1

Subjects

Subject

PageNo

Subject

PageNo

• Art-A2

2-3

• Health&SocialCare–BTEC

22-23

• Biology-A2

4

• History–A2

24-25

• Business–BTEC

5-6

• ICT–CambridgeTechExtCertificate

26-27

• Chemistry-A2

7

• Law–A2

28

• ChildDevelopment–BTEC

8-9

• Maths–A2

29

• Criminology–BTEC

10

• Music–BTEC

30-31

• DigitalMedia

11-12

• PerformingArts(DancePathway)BTEC

32-33

• Drama&TheatreStudies–A2

13-14

• Physics–A2

34-35

• EnglishLanguage&Literature–

AS/A2

15

• Psychology–A2

36-37

• French–A2

16-17

• RE–A2

38-39

• Geography–A2

18-19

• Sociology–A2

40

• German–A2

20-21

• Sport–BTEC

41-42

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Art ExamBoard:AQAQualification:ALevelCourseLength:2yearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?Studentswillbe introduced toavarietyofexperiences thatexplorea rangeof fineartmedia,processesandtechniques. They will be made aware of both traditional and new media. Students will explore the use ofdrawingfordifferentpurposes,usingavarietyofmethodsandmediaonavarietyofscales.Studentsmayusesketchbooks/workbooks/journals to underpin their work where appropriate. Students will explore relevantimages,artefactsandresourcesrelatingtoarangeofart,craftanddesign,fromthepastandfromrecenttimes,includingEuropeanandnon-Europeanexamples.Thiswillbeintegraltotheinvestigatingandmakingprocesses.WhatwillIstudy?InYear12

Component1:PersonalInvestigationStudentsarerequiredtoconductapracticalinvestigation,intoanidea,issue,conceptortheme,supportedbywrittenmaterial.Thefocusoftheinvestigationmustbeidentifiedindependentlybythestudentandmustleadtoafinishedoutcomeoraseriesofrelatedfinishedoutcomes.Theinvestigationshouldbeacoherent,in-depthstudy thatdemonstrates the student’sability to constructanddevelopa sustained lineof reasoning fromaninitialstartingpointtoafinalrealisation.InYear13

Component2:ExternallySetAssignmentSeparatequestionpaperswillbeprovided foreachtitle.Eachquestionpaperwill consistofachoiceofeightquestions to be used as starting points. Students are required to select one. Studentswill be providedwithexaminationpaperson1February,orassoonaspossibleafterthatdate.Preparatory period – from1 February - Following receipt of the paper students should consider the startingpointsandselectone.Preparatoryworkshouldbepresentedinanysuitableformat,suchasmountedsheets,designsheets,sketchbooks,workbooks,journals,modelsandmaquettes.Supervisedtime–15hours -Followingthepreparatoryperiod,studentsmustcomplete15hoursofunaided,supervisedtime.HowwillIbeAssessed?The A2 grade is 60% coursework and 40% externally set exam. The A2 course consists of one personalinvestigation chosen by the students, a written assignment and an external set assignment. Students arechallenged to lead their education, learning from each other through group critiques as well as from theteacher.Studentsaregivenonetoonesupportinandoutsideoflessontime.

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Whatdoesitleadto?StudentswhohavestudiedAlevelArtusuallygoontoundertakeafoundationcourseinArtandDesignandfromthenonchooseaspecialismtostudyatdegreelevel.Localuniversitiesofferawidevarietyofcoursesincluding:TheatreDesign,IndustrialDesign,JewelleryandSilversmithing,FineArt,3Ddesign,FashionDesign,Photography,FurnitureDesign,Ceramics,Illustration,GraphicDesigntonamebutafew.EntryRequirements:• 5GCSEsincludinggrade5oraboveinEnglishandMathsandgradeCoraboveinArt.• Goodattendancerecord.• Abilitytomeetdeadlines.

StaffContact:MrsPittam/MissNorman/MissBushelljoanna.pittam@oldburyacademy.org.uk

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Biology

ExamBoard:AQAQualification:ALevelBiologyCourseLength:2YearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?The work of biologists is vital to us all. Choose Biology and you could find yourself advancing knowledge,pioneeringnewdiscoveriesandtacklingsomeofthechallengesfacingtheworldwelivein.WhatwillIstudy?Learnerswillstudyavarietyoftopicsincluding:•Developmentofpracticalskillsinbiology•Foundationsinbiology•Exchangeandtransport•Biodiversity,evolutionanddisease•Communication,homeostasisandenergy•Genetics,evolutionandecosystemsHowwillIbeAssessed?Learners will be assessed by external examination at the end of the second year. The practical skills in thismoduleareassessedwithinwrittenexaminations.Whatdoesitleadto?WithaBiologyALevel,youcannormallystudyfurthersciencesatuniversitysuchasForensicBiology,Biology,Human Biology, Animal Biology, Ecology, the Environment, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry,Botany, Zoology,Parasitology,AquaticBioscience,Genetics,Virologyandmanymore.Thehigher yourgrade,themoreoptionsareopen toyou.Universitiesalsooften recommend that if youwant to studya scienceatdegree level you take a further science such as Chemistry or Mathematics at A Level. The list of careeropportunitiesisvariedandendless,includingteachingandresearch,biologicalscienceandtechnology,medicaland health services, genetic counselling, health education, biochemistry, environmental health,pharmaceutical/medicalproductsales,marinebiologyandrolessuchas laboratorytechnicianorenergyplantoperative.EntryRequirements:5GCSEsatgradeCorabove,includingEnglishLanguageatgrade6andMathsatgrade6.YoushouldhaveaminimumofgradeBinGCSEcombinedScience.IfyouhavetakenTripleScience,BiologymustbeatgradeB,withtheothertwosciencesatgradeC.StaffContact:MrsCJones(christine.jones@oldburyacademy.org.uk)

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Business ExamBoard:EdexcelQualification:BTECBusinessNationalCertificateinBusinessCourseLength:2YearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?TheBTECNationalCertificateisforlearnerswhoareinterestedinlearningaboutthebusinesssectoralongsideotherfieldsofstudy,withaviewtoprogressingtoawiderangeofhighereducationcourses,notnecessarilyinbusiness-related subjects. The course is intended to be practical and based wholly in the real world ofbusiness. It isaimedatstudentswhohavea real interest instartinguptheirownbusinesses,and it looksatwhatisrequiredtomakeitsuccessful.ItisbeneficialtohavestudiedBusinessStudiesatGCSE,butbynomeanscompulsory.Agoodabilityingeneralarithmeticalmathematicsisrequiredhowever.WhatwillIstudy?Therearefourunitsintotal,thesewillbestudiedduringthecourseofthe2years.Unit1–ExploringaBusinessInthisintroductoryunit,youwillstudythepurposesofdifferentbusinesses,theirstructure,theeffectoftheexternalenvironment,andhowtheyneedtobedynamicandinnovativetosurvive.Unit2–DevelopingaMarketingCampaignInthisunityouwillgainskillsrelatingto,andanunderstandingof,howamarketingcampaignisdeveloped.Unit3–PersonalandBusinessFinanceInthisunityouwillstudythepurposeandimportanceofpersonalandbusinessfinance.Theywilldeveloptheskillsandknowledgeneededtounderstand,analyseandpreparefinancialinformation.Unit14–InvestigatingCustomerServiceInthisunityouwillstudyhowexcellentcustomerservicecontributestobusinesssuccess.Theunitgivesyoutheopportunitytodevelopyourcustomerserviceskills.Howwillitbeassessed?

UNITS Mandatory/Optional

YEAR12/13 Internally/ExternallyAssessed

Unit1–ExploringaBusiness Mandatory Sept2016Year12 InternallyUnit2-DevelopingaMarketingCampaign Mandatory Sept2016Year12 ExternallyUnit3–PersonalandBusinessFinance Mandatory Sept2017Year13 ExternallyUnit14–InvestigatingCustomerService Optional Sept2017Year13 Internally

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Whatdoesitleadto?FurtherstudyofBusinessorrelatedsubjectsatHigherEducation.Employmentinawiderangeofdifferentindustriesthatmaybeinthelocalbusinessarea,orfortheLocalAuthorities,orbecomeself-employed.EntryRequirements:EnglishGCSEatgrade5orhigherandgradeCorhigherinGCSEBusiness.Thiscoursesuitsthosewhodonotperformwellinexamconditionsbutarefocusedandabletoworkindependently.StaffContact:MrDPittam,HeadofFaculty:david.pittam@oldburyacademy.org.ukMrsRJoshi,CurriculumSpecialistBusiness:rajni.joshi@oldburyacademy.org.uk

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Chemistry

ExamBoard:AQAQualification:ALevelChemistryCourseLength:2YearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?Chemistry is an important and exciting subject which is widely accepted as a strong foundation for highereducationandabroadspectrumofrewardingscientificcareers.WhatwillIstudy?•Developmentofpracticalskillsinchemistry•Foundationsinchemistry(atoms,moles,redoxandbondingandstructure)•Periodictableandenergy(periodicity,qualitativeanalysis,enthalpy,ratesandequilibria)•Coreorganicchemistry(organicreactions,synthesisandanalyticaltechniques)•Physicalchemistryandtransitionelements•OrganicchemistryandanalysisHowwillIbeAssessed?Learners will be assessed by external examination at the end of the second year. The practical skills in thismoduleareassessedwithinwrittenexaminations.Whatdoesitleadto?A Level Chemistry provides access to the full range of university courses leading to careers in medicine,veterinarymedicine,pharmacy,dentistry,engineering, teachingandresearch,accountancyand law.Potentialroles could includechemical scientist,pharmacist,productionengineer, laboratory technicianorenergyplantoperative.EntryRequirements:5GCSEsatgradeCorabove, includingEnglishLanguageatgrade6andMathsatgrade6.YoushouldhaveaminimumofgradeBinGCSEcombinedScience.IfyouhavetakenTripleScience,ChemistrymustbeatgradeB,withtheothertwosciencesatgradeC.StaffContact:MrsCJones(christine.jones@oldburyacademy.org.uk)

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Child Development ExamBoard:EdexcelQualification:BTECNationalAwardinChildren’sPlayLearningandDevelopmentCourseLength:2YearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?Thecoursehelpslearnerstogainessentialknowledgeandarangeofpracticalandtransferableskillstosupportprogression into the next stage of education offering sufficient UCAS points to enter University or intoemployment.WhatwillIstudy?Thereare5Coremandatoryunitswhichconsistofthefollowingunits:Unit1:ChildDevelopmentisexternallyassessedunit(Exambasedtaughtover2years)Unit2:PlayinEarlyYearsSettingsUnit4:HealthandSafetyPracticeinEarlyYearsSettingsUnit8:ChildProtectionUnit9:Observation,AssessmentandPlanningforPlayandDevelopmentOptionalUnit1optionalunitUnit3:MeetingChildren’sPhysicalDevelopment,PhysicalCareandHealthNeedsHowwillIbeAssessed?Oneofthemandatoryunitsisassessedthroughexambasedassessmentsandthefurtherfiveoftheunitsareassessedthroughcourseworkwhichwillconsistofessaytypeassignments,reports,casestudies,presentations,observations,reflectiveaccountswhichincludeslinkingtheorytopractice.Whatdoesitleadto?Thequalification isgenerallytakenalongsideotherqualificationaspartofatwoyearprogrammeof learning.Thiswillenableourlearnerstogainessentialknowledge,andarangeofskillstosupportprogressionintothenext stageof education,offering sufficientUCASpoints alongwithotherA Levels toenterUniversityor intoemploymentinthefollowingfields:*NurseryNurse *ChildMinder *SocialCareWork *NurseryOfficer *ChildNursing *Midwife*Teacher *CareWorker *HE*HealthVisitor *Nursing *anymanymoreotherprofessions

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EntryRequirements:Aminimumof5GCSEsatgradeA*toCincludingEnglishandMathsatgrade5.StaffContact:MrsNKhan(nasim.khan@oldburyacademy.org.uk)

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Criminology ExamBoard:WJECQualification:BTECLevel3DiplomainCriminologyCourseLength:2yearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?ThisLevel3qualificationwillappealtostudentswhoareinterestedincriminaljusticeandmaybeconsideringcareersinrelatedareas.Thecoursehaselementsoflaw,psychologyandsociologythatcomplimentsstudiesinhumanities.WhatwillIstudy?Unit1

Unit2

ChangingAwarenessofCrime:thedifferenttypesofcrime;influencesonperceptionsofcrimeandwhysomecrimesareunreported.CriminologicalTheories:Whypeoplecommitcrime

Unit3

Unit4

CrimeScenetoCourtroom:Criminaljusticesystemfromthemomentacrimehasbeenidentifiedtotheverdict;developtheskillsneededtoexamine information inordertoreviewthe justiceoftheverdictincriminalcases.

CrimeandPunishment:Criminalityandcriminologicaltheories;processofbringinganaccusedtocourtinordertoevaluatetheeffectivenessofsocialcontroltodelivercriminaljusticepolicy.

HowwillIbeAssessed?• 50%exam• 50%controlledassessment

Whatdoesitleadto?TheDiploma inCriminology is theequivalentofanALevel. Itwillprovideexcellentpreparation forstudentswho wish to pursue careers into the police force, forensic services, the legal profession and other relatedcriminologyfields,suchassociology,probationworkandpsychology.EntryRequirements:• Nopreviousknowledgeofcriminologyisneeded.• 5GCSEsatgradeCincludinggrade5oraboveinEnglishLanguage.StaffContact:MissDParkes(donna.parkes@oldburyacademy.org.uk)

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Digital Media ExamBoard:OCRQualification:OCRLevel3CambridgeTechnicalExtendedCertificateinDigitalMedia(05844)CourseLength:2yearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?

CambridgeTechnicalsarevocationalqualificationsat Level3. Theyaredesignedwith theworkplace inmindwithagreatrangeofsubjectstochoosefrom.

Vocationaleducationisnotjustaboutresults,it’sabouteducatingpeopleintheknowledgeandskillsrequiredforemploymentand for the communityasawhole. It’s alsoaboutdeveloping thebehavioursandattributesneededtoprogressandsucceedineducationandinwork.WhatwillIstudy?Learnerswill take between five and seven units, threemandatory and between two and four optional units(dependingonthesizeofunits).Thefollowingunitsaremandatory:•Mediaproductsandaudiences•Pre-productionandplanning•CreateamediaproductTheseunitswillgivelearnersanunderstandingofhowdifferentmediainstitutionsoperatetocreateproductsthat appeal to specific target audiences. They’ll gain knowledge and understanding of the pre-production,planningandproductionprocessesandgoontocreateamediaproduct.Throughthislearnerswillalsodeveloptransferable skills such as planning, communication, adaptability and leadership. The optional units providelearnerswiththeopportunitytobroadentheirknowledge,understandingandskillsinkeyareassuchas,socialmediaandglobalisation,journalismandthenewsindustryoradvertisingmedia.HowwillIbeAssessed?QualificationsaregradedusingaPass,Merit,Distinction,Distinction* (andUnclassified) structure.Learnerswhodonotachieveapassinaunitwillbeunclassified.Alearnermustgetatleastapassforeveryunittobeawardedthequalificationtheyhaveenteredfor.Thecourseisamixtureofexaminationsandcoursework.

Whatdoesitleadto?Students taking the course will be recognised for creative design in media products such as: digital games,animation andonline interactive technologies. This pathwaywill allow students to gain employment in rolessuchasDigitalLayoutArtists,DigitalGraphicDesigners,FreelanceReporter,Web-developers/Designers,

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Animators;ComputerGraphicsModellers,PhotographyandFilmindustries.StudentscanalsotakeadegreeroutewithinamediadisciplineatUniversityatdegreelevelEntryRequirements:EnglishGCSEatgrade5orhigherandaMeritoraboveatLevel2MediaorICT.

StaffContact:MrDPittam,HeadofFaculty:david.pittam@oldburyacademy.org.ukMrPFryer,DeputyHeadofFaculty:philip.fryer@oldburyacademy.org.uk

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Drama and Theatre Studies

ExamBoard:EdexcelQualification:ALevelCourseLength:2yearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?The aims of the course is to promote an enjoyment of and an interest in drama and theatre, both as aparticipant and as an informedmember of an audience. It is a largely practical course, allowing students todevelophighlycreativeskillsinperformance,directingandcriticalappreciationoflivetheatre.Thiscoursewillalso written analytical skills and knowledge and understanding needed to critically discussion drama andtheatre. Our course promotes and encourages life-long learning and provides access to drama, theatre andrelatedcareers.WehavenumerousperformanceopportunitiesandconnectionstotheatresinBirminghamsuchas the MAC and Birmingham City University. Drama and Theatre Studies students are expected to be self-disciplinedandcompletepersonalstudyonaregularandstructuredbasisandinturnwillreceivetuitionthatisindividual,personalisedandfocusedtoensurethatyoureachyourpotential.Yourteacherwilldoalltheycantodevelop yourpersonal goals and interests supporting andmentoring you throughany applications for futurestudy. In addition the course provides a worthwhile, satisfying and complete course of study that broadensexperience,developsimagination,fosterscreativityandpromotespersonalandsocialdevelopment.WhatwillIstudy?Year12The course requires students to complete a minimum of two performances, one devised and one from aperformancetextwhichhasbeenstudiedaspartofthecourse.Component1:DevisingComponent2:TextinPerformance(Part1)Year13Thecourserequiresstudentstotakepartinaminimumoftwocompleteandsubstantialperformancetextsandaminimumofthreekeyextractsfromthreedifferenttextsplacedinthecontextofthewholetext.Component2:TextinPerformance(Part2)Component3:TheatreMakersinPracticeStudents must study the work and methodologies of one influential theatre practitioner (individual orcompanies)andtwotheatrepractitionersacrossbothyearsofstudy.HowwillIbeAssessed?Component1:40%-20Marks-Performance/60Marks-PerformanceAnalysis(InternallyAssessed)

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Component2:20%-60Marks-GroupandMonologuePerformance(ExternallyAssessed)Component 3: 40% - 80Mark - 2 hours 30minsWritten Examination - This is based on practically exploredscripts(ExternallyAssessed)Whatdoesitleadto?Degree courses in Acting/Theatre skills/Literature. All other professionals where the key skills would beapplicable, such as journalism, social work and counselling. Any course or profession where strongcommunicationandproblemsolvingskillswouldbebeneficial.Thiscoursepreparesstudentsforthefollowingcareers: Performer, Teacher in Education, Teacher in the Community, Teacher in the Private Sector,Chorographer, Director, Administration, Arts Journalist, Technician, Lighting Designer, Costume Designer andmanymore.EntryRequirements:• Grade5inEnglishandMaths.• Grade5inGCSEDramaorLevel2PassinBTECPerformingArtDrama.• Goodperformanceandcommunicationskills.• Goodattendancerecord.• Willingnesstoperforminfrontofanaudience.• Willingnesstobefilmedonaregularbasis.• Abilitytomeetdeadlines.

StaffContact:MissSJackson(sarah.jackson@oldburyacademy.org.uk)

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English Language and Literature ExamBoard:AQAQualification:ALevelCourseLength:2yearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?

Studentswho study English Language and Literature develop skills in analysing themeaning of texts from alanguageperspective.Theyareabletoconsiderhowlanguageshapestextproductionandtextualmeaningandevenusetheseskillstoproducetheirowntexts.Thecoursedevelopscommunicationskillsanddebatingskillsaswellasskillstoenableyoutoanalyseandcriticallyevaluateliteraryandnon-literarytextsofalltypes.EnglishLanguage and Literature is a subject that is considered highly academic and demands good literacy skills. Itcombineswellwithother literacybased subjects suchasHistory,Media, Sociology, LawandPsychology. TheEnglish Language and Literature qualification is welcomed formany different careers because it emphasisescloseanalysis,creativity,disciplinedthoughtandcommunication,plusanabilitytosynthesiseandcontextualiseideas.WhatwillIstudy?

Youwillstudyarangeof literaryandnon-literarytextsbasedonanumberofthemes.Thesethemes include:Fictionalworlds,RememberedPlaces,Conflict,TellingStoriesandWritingaboutSociety.Youwillalsohavetheopportunitytocreateaprojectbasedonyourownchoiceofliteraryandnon-literarymaterial.Currenttextsbeingstudiedinclude:Dracula,OthelloandTheGreatGatsby.HowwillIbeAssessed?

There are two examinations at the end of the two year course. You will also complete a non-examinedcourseworkassessmentinthesecondyearofapproximately2500-3500wordsinlength.Whatdoesitleadto?

EnglishLanguageandLiteratureopensdoors toa rangeofcareeropportunities, including journalismand themedia.However, it iscommonlyusedasameansofentry intoHigherEducation,tostudyEnglish,eitherasasinglesubjectorincombinationwithothersubjects.Englishmightbecombinedwith,forexample,coursessuchasMediaStudies,Law,History,REormodernlanguages.EntryRequirements:AGCSEgradeofatleasta5inEnglishLanguageandLiteratureisessentialtostudythiscourse.StaffContact:MissSWalker(sara.walker@oldburyacademy.org.uk)

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French ExamBoard:PearsonEdexcelALevelinFrench,draftspecificationSep2016Qualification:ALevelCourseLength:2yearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?This is amotivating course of study that will enable students to develop an advanced level knowledge andunderstanding of the French language, the culture of France and other francophone countries, as well aspracticalandvaluablelanguageandtransferablestudyskills.Thisspecificationwillhelptopreparestudentsforhighereducationandenhancetheiremployabilityprofile.WhatwillIstudy?Papers1and2willbebasedoncontentfromthemeswhichaddressarangeofsocialissuesandtrends,aswellas aspects of the political and artistic culture of France and French-speaking countries. Theme 1 deals withaspectsof societyofFrance: Leschangementsdans la société française, Leschangementsdans les structuresfamiliales, L’éducation, Le monde du travail. Theme 2 requires students to broaden their knowledge acrossfrancophone countries and communities: La culture politique et artistique dans les pays francophones, Lamusique,Lesmedias,Lesfestivalsetlestraditions.Paper2 involvesa translationexerciseandessaysanddrawson thestudyatASLevelofonediscreteFrenchwork,eitheroneliterarytextoronefilm,ortwoworksatA2Level,twoliterarytextsoronetextandonefilm,takenfroma listprovided,which includearangeofclassicandcontemporarynovels,aseriesofshortstoriesandplays.Paper3requiresstudentstoreadandrespondtotextsbasedonthetheme‘Leschangementsdanslasociétéfrançaise’and‘Laculturepolitiqueetartistiquedanslespaysfrancophones’.HowwillIbeAssessed?The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced SubsidiaryGCE in French consists of two externally examined papersassessing listening, readingandwritingandanon-examinedassessmentassessing speakingatbothASandALevel. The speaking assessment is externally set and conducted by a teacher/examiner. All assessments aremarkedbyPearson.StudentsmustcompletetheirspeakingassessmentinApril/MayandallotherassessmentsinMay/Juneinanysingleyear.Paper1:Listening,readingandtranslationintoEnglish,writtenexamination:1hourand50minutes,40%ofthequalification,64marks.Paper2:Writtenresponse towork,grammarand translation,writtenexamination:1hourand40minutes (2hoursand40minutesatALevel),30%ofthequalification,48marks.Paper3:Speaking, internallyconductedandexternallyassessed,30%of thequalification,48marks.Studentswill be assessed on their ability to communicate and interact effectively, summarise and understandwrittensources inspeech,manipulate languageaccuratelyandshowknowledgeandunderstandingaboutthecultureandsocietywherethelanguageisspoken.

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Whatdoesitleadto?Thiscoursecan leadtoavarietyofhighereducationandcareeropportunities including: journalism,business,tourism, law, computing, fashion, advertising and media. Recent statistics show that those with a languagequalificationcanincreasetheiremployability.PreviousstudentshavecombinedtheirlanguagewithavarietyofsubjectsfromdifferentareasincludingMathsandDrama.EntryRequirements:5GCSEsgradeCoraboveincludingagradeBoraboveinFrench.StaffContact:MrsLouiseHancox(louise.hancox@oldburyacademy.org.uk)HeadofLanguages

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Geography

ExamBoard:AQAQualification:ALevelCourseLength:2YearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?• Geographyisawellrespectedsubject– it is interesting,variedandrelevanttotheworldtoday,aswellas

equippingyouwillafullrangeofskillstoemployment.Youwillstudyavarietyoftopicsandrelevantaffairsoccurringinternationally.

• Geographyremainsoneofthekeysubjectsthatthecountry’sleadinguniversities(theRussellGroup)wantstudentstohaveasitisconsideredasasubjectthatstretchesandchallengesstudents.

• This specification iswell-designedandstructured,beingbasedonphysicalandhumangeographyandonepieceofcoursework.

• Studentswillengageinexcitingfieldworkopportunitiestocollectdataandexperiencegeographyinthefield.WhatwillIstudy?Overthetwoyearsyouwillstudy:-• Physical Geography – Section A: Water and carbon cycles; Section B: either Hot desert systems and

landscapesorCoastalsystemsandlandscapesorGlacialsystemsandlandscapes;SectionC:eitherHazardsorEcosystemsunderstress.

• HumanGeography-SectionA:Globalsystemsandglobalgovernance;SectionB:Changingplaces;SectionC:

eitherContemporaryurbanenvironmentsorPopulationandtheenvironmentorResourcesecurity.

Theunitswearestudyingoverthetwoyearsare:-• PhysicalGeography• HumanGeography• Researchprojectusingfieldworkbasedononeofthestudyunits

HowwillIbeAssessed?• Unit1:PhysicalGeography–Oneexamattheendofthetwoyearsof2hours30minutes–40%ofALevel• Unit2:HumanGeography–Oneexamattheendofthetwoyearsof2hours30minutes–40%ofALevel• Unit3:Researchprojectusingfieldwork–Internallyassessedandexternallymoderated–20%ofALevel

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Whatdoesitleadto?Studyinggeographyarmsstudentswithamixofskillsemployerswanttosee.Thecoursehelpsdevelopawholerangeofskillsincludingnumeracy,teamworkthroughregularfieldtrips,analyticalskillsandacertaintechnicalsaviness through using various specialist computing applications. Also, the subject area in itself cultivates aworld view and a certain cultural sensitivity. These all potentially help a geographer to stand out in the jobmarket.AswellasprogressingontoaGeographybaseddegree,commonjobschosenafterstudyingGeographyat A level include: education; professional and social services; environmental management; informationservices;businessandfinance;scientificservices;managementandadministration;leisure,travelandtourism.EntryRequirements:5GCSEsatgradeCoraboveincludinggrade5inGCSEEnglishandgradeCinGeography.StaffContact:MrR.EvansorMrD.Marshallross.evans@oldburyacademy.org.uk/darren.marshall@oldburyacademy.org.uk

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German ExamBoard:PearsonEdexcelALevelinGerman,draftspecificationSep2016Qualification:ASinYear12(doesnotcounttowardsyourA2),A2inYear13CourseLength:2yearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?This is amotivating course of study that will enable students to develop an advanced level knowledge andunderstandingoftheGermanlanguageandthecultureofGermanspeakingcountries,aswellaspracticalandvaluable language and transferable study skills. This specification will help to prepare students for highereducationandenhancetheiremployabilityprofile.WhatwillIstudy?Papers1and2willbebasedoncontentfromthemeswhichaddressarangeofsocialissuesandtrends,aswellasaspectsofthepoliticalandartisticcultureofGermanyandGerman-speakingcountries.Theme1dealswithaspectsofsocietyofGermany:NaturundUmwelt,Bildung,DieWeltderArbeit.Theme2issetinthecontextofGerman-speaking countries and communities. This theme covers artistic culture (throughmusic and festivalsandtradtions)andpoliticalandartisticculture(throughmedia):MusikundkünstlerischeKultur,dieMedien,dieRollevonFestenundTraditionen.Paper2involvesatranslationexerciseandessaysanddrawsonthestudyatASLevelofonediscreteGermanwork,eitheroneliterarytextoronefilm,ortwoworksatA2Level,twoliterarytextsoronetextandonefilm,takenfroma listprovided,which includearangeofclassicandcontemporarynovels,aseriesofshortstoriesandplays.Paper3requiresstudentstoreadandrespondtotextsbasedontwothemes.ThecontentforTask1isbasedononeofthesub-themesofTheme1andthecontentofTask2isoneofthesub-themesfromTheme2.HowwillIbeAssessed?ThePearsonEdexcel Level3AdvancedSubsidiaryGCE inGermanconsistsof twoexternallyexaminedpapersassessing listening, readingandwritingandanon-examinedassessmentassessing speakingatbothASandALevel. The speaking assessment is externally set and conducted by a teacher/examiner. All assessments aremarkedbyPearson.StudentsmustcompletetheirspeakingassessmentinApril/MayandallotherassessmentsinMay/Juneinanysingleyear.Paper1:Listening,readingandtranslationintoEnglish,writtenexamination:1hourand50minutes,40%ofthequalification,64marks.Paper2:Writtenresponse towork,grammarand translation,writtenexamination:1hourand40minutes (2hoursand40minutesatALevel),30%ofthequalification,48marks.Paper3:Speaking, internallyconductedandexternallyassessed,30%of thequalification,48marks.Studentswill be assessed on their ability to communicate and interact effectively, summarise and understandwrittensources inspeech,manipulate languageaccuratelyandshowknowledgeandunderstandingaboutthecultureandsocietywherethelanguageisspoken.

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Whatdoesitleadto?Thiscoursecan leadtoavarietyofhighereducationandcareeropportunities including: journalism,business,tourism, law, computing, fashion, advertising and media. Recent statistics show that those with a languagequalificationcanincreasetheiremployability.PreviousstudentshavecombinedtheirlanguagewithavarietyofsubjectsfromdifferentareasincludingMathsandDrama.EntryRequirements:5GCSEsatgradeCoraboveincludingagradeBinGerman.StaffContact:MrsLouiseHancox(louise.hancox@oldburyacademy.org.uk)HeadofLanguages

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Health and Social Care ExamBoard:EdexcelQualification:PearsonBTECNationalDiplomainHealthandSocialCareCourseLength:2YearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?Thisisa10hoursperweekcourse(equivalentoftwoALevels).This can lead to employability within a Health or Social care environment, progressing in Higher EducationwithinNursing,Midwifery,SportsPhysiotherapyandSocialWork.WhatwillIstudy?Thereare6mandatoryunitswhichconsistofthefollowingunits:• HumanLifespanDevelopment(Exambased)• WorkinginHealthandSocialCare(Exambased)• EnquiriesintocurrentresearchinHealthandSocialcare(Exambased)• MeetingIndividualCareandSupportNeeds(Coursework)• PrinciplesofSafePracticeinHealthandSocialCare(Coursework)• PromotingPublicHealth(Coursework)Youwillthenstudyafurthertwooptionalunitswhichwillconsistofcourseworkonly.HowwillIbeAssessed?Three of the mandatory units are assessed through exam based assessments and the other five units areassessed throughcourseworkwhichwill consistof reports,presentationsandreflectiveaccountswhich linkstheorytopractice.

Whatdoesitleadto?Thisqualificationisgenerallytakenalongsideotherqualificationsaspartofa2-yearprogrammeoflearning.Thiswillenableourlearnerstoprogresstoadegreeprogrammechosenfromarangeofprogrammesinthehealthandsocialcaresector.ThequalificationisintendedtocarryUCASpointsandisrecognisedbyhighereducationinstitutionsascontributingtomeetingadmissionrequirementstomanyrelevantcoursesatuniversity.Itcanbetakenalongside,forexample:•ALevelinBiology,whichcouldleadtoaBSc(Hons)inNursingorMidwifery•ALevelinSociology,whichcouldleadtoaBA(Hons)inSocialWork

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•BTECCertificateinSport,whichcouldleadtoaBSc(Hons)inPhysiotherapy•ALevelinPsychology,whichcouldleadtoaBSc(Hons)inPsychology

EntryRequirements:

Agrade5oraboveinMathsandEnglish,plusatleastthreeotherGCSEsatagradeCoraboveincludingaScience.

StaffContact:

MsKakkad(b.kakkad@oldburyacademy.org.uk)

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History ExamBoard:AQAQualification:ALevelCourseLength:2yearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?• TheAQAHistoryspecificationisareformedcoursebasedonanewandsophisticatedsetofobjectivesand

up-to-dateconsultationbyoneoftheUK’sleadingawardingbodies.• History remains one of the key subjects that the country’s leading universities (the Russell Group) want

studentstohaveasitisconsideredasasubjectthatstretchesandchallengesstudents.• Thisspecificationiswell-designedandstructured,beingbasedontwodistinctexaminedunitsandonepiece

ofcoursework.• Thecontentof the specification isexcitingandemotivewhichwill appeal toandengagestudents in their

studies.WhatwillIstudy?Overthetwoyearsyouwillstudy:-• A substantial British depth study based on the Tudors and their establishment of an English Church and

greaterpowerfortheEnglishmonarchy.ThiscoversthereignsofHenryVIII,EdwardVI,MaryIandElizabethI,lookingatkeychangesanddevelopmentsandhoweventsinEnglandwereaffectedbyexternalevents.

• Anon-BritishbreadthstudybasedonRussia.Students study thedevelopmentofRussiansocietybetween1855-1965,lookingatthecollapseoftheRomanovEmpirefollowingthe1917Revolution,andtheriseofaCommunistgovernmentandthegrowthoftheUSSR.

• Atopicand interpretationsbasedessayof3000-4000wordsonCivilRights intheUSA intheperiod1865-1968.

Theunitswearestudyingoverthetwoyearsare:-• Unit1:BreadthStudy:Tsarist&CommunistRussia,1855-1964• Unit2:DepthStudy:ReligiousconflictandtheChurchinEngland,c1529-c1570• Unit3:ResearchprojectonCivilRightsintheUSA

HowwillIbeAssessed?• Unit1:BreadthStudy:Tsarist&CommunistRussia,1855-1964–Oneexamattheendofthetwoyearsof2

hours30minutes.• Unit2:DepthStudy:ReligiousconflictandtheChurchinEngland,c1529-c1570-1964–Oneexamatthe

endofthetwoyearsof2hours30minutes.• Unit3:ResearchprojectonCivilRightsintheUSA–Internallyassessedandexternallymoderated.

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Whatdoesitleadto?ALevelHistoryoffers students theopportunity todevelopawide rangeof skills thatcanbeused in the realworld.Studentsadvancetheiranalysisandenquiryabilitiesalongsidetheirsourceanalysisskills.Theyarealsosupported to strengthen their ability to engage in independent research. Studying history provides access to awiderangeofcareerandhighereducationopportunities.HistorycombineswellwithPsychology,SociologyorLaw to create an attractive portfolio of subject qualifications that employers are currently searching for.CombinedwithEnglishoramodern foreign language itwouldprovideagoodbasis foranartsor languages-baseddegree.Italsoprovidesanexcellentfoundationforanumberofpopularcareersincludingjournalism,lawandbusiness.EntryRequirements:5GCSEsatgradeCorabove(includingHistory)andEnglishLanguageatgrade5orabove.StaffContact:MrsG.Morriss(gill.morriss@oldburyacademy.org.uk)

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Information Technology ExamBoard:OCRQualification:Level3CambridgeTechnicalExtendedCertificateinITCourseLength:2yearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?CambridgeTechnicalsarevocationalqualificationsatLevel3.They’redesignedwiththeworkplaceinmindwithagreatrangeofsubjectstochoosefrom.

Vocationaleducationisnotjustaboutresults,it’sabouteducatingpeopleintheknowledgeandskillsrequiredforemploymentand for the communityasawhole. It’s alsoaboutdeveloping thebehavioursandattributesneededtoprogressandsucceedineducationandinwork.WhatwillIstudy?

Learnerswilltakefiveunitstoachievethisqualification.

Therearethreemandatoryunitsthatareexternallyassessed(examination).ThesearetheFundamentalsofIT,GlobalinformationandCybersecurity.ThefirsttwomandatoryunitsprovidelearnerswithaninsightintotheITsectorasyouinvestigatethepaceoftechnologicalchange,ITinfrastructure,theflowofinformationonaglobalscale and important legal and security considerations. The third mandatory unit reflects an importantdevelopment in thesectoraround informationsecurityandrequires learners toconsiderhowdatashouldbeprotectedandtheresponseoftheITsectortoemergingthreatssuchascyberterrorism.

Studentsthentaketwoofthefouroptionalunitsthatarecentre-assessedandmoderatedbyOCR.Theoptionalunits include Project management, Product development, Systems analysis and design and the Internet ofEverything.

All units assist in the development of transferrable skills such as communication and problem solving. Theoptional units encourage the development of time management, research and analytical skills as well asemphasisingtheneedforgoodwrittenandverbalcommunicationskills.HowwillIbeAssessed?Assessmentisthroughexamination,courseworkandpresentation

Whatdoesitleadto?This qualification is designed for learnerswhowant to continue their education through applied learning bydeveloping their knowledge and understanding of the principles of IT and global information systems.AchievementofthisqualificationcansupportprogressiontogoonandstudyrelevantITdegreesinaHigherEducationinstitutionsuchas,ComputingandIT,ComputingScience,SoftwareDevelopments,SoftwareEngineering,ICTandComputerNetworksorBusinessInformationSystem

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EntryRequirements:5GCSEsatgradeCoraboveincludingICTorComputingandEnglishLanguageatgrade5.StaffContact:MrPittamHeadofFaculty:david.pittam@oldburyacademy.org.ukMrDaffusixthformteacher:davinder.daffu@oldburyacademy.org.uk

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Law ExamBoard:AQAQualification:A-LevelLawCourseLength:2yearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?YoudonotneedtohaveGCSELawinordertostudyLawatALevel.Itsmainpurpose istoenablestudentstodevelopanunderstandingofbothpublicandprivate lawwithinthelawofEnglandandWalesandtodevelopskillswhichwillprepare themfor furtherundergraduatestudyandfuturecareers.Thecoursewilldevelopstudent’sabilitytoanalysebothlegalrules,principles,factualissuesandwilldeveloptheirabilitytothinkcriticallyabouttheroleoflawinsociety.Inaddition,studentswillobtainskillsinconstructingpersuasivelegalargumentsandevaluatingthestrengthofsucharguments.WhatwillIstudy?

• NatureofLawandtheEnglishLegalSystem:theRuleofLaw;ParliamentaryLawMaking;DelegatedLegislation;JudicialPrecedent,StatutoryInterpretation;EULawandLawReform.

• CourtandTribunalStructuresincludingPersonnel:CivilCourtsSystem;CriminalProcess;LegalPersonnel&AccesstoJusticeandFunding.

• PrivateLaw:TortLawandContractlaw• PublicLaw:CriminalLaw

HowwillIbeAssessed?

• 100%exam

Whatdoesitleadto?AnALevelinLawwillenhancestudent’schancesofbeingacceptedintouniversity,eithertotakealawdegree,asocialscienceorbusinessdegree,oranyothercourseofstudy.Sowhetheritisacareerinthelaw,orinotherareas likeeducation, thepolice,humanresources,accountancyorbusinessastudentwants,ALevelLawcanreallyopendoors.EntryRequirements:

• Nopreviousknowledgeoflawisneeded.• 5GCSEsgradeCoraboveincludinggrade5inEnglishLanguage.StaffContact:MissDPayne(danielle.payne@oldburyacademy.org.uk)

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Mathematics ExamBoard:TBCQualification:ALevel(2yearcourse)orASLevel(1yearcourse)CourseLength:Whatarethebenefitsofthecourse?Developinglogicalproblemsolvingskillswhicharetransferableacrossarangeofapplications,aswellasbeinghighlysoughtafterbyHEinstitutesandemployers.WhatwillIstudy?YouwillstudyawiderangeofMathematicskills,includingAlgebra,Functions,SeriesandSequences,Logarithms,Differentiation,Integration,Trigonometry,Proof,Kinematics,Vectors,andStatisticaltests.HowwillIbeAssessed?3x2hourExaminationsattheendofthecourse.(Paper1Core,Paper2CoreandPaper3MechanicsandStatistics)Whatdoesitleadto?Accesstoawiderangeofcareerandhighereducationopportunities.Possiblefurthercareerpathsincludethoseinscienceandtechnology,computing,engineering,medicine,businessandmanagement,financeandaccountancy,economics,architecture,law,thesciences,researchandteaching.EntryRequirements:5GCSEsatgradeCoraboveincludinggrade7orhigherinGCSEMathematics.StaffContact:MrKLees(keith.lees@oldburyacademy.org.uk)

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Music ExamBoard:(RSL)RockSchoolQualification:Level3SubsidiaryDiplomaCourseLength:2yearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?This isavocationalcoursewhichwillprovidelearnerswithexperience,skillsandknowledgeofmusic industrypracticewithintheperformanceandtechnologysector.Learnersareprovidedwiththeopportunitytoexplorecareerswithinthemusicperformanceandtechnologyindustryandcreatetheirowncomprehensivecareerplan.WhatwillIstudy?RehearsalandLiveMusicPerformance(coreunit):Learnerswillprepareforaliveperformanceandpublicallyperform.Learnersmustprovidearationalefortheirchosenperformancepieces,arehearsalplanandreviewtheprogressonaweeklybasis.Learnerswilldeveloptheir rehearsal and performance techniques. Videos of every rehearsal must be submitted for externalverification.PlanningaCareerinmusic(coreunit):Learnerswill consider theirpotentialplans fora career inmusicandcreatea thoroughcareerplan includinglong,mediumandshorttermgoals.Learnerswilllearntoexplorecareerschoiceindepthandcreateaclearandrelevantpathwaytoachievingthecareergoal.StudioSoundRecording:Learnerswilldeveloptheskillsrequiredtoplan,recordandevaluateanoverdubbedmulti-trackwithinastudioenvironment.StudioSoundMixing:Learnerswilldeveloptheknowledgeandskillsofmixingatleasttwomulti-trackrecordingsindifferentstyles.HowwillIbeAssessed?Thiscourseis100%assessedbycourseworkwhichismarkedinternallyandexternally.Assignmentbriefswillbewritten by the exam board. A variety of types of coursework will need to be submitted included essays,performancework,videologs,audiofilesandrehearsaldiariesetc.Whatdoesitleadto?Following thecompletionof thiscourse, studentscouldconsiderextending their study intohighereducation.TherearedegreecoursesaroundthecountryinMusicTechnology.Studentsmayconsideracareerasastudioengineer,music technician,workingwitha record labelaswellasmanymoreopportunitieswithin themusicindustry.

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EntryRequirements:• 5GCSEsincludingagradeCorabove/MeritinMusicandgrade5oraboveinEnglishandMaths.• Goodmusicianshipandperformanceskillsonaspecificinstrument.• Goodattendancerecord.• Willingnesstoperforminfrontofanaudience.• Willingnesstobefilmedonaregularbasis.• Abilitytomeetdeadlines.

StaffContact:MsDSpencer(d.spencer@oldburyacademy.org.uk)

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Performing Arts – Dance Pathway ExamBoard:EdexcelQualification:BTECLevel3ExtendedCertificateinPerformingArts(singleoption–equivalentto1ALevel)BTECLevel3NationalDiplomainPerformingArts(Doubleoption-equivalentto2ALevels)CourseLength:2yearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?Over twoyears studentswill havemanyexcitingopportunities todevelop their practical skills in a varietyofDance/DramaandMusicalTheatrestyles.TheywillbeabletoperformwithintheSixthFormaswellaseventsoffsitesuchasSandwellDanceFestivalandtheNationalCompetition‘TheGreatBigDanceOff’.Studentswillalso study theoretical units which will broaden subject knowledge and provide an understanding about theprofessional industry. The course is delivered by teaching staff from a variety of Dance backgrounds andstudentswillalsohavetheopportunitytoworkwithprofessionaldanceartists.Inaddition,learnerswillbeabletoattendtripstogainhandsonexperienceofhowtheprofessionalsworkintheindustry.WhatwillIstudy?Singleoption–ExtendedCertificate(5hoursperweek)

Mandatoryunits:

• Investigatingpractitionerswork• DevelopingSkillsandtechniquesforliveperformance• Groupperformanceworkshop• StreetDancetechniques

Doubleoption–NationalDiploma(10hoursperweek)

Mandatoryunits:

• Investigatingpractitionerswork• DevelopingSkillsandtechniquesforliveperformance• Groupperformanceworkshop• PerformingArtsintheCommunity• Individualperformancecommission• Finalliveperformancetoanaudience• Streetdancetechnique• Contemporarydancetechnique

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HowwillIbeAssessed?• Assessmentsinclass.• Writtenlogbooks,reviews,evaluationsandresearch.• PerformanceintheSixthformShowcase.• PerformanceinCelebrationoftheCreativeArtsshow.

Allmarkedeitherinternallyandexternally.Whatdoesitleadto?Asthecoursepreparesstudentstobeversatile inmanyareasofdance,DramaandMusicalTheatrestudentswilldeveloptheskillsnecessary fordegree levelcourses.Previousstudentshavepursuedtheirstudiesat topUniversities which include Preston,Manchester, Leeds, Coventry and Chester. Students could also apply forperformancebaseddiplomasatcentressuchasLanieTheatreArtsandItaliContiAcademyoftheArts.AsthecoursecoversawiderangeofPerformingArtsmodules,studentswillbeabletomakedecisionsaboutacareerrouteforthefuturesuchas:Performing,Teaching,Choreographing,Therapy,Fundraising/Marketing,Costume/Lightingdesign,stagemanagerandJournalism.EntryRequirements:• 5GCSEsincludingaPass/gradeCinGCSEDanceandgrade5oraboveinEnglishandMaths.• Goodattendancerecord.• Willingnesstoperforminfrontofanaudience.• Willingnesstobefilmedonaregularbasis.• Abilitytomeetdeadlines.StaffContact:MissSJackson(sarah.jackson@oldburyacademy.org.uk)

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Physics

ExamBoard:AQAQualification:ALevelPhysicsCourseLength:2YearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?PhysicshasoneofthehighestcurrencyvaluesofanyALevel.Itcommandsuniversalrespectamonguniversitiesandemployers.As you progress through the course, youwill build on your knowledge of the laws of physics, applying yourunderstanding to areas ranging from sub-atomicparticles to theentireuniverse. Youwill quickly acquire theskillstothinkindependentlyandcreativelyinachallengingscientificenvironment.WhatwillIstudy?•Developmentofpracticalskills•Foundationsofphysics•Forcesandmotion•Electrons,wavesandphotons•Newtonianworldandastrophysics•ParticlesandmedicalphysicsHowwillIbeAssessed?Learners be assessed by external examination at the end of Year 2. The practical skills in this module areassessedwithinwrittenexaminations.Whatdoesitleadto?This qualification is invaluable for entry to higher education courses in Engineering, Physical Sciences andMedical Physics, and it is highly desirable for Computing and Architecture. Studying Physics leads to a widevariety of rewarding careers, including roles such as physical scientist, laboratory technician, researcher andelectronicsengineer.Whilelearningabouthowtheuniverseworks,you’llgainskillsthatallemployersvalue–anabilitytograspconceptsquicklyandadeterminationtosearchforanswers,nottomentionproblem-solving,analytical, mathematical and practical skills. Studying Physics is therefore an excellent way of keeping youroptionsopenandfindingacareerwhereyoucanearnagoodsalaryEntryRequirements:5GCSEsatgradeCorabove,includingEnglishLanguageatgrade6andMathsatgrade6.

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YoushouldhaveaminimumofgradeBinGCSEcombinedScience.IfyouhavetakenTripleScience,PhysicsmustbeatgradeB,withtheothertwosciencesatgradeC.StaffContact:MrsCJones(christine.jones@oldburyacademy.org.uk)

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Psychology ExamBoard:EdexcelQualification:ALevelCourseLength:2yearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?Psychologywillofferyouauniqueacademicexperience.Youwillneedtobeabletolearnscientificinformationsuchastheaims,proceduresandfindingsofstudies.Youwillalsoneedtobeabletoevaluatethesetheoriescriticallyandproviderelevantevidence.Someanswersrequireyoutobeconcisebutherearealsolongeressaybasedanswers,thusprovidingdiverseexperiencesandusefultransferrableskillsdevelopedthroughfascinatingtopics.Psychology gives you an opportunity to learn, understand and evaluate issues happening around you ineverydaylife,whichcouldthenleadtothewiderworld–It’snotjustafactualsubjectbutenablesreflectiononindividualexperiences.WhatwillIstudy?Year12SocialPsychology:Aspectsofhumanbehaviourthatinvolvetheindividual’srelationshiptootherpersons,groupsandsociety,includingculturalinfluencesonbehaviour.CognitivePsychology:Theroleofcognitiveprocessesinhumanbehaviour.Processesincludeperception,memoryselectiveattention,languageandproblemsolving.BiologicalPsychology:Howthemechanismswithinourbodyaffectourbehaviour,focusingonaggression.LearningTheories:Learningfromtheenvironmentandtheeffectsofconditioning,reinforcement,punishment,theroleofrewardandsociallearningontheorganism.Year13

Clinical Psychology:Explanationsandtreatmentsofmentalhealthissues,includingcounsellinganddrugtreatments.ChildPsychology:Thedevelopmentoftheindividualfrombirthtoadolescenceandbeyond,inwhatweexperienceaschildrenaffectsourlaterdevelopment.PsychologicalSkills:Conceptualandmethodologicalissues.Theapplicationoftheoriesandevidencefromareasofpsychology.HowwillIbeAssessed?Informalassessmentswilltakeplaceregularlythroughoutthecourse.Formalassessmentwilltaketheformofthree,twohourexamsattheendofthetwoyearcourse.

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Paper1–FoundationsinPsychology(35%)Paper2–ApplicationsofPsychology(35%)Paper3–PsychologicalSkills(30%)Whatdoesitleadto?Psychology compliments all areas and subjects. It instils skills in research, analysis, communication, andorganisationthatgowellbeyondthevalueofthematerialcovered.Itis,ofcourserelevanttothoseinterestedinPsychologyatdegreelevel,butisalsopopulartostudentswhoplantofollowotherpaths.StudentswhohavestudiedPsychologyALevelhavegoneontostudyPsychology,Sociology,andSocialScienceatUniversity.OtherstudentshavefoundemploymentintheareasofSocialWork,ProbationService,PoliceandPsychology(educational,child,forensicandoccupational).EntryRequirements:5GCSEsgradeCoraboveincludingatleastagrade5inEnglishandagrade6inMaths.StaffContact:Ann-MarieAbbotts(annmarie.abbotts@oldburyacademy.org.uk)KathBuck(kathryn.buck@oldburyacademy.org.uk)

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Religious Studies

ExamBoard:EdexcelQualification:ALevelCourseLength:2YearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?StudyingALevelReligiousStudieswillenablestudentsindevelopinganenquiring,criticalandreflectivemind.Throughthestudyofphilosophicalandethicaltheoriesstudent’sanalyticalandevaluativeskillwillbeenhancedthroughtheapplicationofthesetomajorissues.Issueswillincludesexualethics,crime,warandtheexistenceofGod.Studentswilldeveloptheirownviewsandopinionsaswellasunderstandingthebeliefsandvaluesofothers.WhatwillIstudy?Overthecourseoftwoyearsyouwillstudyindetailtwobranchesofphilosophy:ThePhilosophyofReligionandEthics.Youwillalsostudyonereligionindetail:BuddhismWhat is Philosophy of Religion? Philosophy of religion covers some of the deepest and most importantquestions that have ever been asked – questions like, is there aGod?Has science replaced religion?Why istheresomuchevilandsufferingintheworld?CanwesayanythingmeaningfulaboutGod?WhatisEthicsabout?Ethicslooksatthetypeofpeopleweareandwhatwemeanbyrightandwrong/goodandbad.Itasquestionssuchas,howdowechooserightfromwrong?Ismoralitylinkedtoreligion?Whydowemakethechoiceswedo?WhatwillBuddhisminvolve?Thestudyofbeliefs,teachingandthepracticestheshapereligiousidentity.Thesocialandhistoricaldevelopmentsofthefaith,includingtheworkofkeyscholars.Theapplicationofbeliefsinthemodernworld.HowwillIbeAssessed?Attheendofthe2yearcoursestudentswillsit3x2hourexams.Therewillbeone2hourexamoneachofthe3areasofstudy.Questionsincludeshortanswerandlongansweressaybasedquestions.Student’sknowledge,application,andevaluationskillswillbeassessedinlinewithtwoassessmentobjectives.Whatdoesitleadto?ReligiousStudiesisahighlyacademicsubjectandisthereforerecognisedandvaluedbyallthebestuniversitiesacrossthecountry.Itisalsoanadvantageouschoiceforthosewhowantacareerinsocialwork,nursing,

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medicine,policeorotherforces.Othercareerssuchasmarketing,advertising,PR,journalism,law,andteachingalsovaluetheskillsdevelopedthroughReligiousStudies.EntryRequirements:5GCSEsatgradeCoraboveincludingatleastagrade5inEnglish.StaffContact:MissSFalconer(susan.falconer@oldburyacademy.org.uk)

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Sociology ExamBoard:AQAQualification:ALevelCourseLength:2yearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?SociologyALevelexploresthesocietyaroundusandourplacewithinit.Traditionalandmodernapproachestounderstanding society are studied and as such this subject gives students the opportunity to reflect on andevaluate these different views. It also enables students to critically examine their own views on the worldaroundus. In addition, Sociology is an academic coursewhich helps to develop the skills needed for furtherstudybeyondALevels.WhatwillIstudy?Fourunitsofwork are completedwithin thisA Level: Families andHouseholds; Education;Beliefs in society;CrimeandDeviance.Inaddition,sociologicalresearchmethodsandtheorywillbestudied.HowwillIbeAssessed?Studentswillsitthreeexamsattheendofyear13Whatdoesitleadto?SociologyA Level can lead to further study at university or to thework place. It is regarded as an academicsubjectandisacceptedbyUCASandallmajoruniversities.Sociology trains you to answer the ‘what’, ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions about human societies, giving you acompetitive edge in the jobmarket and providing a strong intellectual background for students consideringcareers in the following professions or businesses: Administration; Business; Health and Welfare Service;Education;Journalism;Law;PublicRelations:PoliceandResearch.EntryRequirements:5GCSEsatgradeCoraboveincludingagrade5oraboveinEnglish.StaffContact:MrsCLewis(claire.lewis@oldburyacademy.org.uk)

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Sport

ExamBoard:EdexcelQualification:Diploma/ExtendedCertificateCourseLength:2YearsWhatarethebenefitsofthecourse?ThisisanexcitingtimeforSportatOldburyAcademywiththeintroductionofthenewBTECNationalsinSport.WewillbeofferingaselectionofLevel3BTECSportcoursestosuitallabilities,aswellasgivingyoungpeopletheopportunitywherepossibletogainqualificationsinsportsperformanceandcoaching.Oldburystudentswillgainpracticalexperience fromworldexperiencesand take responsibility for theirown learning. Studentswilldevelopstronginterpersonalandpracticalthinkingskillsandknowhowtoworktoabriefwithsetdeadlines.WhatwillIstudy?The PE departmentwill be offering the Extended Certificate (5 hours perweek) and Diploma (10 hours perweek):

Extended Certificate (360 GLH)

Diploma Sports Performance and Coaching

(720 GLH)

Equivalent in size to 1 A-Level Equivalent in size to 2 A-Levels

Total 4: 4 Units Total: 10 Units

3 Mandatory Units 7 Mandatory Units

1. Anatomy and Physiology (120 GLH) 1. Anatomy and Physiology (120 GLH)

2. Fitness training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being (120 GLH)

2. Fitness training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being (120 GLH)

3. Professional Development in the Sport Industry (60 GLH) 3. Professional Development in the Sport Industry (60 GLH)

1 Optional Unit

4. Sports Leadership (60 GLH)

6. Sports Psychology (60 GLH)

8. Coaching for Performance (60 GLH)

28. Sports Performance and Analysis (60 GLH)

3 Optional Units

HowwillIbeAssessed?• MandatoryexamforUnit1:AnatomyandPhysiology.• InternalandExternalassessments.• Attendance,effortandbehaviourwillbemonitoredcontinuously.

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Whatdoesitleadto?ThenewBTECNationalsinSportandmandatoryunitsuseacombinationofassessmentstylestogiveOldburystudentsconfidencetheycanapply theirknowledgetosucceed in theworkplace–andensurethestudyandunderstandingskillstocontinuelearningonhighereducationcoursesandthroughouttheircareer.EntryRequirements:5 GCSEs at grade C or above including Science and a grade 5 or above in English. Excellent ICT skills areparamount. Students should be actively involved in sport both in and out of school. Having studied a BTECpreviouslymaybeadvantageous.InYear13:AminimumPass grade in Year12across all units studied is required. 95%attendanceand100%punctuality.StaffContact:MissSBoden(sally.boden@oldburyacademy.org.uk)