Sixth Form & A Levels - olcs.leics.sch.uk · Sixth Form & A Levels ... Enthusiasm and a desire to experiment with new materials and ideas is ... is safe to drink and keeps the air

Online Prospectus

Sixth Form & A LevelsAt Our Lady’s Convent School

Our Lady’s Convent School

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Sixth FormAt Our Lady’s Convent School

47 Introduction u

48 A Level Choices u

49 Sports Leadership u

50 A Level Prospectus u

51 The Next Step Forward u

52 A Level Courses u

81 Level 3 Applied Science u

82 Level 3 Food, Nutrition & Health u

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IntroductionWe believe our Sixth Form is a uniquely close-knit community of inspiring young women. The combination of being on the top rung of a small school and wider involvement with the rest of the Loughborough Endowed Schools campus of more than 2000 students is hugely beneficial.

Alongside the rich choice of co-curricular activities, our Sixth Formers are also encouraged to take on leadership responsibilities which particularly suit their personalities, experience and talents – from looking after younger pupils to organising charity events or acting as ambassadors for the School. That’s why our Sixth Formers often prove our greatest selling point.

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“Each year 80% of our Sixth Formers achieve their first choice university.

Age 16-18 | Girls

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A Level ChoicesAt A Level, our students can study all the subjects on offer across the Convent, Grammar and High School curricula. They have 28 A Level options to choose from – which is an exceptional offer for a Sixth Form of our size.

Most students take three A Levels and also choose to pursue an extra qualification such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

Higher Education and careers advice (including Oxbridge mentoring) is of the highest quality.

Years 12–13Sixth Form Ages 16 to 18

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Sports Leadership

Sports Leadership is an exciting, fun and practical course which develops vital skills for employment, further education or training. The course develops skills such as self-confidence, organisation, planning, communication and teamwork through the medium of sport.

In Year 12, within recreational PE lessons, you will get the opportunity to select to gain the Sports Leaders Level 2 qualification.

Sport Leaders is a nationally recognised awarding body that enables learners to assist in leading purposeful and enjoyable sport and physical activity.

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A Level ProspectusAt Our Lady’s Convent School

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The next step forward…As you can see, we offer an impressive range of A Level choices – a remarkable 28 subjects are available to your daughter.

Academically, our students enjoy the best of both worlds: small class sizes with this wide-ranging choice of courses.

But deciding between these myriad options can prove a daunting task. That’s why we ask that you and your daughter begin talking to us as early as Year 10 about the exciting possibilities ahead. This will take account of her university and career aspirations – as well as her current skills and enthusiasms.

In addition, the Year 12 and Year 13 integrate with each other as well as with lower years. So your daughter will also become a role model for younger pupils and a proud ambassador for our School.

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YEARS 12 – 13 | A LEVEL PROSPECTUSSe

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Fine Art or Textiles 53

Biology 54

Business 55

Chemistry 56

Classical Civilisation 57

Classical Greek 58

Computer Science 59

Design & Technology 60

Drama & Theatre Studies 61

Economics 62

English Literature 63

French 64

Further Mathematics 65

Geography 66

German 67

History 68

History of Art 69

Latin 70

Mathematics 71

Music 72

Music Technology 73

Physics 74

Physical Education 75

Politics 76

Psychology 77

Religious Studies 78

Sociology 79

Spanish 80

Level 3 Courses

Applied Science 81

Food, Nutrition & Health 82

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YEARS 12 – 13 | A LEVEL PROSPECTUS

Fine Art or TextilesBy choosing a creative subject to study you will develop an appreciation of, and engagement in, Art, Craft and Design. As critical consumers you will gain an understanding of its role in the creative and cultural industries that shape and enrich our lives.

Enthusiasm and a desire to experiment with new materials and ideas is essential for success. You will be encouraged to record the world around you using a variety of media, from the traditional through to contemporary digital photography and manipulation.

Studying a creative subject provides an introduction to potential careers in the visual and creative arts, fashion, heritage, cultural, digital and design media industries.

ASSESSMENT:

Portfolio 60%: A practical portfolio of personal work with a related study on a topic initiated by the student

Externally set task 40%: Based on a topic chosen from a pre-released exam paper

Creativity is contagious, pass it on.

Albert Einstein

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BiologyBiologists study the natural world and all the living things in it, from the largest mammals down to our own microscopic DNA. They try to understand how animals and organisms work, how we evolved and the things that can make us sick or improve our health.

They then use this knowledge to; stop the spread of disease, track down natural resources, improve public health, care for and conserve animals and work out the true impact of threats such as pollution. You will also learn about controversial issues including genetic engineering, the use of stem cells, cloning and global warming.

There is a strong emphasis on experimental work and you will gain valuable practical and other transferrable skills such as numeracy, problem solving, logical and critical thinking, analytical skills and the confidence to work both independently and collaboratively. There are a wealth of career options that require Biology; medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, midwifery, physiotherapy, forensic science and marine studies.

A Level Biology is a linear course which is assessed at the end of Year 13 through three, 2 hour written exams.

NEXT COURSEt uPREVIOUS COURSE

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The study of Biology will prepare you for a variety of careers where you can make a difference in the world – whether it be working in a laboratory, a zoo, an ocean liner in the arctic or fieldwork in the Amazon rainforest.

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BusinessFrom Google to Topshop, Virgin to Facebook, the actions of businesses around the world affect us all. By analysing how and why businesses are successful the Business A Level equips you with the skills and knowledge to understand organisations’ marketing and finance.

You will also gain insight into how they motivate staff; manage major projects, operate in the economy and adapt to the dynamic business environment.

An interest in current business affairs is essential, but no specific GCSE subjects are required to gain access to this course. This course provides you with a foundation for studying Business in higher education. It is also suitable if you wish to pursue a Level 4 apprenticeship, or use your learned skills directly in the workplace.

In the first year you will cover Business Opportunities and Functions and in the second year Business Analysis and Strategy and Business in a Changing World. Assessment is by three 2 hour 30 minute examinations on each component at the end of the second year.

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ChemistryStudying Chemistry is all about discovery, creativity, problem solving and communication.

Chemistry is essential to develop new medicines, foods, fabrics, plastics, cosmetics and fuels, to name but a few. It helps us to understand how biological systems work, controls the quality of our water so that it is safe to drink and keeps the air we breathe pure.

Chemistry will keep your career options open and combines well with other subjects at A Level, such as: Biology, Geography, Mathematics and Physics.

The course aims to teach you chemical ideas within a context led approach, split into topics covering different key concepts of Chemistry.

THE EXAMINATION INCLUDES THREE PAPERS:

1. Periodic Table, elements and physical Chemistry

2. Synthesis and Analytical Techniques

3. Unified Chemistry

The practical element is assessed throughout the two years to achieve the Practical Endorsement.

We are surrounded by Chemistry, from the air we breathe and the food we eat, to the clothes we wear. Chemistry is the study of substances: what they are made of, how they work and what role they play in living systems and the world around us.

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Classical CivilisationClassical Civilisation involves the study of the literature, material culture, thought, ideas and history of the Greek and Roman worlds.

You do not need to know any languages, as all the texts are studied in translation, and no prior knowledge of the classical world is presumed. All you need is an interest in the ancient world, an enjoyment of classical mythology, and a willingness to read and discuss literature.

An A Level in Classical Civilisation will help you acquire important transferable skills, such as analysing sources, developing independent, critical and evaluative approaches. You will also improve your ability to formulate an effective line of argument and develop a valuable understanding of cultures very different from your own.

EXAMINATION:

The AS level has two modules:

1 The World of the Hero

2 Greek Theatre

The A Level comprises three components:

1 The World of the Hero

2 Greek Theatre

3 Greek Religion

From women in the ancient world, to the study of religious beliefs and ancient acts of intolerance, Classical Civilisation involves interesting discussions that are directly relevant to today’s world.

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Classical GreekIn order to access this qualification you should have attained a grade A or above in GCSE Classical Greek.

During Year 12 you will develop your linguistic competency, gaining further practice in translating from Greek to English, meeting sentences of greater length and complexity as well as learning the perfect and the pluperfect tenses. You will also gain some experience of translating from English into Greek as well as reading a selection of Greek literature, which will help you develop your skills of literary analysis and your appreciation of both prose and verse literature.

In addition to developing your language skills, you will also develop your analytical, evaluative and literary criticism skills, and your ability to structure a logical and persuasive argument.

The AS level comprises two papers, Greek Language and Greek Literature, each worth 50% of the total grade.

THE A LEVEL COMPRISES FOUR PAPERS:

• Unseen translation (33%)

• Prose composition or comprehension (17%)

• Prose literature (25%)

• Verse literature (25%)

The act of learning an ancient language can be invaluable in improving the English language skills of students.

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Computer ScienceA Level Computer Science is a subject where problem solving and the ability to think in a creative manner are essential.

The subject is less about the study of computers than about learning to think computationally. Computers however, are the tools that we use. This is an ever changing subject where the technology updates constantly, however, the theory of computation and the mathematics behind many of the algorithms are timeless.

Computer Science is examined with two papers; one a practical programming paper and a project completed in Year 13. There is a significant amount of practical programming so experience in this is useful, however we will be teaching the basics, so those with less programming knowledge can easily get up to speed.

Topics in the course include networking and communications; data representation, analysis of Big Data; processor and hardware architecture and comparison of problem solving algorithms, to name a few.

The course is suited to mathematicians but also to people with a keen interest in technology and a creative ability to look at problems from a new perspective.

• How far should AI go?• Can ‘Big Data’ predict

earthquakes?• Can Algorithms solve

traffic problems?• Is the ‘Internet of Things’

here to stay?

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Design & Technology (Product Design)

This is the ideal subject to complement and apply Maths and the Sciences should you wish to follow a career in Product Design or Engineering.

Past students have moved in to very successful careers in these areas as well as Formula One, Motorsport in general, Aerospace and many others. The demands are high but so are the rewards working for companies such as Mercedes, Airbus, Rolls Royce etc.

Each year there is an examined project as well as an exam, similar in structure to the GCSE course but much more advanced. You will be expected to have a thorough knowledge of the processes and equipment needed to produce 3D working prototypes. You will need to devote several hours of your own time to read around the subject, as the exam is geared towards university courses. The workload and demands are high, we expect to have advised and mentored your choice before you reach us in September as the subject should be core to your future ambitions.

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Drama & Theatre StudiesMore than any other subject this subject encourages personal ownership and independent learning. Drama actively inspires students to grow into outgoing and confident adults, and also involves developing knowledge and understanding of major influences in theatre.

The second year builds on the components of Exploration and Performance and Theatre Makers in Practice studied at AS level. The A2 builds on the strengths you will have developed in the first year and involves a good deal of the responsibility for shaping the performance work.

1. Devising: Coursework comprising an exploration of dramatic performance. The assessment focus for this unit is based on process through a portfolio and product (the final performance)

2. A2 Component 2: Text in Performance, this is a group performance and a monologue to a visiting examiner. Designers can select lighting, sound, set or costume

3. Theatre Makers in Practice: 2 hour 30 minute written examination

In Section A, you complete a live theatre review and in Section B respond to The Accidental Death of an Anarchist. In Section C you are then required to answer one extended question on Georg Buchner’s incomplete opus Woyzeck.

I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.

Albert Einstein

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EconomicsTraditionally, Economics attracts a large number of strong Mathematicians who can employ their strengths in analysing economic data, but the interdisciplinary nature of the subject means that students from all backgrounds, whether Science or Arts, are capable of studying the subject.

The first year covers the basic principles of Economics, introducing and applying the essential tools of Supply and Demand. It also considers key topics such as Unemployment, Inflation, Balance of Payments and Economic Growth.

The second year provides an in depth study of Industry, Finance and the Workplace and a detailed look at the Global Economy.

You will be chiefly examined by demonstrating your understanding of economic principles and applying what you have learnt. Analytical and evaluative ability will be the main focus of the testing.

The subject potentially broadens an otherwise narrow choice of Arts, Science or Language and keeps future options open.

The study of how human beings organise and decide on key issues that affect their everyday lives is a challenging and relevant subject area for any student.

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English LiteratureEnglish literature at A Level is a dynamic and empowering subject. An active approach to learning is central, encouraging you to become an independent, creative and critical thinker.

Formal presentations, informal discussion, independent research and collaborative projects will enable you to develop a range of transferable skills, making you highly employable whichever career pathway you choose.

However, English literature is about much more than providing you with a wealth of career options. Studying writers from Shakespeare to Rossetti to Atwood, to name but a few, you will embark on a journey through time, place and culture. Along the way you will engage with complex issues such as what it means to be human and an individual’s role within society. Lively debates are underpinned by close textual analysis. Assessment is by means of 80% examination and 20% coursework. If you’re a reader and enjoy debate, this is the course for you.

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FrenchYou can use a language for practical communication in leisure and work - a valuable life skill. When learning a language, you also acquire transferable skills, such as problem solving, decision making, teamwork and communication.

The course comprises of four Themes which deal with various aspects of culture and society in France and the French speaking world.

THE FOUR THEMES:

Theme 1: Family structures, education and the world of work

Theme 2: Music, media and festivals and traditions

Theme 3: Immigration and multicultural society in France

Theme 4: Occupation and resistance

You will be assessed in all four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking and the assessment will include writing essays and translation from English into French and vice versa.

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Further MathematicsYou will follow the new Edexcel A Level Further Mathematics course. This consists mainly of Pure Mathematics with elements of Statistics, Mechanics and Decision Mathematics.

Pure Mathematics includes topics such as complex numbers and matrices. Statistics includes regression and goodness of fit tests. Mechanics includes momentum, work and power and Decision mathematics includes algorithms and critical path analysis.

You will further develop your problem solving skills and will model situations mathematically, recognising assumptions and limitations. You will reason logically, generalise mathematically and make deductions and inferences based on logical reasoning.

Assessment is by four equally-weighted examination papers of 1 hour 30 minutes each, two of which are centred on Pure Mathematics with the third and fourth papers centred on choices of modules taken from Further Pure, Statistics, Mechanics and Decision Mathematics.

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GeographyA Level Geography covers both the physical and human environments of the world in which we live. Throughout the course you will study the following Physical Geography topics: Water and Carbon Cycles; Hazards; Coastal Systems and Landscapes. You will also study the following Human Geography topics: Changing Places; Global systems; Population and the Environment.

You will learn in a variety of different ways, by using maps and photographs and analysing data and statistics. You will also develop your skills of discussion and debate, and you will carry out a vast amount of extended research which will help you to become an independent thinker and learner. You will also examine a variety of case studies, ranging from local and national examples, to those from across the globe. These will help you to add examples and evidence to your answers, so that your ideas and conclusions are well substantiated.

The Geography A Level is assessed by two written exams, each of which are 2 hours and 30 minutes in duration and worth 40% of the A Level. You will also complete a Geography fieldwork investigation which is worth 20% and will be 3,000-4,000 words in length.

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GermanYou can use a language for practical communication in leisure and work - a valuable life skill. When learning a language, you also acquire transferable skills, such as problem solving, decision making, teamwork and communication.

The course comprises of four Themes which deal with various aspects of culture and society in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

THE FOUR THEMES:

Theme 1: Environment, education and the world of work

Theme 2: Music, media and festivals and traditions

Theme 3: Immigration and multicultural society in Germany

Theme 4: Life in East Germany before and after Reunification; life in Germany since Reunification

You will be assessed in all four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking, and the assessment will include writing essays and translation from English into German and vice versa.

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HistoryDuring the A Level course you will build upon the knowledge and skills gained at GCSE and will study a range of topics from different countries and time periods: The Tudors - 1485-1603; The American Dream - 1945-1980; Anti-Semitism, Nazi Germany and the Holocaust - 1848-1945.

In addition to enriching your knowledge, you will further develop your historical skills including source analysis, constructing arguments about different historical issues and reaching informed conclusions. You will also spend time looking at the views and opinions of different historians and comparing their views with your own.

You will be assessed through two examinations, each of which are 2 hours and 30 minutes in duration and are worth 40% of the A Level. You will also complete a coursework essay, which is worth 20%.

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History of ArtArt is a way of responding to the world around you, it reflects your beliefs and ideas and is a way of communicating this to others.

By studying History of Art you will be able to understand the reasons why art continues to be such an important aspect of human life. You will also develop transferable skills allied to Law, Advertising, Business, Publishing, Media, Film, careers in Galleries, Museums, buying/selling Art. The subject also complements degrees in Architecture, Humanities and Marketing.

DURING THE COURSE YOU WILL COVER:

• Themes in Art: War, Identity, Nature

• Key artists and architects in Western and non-Western traditions

• Movements in Art History such as: The Renaissance, Modernism in Europe and contemporary art and architecture in Britain and the USA.

YOU WILL SIT TWO EXAMS AT THE END OF THE SECOND YEAR:

Paper 1 Visual Analysis and Themes

Paper 2 Movements in Art.

You will gain in-depth knowledge and understanding which will be a lifelong asset and will inform your everyday decision-making, opening your eyes to new ideas and new ways of looking.

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LatinIn order to access this qualification you should have attained a grade A or above in GCSE Latin.

Latin enables you to acquire an understanding of the culture, politics and social life of Rome at a significant period of its history. You will study prose and verse texts, building on the knowledge and skills gained at GCSE. In language work the emphasis is on increasing competence in translation and comprehension and you will develop your skills of translating from English into Latin.

In addition to developing your linguistic facility, you will also develop your skills of analysis and evaluation, literary criticism and the ability to formulate a logical and convincing argument.

The AS level comprises two examination papers, Latin Language and Latin Literature, each worth 50% of the total grade.

THE A LEVEL COMPRISES FOUR PAPERS:

• Unseen translation (33%)

• Prose composition or comprehension (17%)

• Prose literature (25%)

• Verse literature (25%)

We know that those who have studied the ancient languages are never, in fact, short of job-offers. A top asset-manager recently told me that his firm always employed classicists: they sold more. If Richard Dawkins is right, that is because ‘what Classics has always done is just teach people how to think’.

Peter Jones, Taking The Long View

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MathematicsYou will follow the new Edexcel A Level Mathematics course. This will consist mainly of Pure Mathematics with elements of Statistics and Mechanics.

Pure Mathematics includes topics such as calculus, trigonometry, algebra and graphs. Statistics includes probability, data presentation and interpretation and hypothesis testing. Mechanics includes kinematics, forces and Newton’s Laws of motion.

Mathematics affords excellent opportunities to enhance your analytical and problem solving skills. In addition to the knowledge that you can apply to scientific problems, you acquire the logical skills to manage projects, organise events and even present legal arguments.

Assessment consists of three equally-weighted two hour papers, two of which are centred on Pure Mathematics with the third paper centred on Statistics and Mechanics.

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MusicWe follow the interesting and exciting AQA course which offers an element of choice in the topics that you learn. Music at A Level is structured around the same three components that you will have studied at GCSE: listening and appraising, performance and composition.

ASSESSMENTS AT THE END OF YEAR 12 AND YEAR 13 ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• Listening, analysis and contextual understanding: Written exam with listening (40%)

• Music performance: Solo and/or ensemble performance as an instrumentalist and/or vocalist and/or music production (35%)

• Composition: To a brief and free composition (25%)

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Music TechnologyThis course provides students with a grounding in both the theory and history of Music Technology and its practical application through a range of coursework-based tasks and projects making use of our new recording studio.

If you are interested in becoming a sound engineer, record producer or working in the visual and sound media then this course is for you. There are many career and higher education options open to anyone who achieves this qualification. These range from entry level jobs in sound departments at many theatres to the highly prestigious ‘Tonmeister degree’ at the University of Surrey. The A Level also provides you with many transferrable skills that will prepare you for the demands of higher education and the world of work.

DURING THE COURSE YOU WILL COVER THE FOLLOWING UNITS:

• Recording techniques

• Mastering and sound editing

• Sound design and synthesis

• Technological development of the last 100 years

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PhysicsDuring the course you will study the basics of Physics but also new, cutting edge ideas; many presented in a context that relates to the world around us. Practical investigation forms a large aspect of the course and you will develop many new skills and techniques.

THE A LEVEL IS SPLIT INTO SIX MODULES:

• Development of practical skills in Physics

• Fundamental data analysis

• Physics in action

• Understanding processes

• Rise and fall of the clockwork universe

• Field and particle pictures

In recent years we have also complemented the course with exciting trips. For example, The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Fuerteventura on a ‘Stars by night’ visit and several trips to CERN to view the Large Hadron Collider.

There are huge career prospects from studying Physics, much of the technology that affects, eases and enriches our lives today is physics based.

Physics is the science of everything, it ranges from the size of our universe to the smallest detectable particle.

Physicists use the laws they uncover to develop new materials, machinery, and technology to improve our lives and help us explore the universe further.

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Physical EducationStudying Physical Education will help you to develop the skills, knowledge and competencies to live healthy and physically active lives. The course provides a solid foundation for further studies relating to movement and the body, including the social and health sciences, recreation and tourism.

Throughout the course you will understand how physiological and psychological states affect performance and the key socio-cultural factors that influence people’s involvement in sport and physical activity. You will refine your ability in one chosen activity by developing skills, techniques and the use of selecting and applying tactics and strategies to enhance performance or compositional ideas. Within lessons you will develop as an effective independent learner, and a reflective thinker with a curious and enquiring mind.

OCR Level 3 Advanced GCE in Physical Education (H555)PE is Powerful Education as it teaches, through active learning opportunities, the necessary knowledge and skills for working with and relating to others - developing leadership and teamwork.

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Politics appeals to the intellectually curious and has a long pedigree as an A Level that facilitates access to excellent universities.

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PoliticsIt is an irrefutable fact that politics has direct significance for us all. If you are interested in studying a subject that will give you academic success and a greater understanding of the world, then Politics A Level is for you.

It is taught coeducationally with Loughborough Grammar School in a mature environment that will well equip you for your examinations and the demands of university. There are no preconditions for studying Politics at A Level, apart from good prose skills, and the expectation that you will read widely and take an interest in current affairs. There is a thriving Politics Society; an annual trip to Parliament and a bi-annual trip to the USA.

Occupations that view Politics as an asset include: researchers, broadcasters, journalists, civil servants, lobbyists, teachers, lawyers, bankers, public relations, the police and military, and a wide range of business opportunities.

THE COURSE INCLUDES TOPICS ON:

UK Politics: Democracy & Participation / Political parties / Electoral Systems Voting & the media / Prime Ministers & Parliament

US Politics: Presidency & Congress / Supreme Court & Civil Rights Constitution & Federalism

Ideology: Political ideologies / Feminism / Nationalism

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PsychologyPsychology is essentially the study of people, the mind and behaviour. We study diverse areas such as obedience, attachment, memory, criminal behaviour and psychological disorders. Degree choices and careers include specialisms such as clinical, educational, forensic, counselling, sport, and occupational psychologists.

The course content is very interesting and you learn to develop key analytical skills, write and structure essays and complete psychological research. These skills are all relevant and transferable to the workplace with Psychology students known for their range of skills that employers require.

The A Level is assessed by three written exams with a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and essay questions.

The value of Psychology is being recognised and it is the fifth most popular A Level.

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Religious StudiesThis is an exciting course that is challenging and far reaching. Even though this A Level is entitled Religious Studies it could easily be described as Philosophy and Ethics. The main topics studied are an introduction to ethics and philosophy.

This subject should appeal to anyone with an inquiring and critical mind. Many of the skills gained in the study of philosophy and ethics will be transferable to other A Level subjects: critical thinking, evaluative and debating skills. You need to have an interest in the abstract and not hold any preconceived opinions. It is important to have a questioning mind, be an independent thinker and be able to think outside the box. There will also be the opportunity to attend conferences, symposiums and lectures at a variety of places. Past students have gone on to study medicine, law, teaching, journalism, media studies, music, business or joined the services.

Exam Board: OCR Religious Studies Philosophy and Ethics

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SociologyIn Sociology you will consider a range of topics such as the current education system, the changing nature of families and whether religious beliefs are still significant in today’s society. This is an interesting and enjoyable subject which will open your eyes and may even lead you to question the way you think. Career choices can be varied, including criminology, social work, human resources, teaching and the police.

The study of sociology gives you the skills 21st century workers need: strong written and oral communication skills; the ability to understand complex ideas and apply these to practical situations; extensive research and analytical skills, confidence to conduct interviews and surveys plus interpret and challenge numerical data and statistics.

Assessment at the end of the course involves three exams lasting two hours each covering Education, Crime and Deviance, Beliefs, and Research Methods.

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SpanishIn our global world, speaking foreign languages is a key life skill. Studying a Spanish A Level course will give you the chance to build on your GCSE language skills and study the culture and recent history of Spain and other Spanish speaking countries.

Being able to speak another language fluently is very desirable for universities and future employers alike. If you have a passion for languages, culture and literature this is the course for you.

The content revolves around current trends and aspects of society and artistic culture in the Hispanic world. As part of the course you will study two set texts: a film and a book. Assessment will include listening and reading comprehension tasks, a speaking exam, translation from and into Spanish and essay writing.

There are 20 countries worldwide in which Spanish is the official language and it is estimated that more than 400 million people are Spanish native speakers. By 2050, 10% of the world population will speak Spanish and the USA will be the biggest Spanish-speaking country.

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Applied ScienceThis course is ideal if you want to follow a Science based career and to study a Science based course at university. There are a large number of careers you can consider by studying Applied Science, such as; nursing, midwifery, food science, physiotherapy, radiology, engineering, technician and biotechnology.

THE LEVEL 3 QUALIFICATION CONSISTS OF:

Unit 1 Key Concepts in Science (written exam)

Unit 2 Applied Experimental Techniques (portfolio)

Unit 3 Science in the Modern World (written exam plus pre-released material)

Unit 4 The Human Body (written exam)

Unit 5 Investigating Science (portfolio)

Unit 6 Students can choose from three options:

Unit 6a Microbiology (portfolio)

Unit 6b Medical Physics (portfolio)

Unit 6c Organic Chemistry (portfolio)

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Applied Science enables you to explore the world of Science in a practical and relevant way. The course focuses upon a vocational perspective, with a strong influence on the way that investigations are carried out and relates them to the way scientists work within industry.

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Food, Nutrition & HealthThis exciting new course, with a strong emphasis on practical work, enables you to study the relationship between food and health, whilst developing hands-on food skills. You need an enquiring mind, and good problem solving and decision making skills.

During the course you will demonstrate your knowledge of food safety and science and nutrition by planning and preparing a selection of dishes designed to fulfil the dietary requirements of a variety of individuals in a range of different contexts.

You will develop transferrable skills including researching and referencing, ICT and presentation, numeracy and creativity as well as analytical and time management skills.

Assessment at the end of Year 12 is by a 90 minute exam and one nine hour internal controlled assessment including a three hour practical exam.

Assessment at the end of Year 13 is an eight hour supervised study and a 14 hour research project.

After passing Year 12 and 13 you will be awarded the Certificate and Diploma respectively.

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Together with relevant Level 3 qualifications, this course offers the accredited UCAS points to progress to food related higher education degree courses along with a variety of subjects such as nursing, teaching, hotel management, catering and nutrition.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMERThe prospectus and further information booklets describe the broad principles on which the School is presently run. Although believed to be correct at the time of printing, the prospectus or further information booklets are not part of any agreement between parents and Loughborough Endowed Schools. Parents wishing to place specific reliance on matters given in the prospectus or further information booklets should seek written confirmation of that statement before accepting the offer of a place. September 2017

Our Lady’s Convent School Gray Street Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 2DZ

01509 263901 [email protected] www.olcs.leics.sch.uk

Loughborough Endowed Schools is a Company Limited by Guarantee, number 4038033 and is registered in England and Wales. It is also a Registered Charity, number 1081765.

The Registered Office is 3 Burton Walks, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 2DU

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Sixth Form & A Levels - olcs.leics.sch.uk · Sixth Form & A Levels ... Enthusiasm and a desire to experiment with new materials and ideas is ... is safe to drink and keeps the air