore combines wellwith science, business, arts and humanities subjects. It is considered a science for entry to somedegree courses, but not for others, therefore individual institutions have to be contacted todiscover their position.

How will an A-level in Psychology help me at degree level?Psychology is the study of people, the mind and behaviour. It is a popular subject with studentsbecause it has a big impact on all areas of life, particularly in areas such as education, health, theeconomy, industry and crime. If you are interested in finding out why people behave the way theydo or how the brain works then Psychology could be for you. Taking an A-level in Psychology willgive you a good grounding in the subject and will help to decide whether you would like to becomea professional Psychologist. Psychology is also useful in many other careers because it developsa number of transferable skills, which are useful in many professions. As it is an extremely diversesubject, degree choices are very varied.

The most popular degree courses for Psychology students tend to be; Psychology, Law,

Education, Business, Medical related degrees (e.g. medicine, dentistry, radiography).

What do Psychologists actually do?Psychologists work in many different areas of society and are concerned with practical problemssuch as:

Helping people to overcome depression, stress, trauma or phobias

Easing the effects of parental divorce on children

Speeding up recovery from brain injury

Helping to stop or prevent bullying at school or in the workplace

Ensuring that school pupils and students are being taught in the most effective way

Making sure that people are happy at work and perform to the best of their abilities Helping the police, courts and prison service to perform more effectively

Helping athletes and sports people to perform better

In a sense, you may already think of yourself an amateur Psychologist or know a little aboutPsychology. We are all interested in what makes people tick and how this understanding can helpus to solve major problems in society. But professional Psychologists apply scientific methods tounderstanding human behaviour by observing, measuring, testing and using statistics to show thatwhat they find is reliable evidence and not just down to chance. Think of any question about howand why humans do the things they do and the chances are that a Psychologist somewhere will

be researching it to find the scientific answer and further our understanding.

Do I have to become a Psychologist if I do Psychology A Level?

No. Other jobs that Psychology students do include:

Animal Trainer, Arbitrator, Assistant Psychologist, Business Consultant, Counsellor, CommercialManagement, Doctor, Ergonomics Expert, Hostage Negotiator, Journalist, Marketing, Sales andAdvertising, Mediator, Nutritionist, Occupational Therapist, Human Resources, Police Officer,Primary or Secondary School Teacher, Psychotherapist, Radiographer Social Researcher, SocialWorker, Speech and Language Therapist


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Visiting and supporting the Sawarak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA)You can judge a Nation, and its progress, by how they treat their animals Muhatma Gandhi

5. THINKING SKILLS (AS-Level ONLY)

The syllabus is skill based and aims to develop critical thinking; it consists of two question papers.

Paper 1 is a multiple-choice paper consisting of three distinct parts: There are 18 questions onAssessing Arithmetic (extracting and processing data; applying formulae; mathematical modelling;decision making). Communications has 16 questions (understanding the meaning, function,relevance and significance of text and different types of communication).

There are also 16 questions on Assessing Argument (identifying conclusions, assumptions andflaws; drawing conclusions; assessing the impact of evidence; applying principles). All questionsare based on a scenario or a passage.

Paper 2 consists of three compulsory questions based on a scenario or argument. One questionrequires evidence to be evaluated. Questions two and three are concerned with evaluating and

presenting arguments. These are assessed by structured and essay type questions. Paper 2largely builds on the Assessing Argument part of Paper 1.

The Thinking Skills syllabus also enables students to approach their other subjects with animproved ability to understand, analyse and resolve problems. As a result, students will find thecourse of great benefit when preparing for higher education and for a wide range of careers,including law, scientific research, social science, journalism, medicine, business, accounting andengineering. The Thinking Skills syllabus encourages free and open debate, critical andinvestigative thinking, and informed and disciplined reasoning.


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SCEINCE SUBJECTS

1. BIOLOGY

Its life Jim, but not as we know it. (Mr. Spock, Star Trek)

They took all the trees, put 'em in a tree museum, and they charged the people a dollar and a halfjust to see 'em, don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got till it's gone, theypaved paradise and put up a parking lot. (Joni Mitchell)

We live on an Earth that is the best of all possible worlds but only for those who have adapted to it.(H. Holland)

The most important scientific revolutions all include ... the dethronement of human arrogance fromone pedestal after another of previous convictions about our centrality in the cosmos.

(Stephen Jay Gould)

This course places emphasis on the applications of Biology and impact of recent developments onthe needs of contemporary society. All students will be encouraged to use secondary sources ofinformation and information technology (IT) to analyse, store and retrieve data and to modelbiological phenomena. They will also learn to communicate biological information orally, as well asin writing.

The course aims to develop an understanding of Biological facts and principles and anappreciation of their significance. It will emphasise the social and applied aspects of Biology whilstencouraging an awareness of the contribution of Biology to the needs of society and it will develop

an understanding of scientific method and its application. The course will be complete in itself andperform a useful educational function for students not intending to study Biology at a higher level.It will provide a suitable foundation for the study of Biology or related courses in further highereducation, and for professional courses that require students to have knowledge of Biology whenadmitted.

The course will aim to stimulate students and create a sustained interest in Biology so that thestudy of the subject is enjoyable and satisfying. A minimum of a grade B in Biology IGCSE or BBfor Double Award is a prerequisite.

Structure of the Syllabus

Core Sect ion:

Cell Structure; Biological Molecules; Enzymes; Cell Membranes & Transport, Cell and NuclearDivision; Genetic Control; Ecology; Transport; Gas Exchange; Infectious Disease; Immunity;Energy & Respiration; Photosynthesis, Regulation & Control, Inherited Change and GeneTechnology, Selection and Evolution.

Appl ica t ions of Bio logy

Biodiversity; Gene Technology: Biotechnology; Crop plants; Aspects of Human Reproduction.

Famous Biologists:

Charles Darwin, Gregor Mendel, Alfred Russel Wallace, Edward O. Wilson, Richard Dawkins.

Possible careers:


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Biologist, Biotechnologist, Doctor, Ecologist, Forensic Scientist, Geneticist, Microbiologist,Virologist, Zoologist

2. CHEMISTRY

The underlying physical laws necessary for the mathematical theory of a large part of physics andthe whole of chemistry are thus completely known, and the difficulty is only that the application of

these laws leads to equations much too complicated to be soluble.(P.A.M. Dirac)

It is disconcerting to reflect on the number of students we have flunked in chemistry for notknowing what we later found to be untrue.

(Weber - Science With a Smile)

Old chemists never die, they just fail to react.

The aims of the course based on this syllabus will be to provide, through well-designed studies ofexperimental and practical science, a worthwhile educational experience for all students, whether

or not they go on to study science beyond this level. It will also enable them to acquire sufficientunderstanding and knowledge to become citizens in a technological world and able to take ordevelop an informed interest in matters of scientific import. The course will prepare students forstudies beyond A-Level Chemistry in Chemistry dependent courses.

The students will develop abilities and skills that are relevant to the study and practice of scienceand are useful in everyday life whilst encouraging the presentation of information and ideasappropriate for different audiences and purposes and develop self-motivation. The course willstimulate interest in, and care for, the environment in relation to the environmental impact ofChemistry and its applications.

The students will become aware that the study and practice of Chemistry are co-operative andcumulative activities, and are subject to social, economic, technological, ethical and culturalinfluences and limitations. That the implications of science may be both beneficial and detrimentalto the individual, the community and the environment.

The course will aim to stimulate students and create a sustained interest in Chemistry so that thestudy of the subject is enjoyable and satisfying.

The syllabus is as follows:

Core Section: Physical Chemistry; Inorganic Chemistry & Organic ChemistryApplications Section: The Chemistry of Life; Applications of analytical chemistry; Design andmaterials.

Famous Chemists:Alfred Bernhard Nobel, Pasteur, Louis, Nicholas Flamel, Robert Wilhelm Bunsen, Dmitri IvanovitchMendeleev.

Possible careers:Biochemist, Medicine, Biomedical Science, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology .


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3. PHYSICS

All science is either physics or stamp collecting. (Ernest Rutherford)

All our science, measured against reality, is primitive and childlike - and yet it is the most preciousthing we have.

(Albert Einstein)

I think I can safely say that nobody understands quantum mechanics.(Richard Feynman)

I like to think that the moon is there even if I am not looking at it(Albert Einstein)

Requirements

Advanced and AS-level Physics require a variety of practical and theoretical skills. Any studentwishing to study at these levels is advised to have a grade B or above in both IGCSE science andmathematics. All students need to be able to work in groups as well as being able to solve

problems as an individual. Practical skills are developed throughout the course and are not anoptional extra.

DescriptionThe course for Year 12 covers topics of practical physics: mechanics, matter, waves and electricity.Students are assessed by examination in November. There are three papers, one of which is apractical examination. In Year 13 the course builds upon the Year 12 topics. New topicsintroduced are electricity and magnetism, modern physics, and gathering and communicatinginformation. Assessment is by two written examinations. One of the examinations is on planning,analysis and evaluation.

AimsThe A-level syllabus is designed to meet university entrance requirements for any student wishingto continue their studies in science. Any student studying Physics will become more aware of thenature of science and have an informed opinion on scientific matters.

Famous Physicists:Ptolomy, Nicolaus Copernicus, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking

Careers:Physics at A-level is useful for any engineering career and essential in some branches of

engineering. Radiography and medical imaging, astronomy, the aerospace industry all requirePhysics. Many people who have studied Physics choose careers such as accountancy, bankingand financial services and find that their studies have not limited their career choices.

4. MATHEMATICS

Mathematics is the queen of the sciences. (Carl Friedrich Gauss)

I have hardly ever known a mathematician who was capable of reasoning. (Plato)

Mathematics, rightly viewed, posses not only truth, but supreme beauty a beauty cold andaustere, like that of sculpture. (Bertrand Russell)


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This course is intended for students who wish to pursue mathematics or subjects which havestrong mathematics components. It is highly recommended that intending students should haveachieved a minimum of a grade A at IGCSE in Mathematics.

Syllabus AimsThe syllabus is intended to provide a framework for A-Level that will enable students to:

develop further their understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a waythat encourages confidence and enjoyment

acquire appropriate mathematical skills and techniques and use them in more difficult,unstructured problems

develop their abilities to reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning, to generalize andto construct mathematical proofs

develop an understanding of coherence and progression in mathematics and how differentareas of mathematics can be connected

appreciate how mathematical ideas can be applied in the everyday world use mathematicsas an effective means of communication

read and comprehend mathematical arguments and articles concerning applications of

mathematics acquire the skills needed to use technology such as computers and calculators effectively,

recognise when such use may be inappropriate and be aware of limitations

develop an awareness of the relevance of mathematics to other fields of study, to the worldof work and so society in general

take increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their ownmathematical development.

Famous MathematiciansArchimedes, Carl F. Gauss, Leonhard Euler, Bernhard Riemann, Euclid, Henri Poincar, Joseph-Louis, Lagrange, David Hilbert, Gottfried W. Leibniz

Possible careersEngineer, Pension fund controller, Salary and benefit analyst, Bank loan officer, Stock and bondanalyst, Investment analysis, Corporate financial analyst, Portfolio management, Cash flowanalysis, Cost accounting, Industrial cost control, Business consulting, Time study and methods,Life insurance,Demographic analysis, Production planning, Resource analysis, Consumerbehaviour analysis, Economic analysis, Taxation systems, Tax consultant, Factor analysis ofsocial systems, Factor analysis in medical research, Modelling genetic systems, Modellingbiological systems, Air traffic control modeling, Chartered accountancy, Weapons analysis

Documents

Lodge a Level Booklet 2013 for Website