6th Form Subject Choices

Sharjah English School

SIXTH FORM

Physics

Music

Mathematics

ICT

History

Geography

French

Film Studies

English Literature

Design Technology

Chemistry

Business Studies

Biology

Subject Choices

Art, Craft & Design

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Art, Craft & DesignSharjah English School

AS/A2 LEVEL

Course outline

Art & Design is an exciting and challenging subject that encourages creative expressive skills and aesthetic understanding. The aim of this course is to promote a broad based Art & Design experience; the course offers a rich varied

experience and encourages individual creative development. You will have the opportunity to create work using a variety of Art & Design activities including

drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, 3D design, photography and digital manipulation. You will develop knowledge and understanding of the work of other

artists through critical analysis.

AS Level

Unit 1: Thematic Enquiry

This first unit of the AS course is designed to introduce you to a range of different art processes, techniques and materials as well as challenging your idea of what

art is. Unit 2: Externally set assignmentThe theme for this unit is set by the examination board using a word or starting-

point. Over a period of 8 weeks you will work through the creative process in preparation for an 8 hour examination.

A2 Level

Unit 3: Thematic Enquiry

Aims to give you the opportunity to pursue your own creative ideas and personal interests in a chosen area of art and design, building on the work and skills developed throughout the first year.

Unit 4: Externally set assignmentIs set by the examination board and takes the form of a word and or starting-

point. Over a period of 8 weeks students will prepare supporting studies for a 12 hour examination. Past exam themes have included; Diversity, Icons Structures and Forms.

Assessment Criteria (All work is externally moderated)

Unit 1: Thematic Enquiry (internally assessed) 30%

Unit 2: Externally set assignment (Internally assessed) 20%

Unit 3: Thematic enquiry (internally assessed) 30%

Unit 4: Externally set assignment (internally assessed) 20%

Career prospects

Studying art equips you with a whole set of transferable skills both for life and for

a wide range employment in art and design including; animation, art therapy, architecture, community arts, calligraphy, engineering design, fine artist, interior design, fashion, gallery curator, photography, illustration, art historian.

Art, Craft & Design

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”Edgar Degas

www.edexcel.com

ScienceSharjah English School

Biology

Course outlineBiology examines the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution and classification of all living things. Studying AS biology at SES will let you find out: why does cholera kill, how do insects breathe, why are plants hairy, does size matter, how does chemotherapy work, why do my legs swell up on a plane and much, much more…………“Love: Before I heard the doctors tell the dangers of a kiss; I had

considered kissing you. The nearest thing to bliss. But now I know biology and sit and sigh and moan; six million mad bacteria and I thought

we were alone!” Anon

The Course StructureThere are 3 modules in year 12, in which you will study molecular biology, cellular biology, physiology, disease, genetics, variation, species diversity and conservation. There is also a practical assessment. This challenging course builds successfully on your GCSE biological knowledge, whilst developing your ability to apply that knowledge and understanding to a variety of scientific questions, the analysis and interpretation of data, and social and ethical issues affecting the world today. The AS may be awarded as a discrete qualification or contribute towards A Level Biology.Assessment Criteria

Career prospectsBiotechnology, Biological Testing, Dentistry, Environmental ConsBiotechnology, Biological Testing, Dentistry, Environmental ConsBiotechnology, Biological Testing, Dentistry, Environmental ConsBiotechnology, Biological Testing, Dentistry, Environmental Conservation, Forensic ervation, Forensic ervation, Forensic ervation, Forensic Science, Independent Research, Medicine, Midwifery, Marine BiolScience, Independent Research, Medicine, Midwifery, Marine BiolScience, Independent Research, Medicine, Midwifery, Marine BiolScience, Independent Research, Medicine, Midwifery, Marine Biology, Nursing, ogy, Nursing, ogy, Nursing, ogy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Sports Science, Teaching, Veterinary Medicine, aPhysiotherapy, Sports Science, Teaching, Veterinary Medicine, aPhysiotherapy, Sports Science, Teaching, Veterinary Medicine, aPhysiotherapy, Sports Science, Teaching, Veterinary Medicine, and almost any other nd almost any other nd almost any other nd almost any other career.career.career.career.

Biology AS

20Centre assessedModule 3

Practical Assessment over the

course and practical examination

46.67105 minute written examModule 2

The variety of living organisms


Biology and disease

% of ASAssessmentModule Name


Biology

Course outline

Biology examines the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution and classification of all living things. Studying AS biology at SES will let you find out: are dinosaurs really extinct, does beheading hurt, how can we make mice glow in the dark, why don’t penguins feet freeze, how do plants capture the suns energy and much, much more…………

“The cloning of humans is on most of the lists of things to worry about from Science, along with behavior control, genetic engineering,

transplanted heads, computer poetry and the unrestrained growth of plastic flowers” Lewis Thomas

The Course Structure

There are 3 modules in year 13, in which you will study molecular biology, physiology and control, gene engineering and cloning, and agricultural ecosystems and ecology. There is another practical assessment. This course builds successfully on your AS biological knowledge, and also provides the opportunity for you to take part in some field work.

Assessment Criteria

Career prospects

Biotechnology, Biological Testing, Dentistry, Environmental ConsBiotechnology, Biological Testing, Dentistry, Environmental ConsBiotechnology, Biological Testing, Dentistry, Environmental ConsBiotechnology, Biological Testing, Dentistry, Environmental Conservation, ervation, ervation, ervation, Forensic Science, Independent Research, Medicine, Midwifery, MaForensic Science, Independent Research, Medicine, Midwifery, MaForensic Science, Independent Research, Medicine, Midwifery, MaForensic Science, Independent Research, Medicine, Midwifery, Marine rine rine rine Biology, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Sports Science, Teaching, VeteBiology, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Sports Science, Teaching, VeteBiology, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Sports Science, Teaching, VeteBiology, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Sports Science, Teaching, Veterinary rinary rinary rinary Medicine, and almost any other career.Medicine, and almost any other career.Medicine, and almost any other career.Medicine, and almost any other career.

Biology A2


Practical Assessment over the

course and practical examination


Control in cells and in organisms


Populations and the environment

% of ASAssessmentModule Name

Course outline

The EDEXCEL GCE Business Studies course is a two year course of study. The first

year covers units 1 and 2a and leads to the award of an A/S qualification at the end of

the first year. In the second year known as A2, a further 2 units, Units 3 and 4a are

studied and an overall grade is then given for the combined two years of study.

The two core units of each year build practical business knowledge through the

application of case studies into the academic business knowledge studied in class

time. This gives students the best opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial

abilities through their own findings and ideas.

AS Level

Unit 1: Developing New Business IdeasThis unit covers the characteristics students would need to develop to be successful in

business and how new or existing businesses generate their product or service ideas.

Unit 2a: Managing BusinessThis unit covers key activities which students may be involved in if that were to set up and/or

manage a business, whether small, medium-sized or large. It also introduces students to

some basic management tools and models .

A2 Level

Unit 3 International BusinessThe aim of this unit is to introduce the student to the world of international business and the

issues which an international company would have to consider.

Unit 4a Making Business DecisionsIn this unit, students will be able to assess the current level of competitiveness of a business

through performance and non performance indicators. They will analyse corporate objectives

and strategy on the basis of these indicators and on external influences. Students will be

required to assess the causes and effects of change on a business and examine how the

company could manage risk effectively.

Assessment CriteriaUnit 1: Developing New Business Ideas (1 hr 15mins Paper) 25%

Unit 2a: Managing Business (1 hr 15mins Paper) 25%Unit 3: International Business (1 ½ hr Paper) 25%

Unit 4: Making Business Decisions (1 ½ hr Paper) 25%

Career prospects

Their studies will introduce students to international business, equipping them either to work

in or to manage a business in an international context.

Business StudiesSharjah English School

AS/A2 LEVEL

‘Success in business requires training and discipline and hard work. But if you’re not

frightened by these things, the opportunities are just as great today as they ever

were.’

David Rockefeller

Business Studieswww.edexcel.com


Chemistry

Course outline

Chemistry provides important understanding of our world and how it works. It is an extremely practical science that has a great impact upon our daily lives.

New and better materials ranging from super-tough Kevlar fibers to medicines like Taxol (for cancer therapy) help improve our standard of living. This

course provides an important tool to understand the world around us. You will build up a range of practical skills that require creativity and accuracy as well as developing a firm understanding of environmental and safety issues.

AS level

AS Chemistry consists of 3 units. Unit 1 covers the core principals of

chemistry and allows students to develop the basic skills required throughout the course. The students learn the basics of organic chemistry, systematically naming organic compounds and gaining an understanding of analytical

techniques and the fundamental relationships connecting chemical equations and mass. Unit 2 focuses on applications of chemistry. The students learn

how different metals are extracted and purified from the earth The unit also includes how biofuels are made and have the potential to reduce greenhouse emissions as well as the deleterious use of CFCs and the destruction of the

ozone layer. Unit 3 assesses practical skills and is taught as an integrated topic. The students get the chance to carryout analytical techniques to test

the purity of metal, and to distill a variety of organic compounds.

The AS may be awarded as a discrete qualification or contribute towards A Level Chemistry.

Assessment Criteria

The course will be assessed by both examination and internal assessment.

• Units 1: Written examination paper (75 minutes) 33% of final mark• Units 2: Written examination paper (105 minutes) 47% of final mark

• Unit 3: Assessments in a range of practical activities across the three areas of chemistry; physical, inorganic and organic. 20% of final mark

Career prospects

Chemistry leads on to a wide range of courses and careers. These include

chemical engineering, medicine, veterinary medicine, biological sciences, environmental science, pharmacy, forensic science and dentistry.

“Wherever we look, the work of the chemist has raised the level of our civilisation and has increased the productive capacity of the nation.”

John Calvin Coolidge

Chemistry AS


Chemistry

Course outline

Chemistry provides important understanding of our world and how it works. It is an extremely practical science that has a great impact upon our daily lives.

New and better materials ranging from super-tough Kevlar fibers to medicines to help improve our standard of living. This course provides an important tool

to understand the world around us. You will build up a range of practical skills that require creativity and accuracy as well as developing a firm understanding of environmental and safety issues.

A2 level

A2 Chemistry consists of 3 units. Unit 4 develops 3 of the main areas of chemsitry and helps the student to gain a real insight and appreciation of the

depth needed in order to study the subject at university level. Features of Kinetics, Equillibria and Organic Chemistry are all covered. Unit 5 focuses on Energetics, Redox reactions and Inorganic Chemistry, this unit is a large

chunk of the course and ensures that the students have a firm grounding in physical chemistry. Unit 3 assesses practical skills and is taught as an

integrated topic. The students get the chance to carryout more detailed investigations and study error analysis.

These 3 modules are combined with the 3 AS modules to form a full A2 qualification.

Assessment Criteria

The course will be assessed by both examination and internal assessment.

• Units 4: Written examination paper (105 minutes) 20% of final mark

• Units 5: Written examination paper (105 minutes) 20% of final mark• Unit 6: Practical Examination and written paper 10% of final mark

Career prospects

Chemistry leads on to a wide range of courses and careers. These include

chemical engineering, medicine, veterinary medicine, biological sciences, environmental science, pharmacy, forensic science and dentistry.

“Wherever we look, the work of the chemist has raised the level of our civilisation and has increased the productive capacity of the nation.”

John Calvin Coolidge

Chemistry A2

Design & TechnologySharjah English School

AS/A2 LEVEL

Course outline‘A’ level Product Design has evolved through consultation with design practitioners, to offer a fresh approach to the dynamic worlds of Design and Technology. The course aims to develop students‘ knowledge and understanding

of product design through a range of teaching and learning styles focusing on planning, research, analysis, product development, project planning and

evaluation.

AS levelUnit 1: Materials, components and applications

In this unit the students will develop their knowledge of a wide range of materials and processes so that they can develop a greater understanding of how products can be designed and manufactured in the real world.

Unit 2: Design and Making (portfolio) The students will build up their creative,

technical and practical skills through the development of a portfolio inclusive of a

series of product investigation, design and manufacturing activities.

A2 Level

Unit 3: Designing and manufacture In this unit we will investigate modern design

and manufacturing practices and contemporary design issues. Topics include the use of ICT, the contributions of designers from the past and the impact of

commercial activity on the environment.

Unit 4: Designing and Making (project) In this unit students are given the

opportunity to apply the skills they have acquired and developed throughout this

course of study, to design and make a product of their choice that complies with the requirements of the course.

Assessment CriteriaUnit 1: Materials, components and applications (2hr Paper) 25%Unit 2: Design and Making (portfolio) (internally assessed) 25%

Unit 3: Designing and manufacture (2hr Paper) 25%Unit 4: Designing and Making (project) (internally assessed) 25%

Career prospectsProduct design encompasses a wide range of design disciplines allowing the students to

move on to further studies many areas of creative activity. Possible direct career

pathways include: Industrial Design, Product Design, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Web Design, Architecture, Engineering (Mechanical and Electronic), Retail Design, Interior Design, Automotive Design, Service Design, Architecture and many more. The planning,

decision-making and communication skills gained are considered to be transferable and

valuable in almost every other profession.

‘Product design is paramount to every company involved in the manufacture and marketing of physical products of any type. Design is fundamentally about making things better - better for consumers and users, better for business and better for the world.’

Dick Powell (director Seymourpowell Ltd.)

Design and Technology

English LiteratureSharjah English School

AS/A2 LEVEL

Course outline

The AS and A2 Literature course aims to build on the knowledge, understanding and skills established at GCSE. There is great freedom of choice in the texts you

study – and you can expect to have a say about the directions we might take. Most of the units involve clustered texts; texts are grouped in both expected and unexpected ways. At AS the focus is more on developing an understanding of

genres, whilst A2 moves on to more independent interpretation and reflection.

‘Literature is news that stays news.’ Ezra Pound, American poet‘I can’t believe it! Reading and writing actually paid off!’ Matt Groening, The Simpsons

AS levelUnit 1: Explorations in Prose and Poetry

You will study a poetry selection, and a core novel in detail, with a subsidiary novel to support the main novel. There is choice of three selections in poetry and the novels

can be selected from a set of five options. There is also a short question on unseen poetry or prose.

Unit 2: Explorations in Drama You have an unlimited range of plays to choose from, provided one is a Shakespeare play and the other written before 1800. A third supporting critical text will help you

understand context. You need to produce a piece of exploratory coursework (a more advanced version of GCSE coursework) and a piece responding to a live or filmed

performance of a play.

A2 LevelUnit 3: Interpretations of Prose and PoetryA slighter more advanced version of Unit 1. You will study two novels and a poetry

selection. (You do not need to study all three in the same detail.) These can be selected from themed groups (themes are Relationships / Identifying Self / War /

Journeys). As in Unit 1 there is also an unseen poetry or prose section.Unit 4: Reflections in Literary Studies

This synoptic unit allows a free choice of texts, one to be studied in detail and two as supporting texts. The texts may include cultural commentary or literary criticism, as well as literary texts. The coursework can be an extended study, two shorter studies or a

creative response.

Assessment CriteriaUnit 1: Explorations in Prose and Poetry (2 ¼ hr Paper) 30%

Unit 2: Explorations in Drama (internally assessed) 20%Unit 3: Interpretation of Prose and Drama (2 ¾ hr Paper) 30%Unit 4: Reflections in Literary Studies (internally assessed) 20%

Career prospectsSuccessful English candidates are likely to aim towards further study or careers in: media (TV / film) or journalism; advertising or copywriting; public relations; drama or

theatre; writing; publishing etc. An English qualification is also an established route into law. There are, in fact, few careers where enhanced communication skills would not be

highly valued; all successful business people, politicians and leaders need to be excellent communicators.

English Literaturewww.edexcel.com

Film StudiesSharjah English School

AS/A2 LEVEL

Course outline

AS Film Studies builds on GCSE media work and students’ familiarity with

cinema, in order to develop their critical thinking and evaluation skills. Students may study film from the US and UK, as well as offering opportunities to study world cinema. There is a focus on ‘reading’ and understanding the language of

film, exploring producers and audiences within the film industry, and analyzing the messages and values contained within films.

‘The camera is more than a recorder, it's a microscope. It penetrates, it goes into people and you see their most private and concealed thoughts.’ Elia Kazan

AS level

FS1 Film: Making Meaning 1You will study how film conveys meaning by understanding ‘macro’ aspects of film (such as

genre) and ‘micro’ aspects (such as cinematography, editing and sound). Written tasks will be

supplemented by practical film work such as storyboarding, producing screenplays or short

video sequences.

FS2 Producers and Audiences: Hollywood and British CinemaStudy in this module focuses on the workings of the film industry (financing, distribution, the

studio system etc.) and film audiences (film demand and consumption, ‘home cinema’ etc.). The

commercial and cultural significance of film will be considered.

FS3 Messages and Values: British and Irish CinemaThis module helps you identify messages and values in films, and study their historical and

social contexts. There is a mixture of comparative study and close study of single films. Broad

categories include films dealing with Social Conflict, The War and its Aftermath, Britain in the

‘60s etc.

Course Content: the variety of films which can be studied is extremely broad; it includes contemporary Hollywood genre films, as well as specific examples from Irish and British Cinema. In some units it is likely that students will be working

on different films, with a large degree of personal choice.

Film Studies is being offered initially as an AS option. Should there be a demand for continuing the course into A2 in Year 13, the school will offer the course through to that level.

Assessment Criteria

FS1 Film: Making Meaning 1 Internal Assessment 40%

FS2 Producers and Audiences: Hollywood and British Cinema 1 ½ hr paper 30%

FS3 Messages and Values – British and Irish Cinema 1½ hr paper 30%

Career prospects

Film Studies would lead naturally to a wide range of media or film courses at university

level: careers in journalism, TV, advertising, writing and publishing might follow.

Film Studies

www.wjec.co.uk

FrenchSharjah English School

AS/A2 LEVEL

Course outline

French at AS and A2 level builds upon the GCSE French course,

However at this level, the course is much more topic and debate led.

Independent research into Francophile issues is a main course requirement in addition to a passion for language and hard work.

Students will further enhance their knowledge of grammar and become much more effective communicators.

À vaincre sans péril, on triomphe sans gloire.Corneille.

AS level

The French course at AS level is firmly centered around issues and debate which affect young people within the French speaking world. Through the medium of French the course explores topics such as youth culture, lifestyles, health and fitness, education and career opportunities, tourism and the environment.

A2 Level

The French course at A2 level builds upon and extends the work of the AS course. Through the medium of French the course further explores the additional topics such as customs, beliefs and religions, French literature and the arts and international concerns and events.

Assessment Criteria

The assessment of the course focuses on the four main skill

requirements of language acquisition;

•Speaking, questioning and a pre-prepared debate.•Writing, topic essays and English to French translation.•Reading, understanding and responding.

•Listening, understanding and responding.

Career prospects

Students with an AS/A Level language qualification will find many career opportunities such as Banking, Translation, Business

Management, Teaching and Tourism. In addition French acquisition will be a useful tool to many international career routes such as Law,

Finance and Medicine.

Frenchwww.edexcel.com

GeographySharjah English School

AS/A2 LEVEL

Geography

Course outline

This course recognises and confirms the essential unity of geography, while also allowing

students to study discrete areas of the subject. Wherever appropriate the course suggests a

systems approach with recognition of the interrelationships between physical and human

environments, but it also provides an opportunity to establish an in-depth understanding of

physical, human and environmental geography before the more complex interrelationships

are explored in a synoptic context.

AS level

Unit 1 Physical environments:

1.1 Earth systems; 1.2 Fluvial environments; 1.3 Coastal environments

Unit 2 Human environments:

2.1 Population characteristics; 2.2 Settlement patterns; 2.3 Population movements

Unit 3 either: 3a Personal enquiry or 3b Applied geographical skills

A2 Level

Unit 4 Physical systems, processes and patterns:

4.1 Atmospheric systems; 4.2 Glacial systems; 4.3 Ecosystems

Unit 5 Human systems, processes and patterns:

5.1 Economic systems; 5.2 Rural-urban interrelationships; 5.3 Development processes

Unit 6 Synoptic: People and their environments:

6.1 Physical environments influence human activity

6.2 Human activities modify physical environments

6.3 Physical and human resources may be exploited, managed and protected

6.4 Communities and their governance influence geographical interrelationships at a range

of scales

Career prospects

Geography helps us to understand and explain the complex world we live in. The important

role of geographical knowledge in understanding current local and global issues, such as

climate change and world trade, is increasingly recognised by governments and businesses.

Furthermore, the specific skills and expertise gained by geographers makes them highly

prized by a huge variety of employers.

20%2h6. Synoptic

15%1h 30m5. Human systems processes and patterns

15%1h 30m4. Physical systems, processes and patterns

A2

20% (40%)Coursework2500 words

1h 30m

3a Personal EnquiryOr

3b Applied Geographical Skills

15% (30%)1h 15 m2. Human Environments

15% (30%)1h 15 m1. Physical EnvironmentsAS

Weighting Exam Unit

www.edexcel.com

HistorySharjah English School

AS/A2 LEVEL

Course outline

The course offers a wide and stimulating choice of content including

British, European and World history, covering areas such as Medieval

England and the British Empire. There are four units, two to becompleted in each year of the course. Coursework is a feature of A2 and the specification offers a choice of question in every unit.

History, by appraising. ..[the students] of the past, will enable them to judge the future.

Thomas Jefferson

AS level

Unit 1: Historical Themes in Breadth. Option D – A World divided: Communism and Democracy in the 20th Century. Students explore

aspects of Chinese history between 1900 & 1976 to assess the historical significance of events, ideas, attitudes and beliefs and how these influenced

behaviours and action.

Unit 2: British History Depth Studies. Option E – British political history 1945-90: Consensus & Conflict. Students will study the period

1945-90 looking particularly at the reason for political victories, key policies, the economy and social problems.

A2 Level

Unit 3: Depth Studies and Associated Historical Controversies. Option C – The United States Challenged and Transformed. In this unit students

will investigate the Civil War and the historical controversies and debate

surrounding it.

Unit 4: Historical Enquiry. Internally assessed coursework. Students will

carry out an enquiry looking at factors for change and development in both the short and long-term over a period of at least 100 years in twentieth

century America

Assessment Criteria•Unit 1 – Written examination, answer 2 questions, 25%•Unit 2 – Written examination, answer 2 source based questions, 25%

•Unit 3- Written examination, answer 2 questions 30%•Unit 4 – Coursework, answer 2 extended essay questions 20%

Career prospects

The study of history sharpens logical, critical, and analytic thinking; providing young people with opportunities to develop a variety of skills that will

contribute to their employability, whatever their chosen career. The transferable skills, abilities and attitudes to independent learning developed through the study of history make young people attractive to employers.

HISTORY (8HIO1&9HIO2)History

www.edexcel.com

ICTSharjah English School

AS/A2 LEVEL

Course outline

This course looks at students working co-operatively and managing projects. They

will develop personal learning and thinking skills, provide quality ICT-based solutions to a range of problems and develop an awareness of developments in technology.

AS level

Unit 1: Practical Problem Solving in the Digital WorldPractical use of ICT, identifying, designing, producing, testing, documenting and evaluating

solutions.

Data entry, storage, output of information, use of software, current health and safety

legislation.

Unit 2: Living in the Digital WorldICT systems, their components, uses, users, safety and security

Data and information, data transfer, backup and recovery.

A2 Level

Unit 3: The Use of ICT in the Digital World

Developments in technology, information needs of organisations, ICT systems, management

of ICT

Developing ICT systems, introducing large ICT systems into organisations

Training and supporting users of ICT systems.

Unit 4: Coursework: Practical Issues Involved in the Use of ICT in the Digital World

Practical issues involved in managing the use of ICT in organisations

Investigating, analysing, defining requirements

Selecting and using appropriate technologies, designing solutions, methods for testing and

installation, documenting and evaluating.

Assessment CriteriaUnit 1: Practical Problem Solving in the Digital World (1 ½ hr Paper)

50% of total AS marks 25% of total A Level marks

Unit 2: Living in the Digital World (1 ½ hr Paper)

50% of total AS marks 25% of total A Level marks

Unit 3: The Use of ICT in the Digital World (2 hr Paper)

60% of total A2 marks 30% of total A Level marks

Unit 4: Coursework: Practical Issues Involved in the Use of ICT in the Digital

World Coursework

40% of total A2 marks 20% of total A Level marks

Career prospects

This new specification has been designed to help students who wish to go on to

higher education courses or employment where understanding how ICT can be used in society and business.

‘To err is human - and to blame it on a computer is even more so’

Robert Orben

ICT

MathematicsSharjah English School

AS/A2 LEVEL

Mathematics

Course outline

The units have been designed such that they will encourage students

to develop their understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that promotes confidence and fosters enjoyment. Students will greatly extend their range of mathematical skills and

techniques and use them in more difficult, unstructured problems. They will develop an understanding of coherence and progression in

mathematics and of how different areas of mathematics can be connected. Also, they will develop an awareness of the relevance of

mathematics to other fields of study, to the world of work and to society in general.

AS level

Combinations leading to an award in Advanced Subsidiary

Mathematics comprise three AS units. Core Mathematics units C1 and C2 plus one of the Applications units

M1, S1 or D1.

A2 Level

Combinations leading to an award in Advanced GCE Mathematics

must comprise six units, including at least two A2 units.Core Mathematics C1, C2, C3 and C4 plus two Applications units from the following six combinations:

M1 and M2, S1 and S2, D1 and D2, M1 and S1, S1 and D1, M1 and D1.

Assessment Criteria

The assessment will test students’ ability to recall, select and use their knowledge of mathematical facts, concepts and techniques in a variety

of contexts.• All examination papers last 1 hour 30 minutes.

• All examination papers have 75 marks.• C1 is a non-calculator paper.

Career prospects

This core subject is highly valued by most employers and is often

required for entry to further or higher education.Possible careers are: accountant, air traffic controller, architect,

banker, bursar, CAD draughts person, tax inspector, economist, engineer, financial consultant, insurance, pilot, surveyor, teacher, stockbroker, operational research.

‘Defendit numerus’

www.edexcel.com

MusicSharjah English School

AS/A2 LEVEL

Course outline

In the AS and A2 courses, students deepen and extend their knowledge

gained during GCSE music. The three inter-related areas of

performing, composing and listening/ understanding are explored in depth.

AS level

*Performance of a piece or pieces on your main instrument or voice, to be recorded. This should last for 5-6 minutes and any style of music is

acceptable. Students may also submit improvised performances. Expected standard approximately Grade Five.

*One 3 minute composition completed in 15 hours under controlledconditions. Students choose from four composition tasks set by Edexcel.

You must also produce a CD sleeve note to accompany your composition.

*One 2 hour examination set and marked by Edexcel. This is based on the study of four instrumental and vocal pieces, along with questions examining

understanding of features such as chords, keys and key changes. You must be able to read music to access this area of the course.

A2 Level

*An extended performance on your main instrument or voice in any style of

music, including improvisation. These pieces should form a balanced programme of music and should last for 12-15 minutes in total. Expected

standard approximately Grade Six.

*Either two 3 minute compositions, or one composition and one technical

study, or two technical studies, to be completed under controlled conditions. Students will be given 14 hours to complete each composition, and 3 hours

for each technical study. For the technical study, candidates choose from the topics of: The Pop Song; Baroque Counterpoint; Bach Chorales.

*One 2 hour examination set and marked by Edexcel. As with AS level, this is based around the study of several set pieces, along with the understanding

and recognising of harmonic and rhythmic features.

Career prospects

The full GCE course (AS plus A2) is excellent preparation for higher education courses leading to professional performance or teaching of

music. The AS units alone offer a broad and satisfying experience for

those who want a second or third area of study.

Musicwww.edexcel.com


Physics

Course outline

Physics is concerned with the discovery and characterisation of the

universal laws which govern matter, energy, space and time. Doing

physics AS Level at SES will let you find out: what the smallest thing in existence is, what a quark is, what antimatter is, why you look strange in a swimming pool, how a wire snaps when you stretch it, what the

largest machine in the world does, how anti-glare sunglasses work and

much much more…

Course Structure

There are 3 modules in year 12 which cover six fundamental areas . These are particle physics, quantum phenomena, basic electricity, mechanics, materials and waves. There is also a practical assessment. This challenging yet rewarding course provides a strong background for the study of A2.

Assessment Criteria

Career prospects

Accountant, Air traffic controller, Astronaut, Banker, Barrister, Civil

Servant, Computer programmer, Defence specialist, Engineer, Geologist, Musical instrument designer, Pilot, Physicist, Politician, Lawyer, Meteorologist, Stockbroker, Teacher and almost any othercareer.

“It should be possible to explain the laws of physics to a barmaid.”

Albert Einstein

Physics AS


Practical Assessment over the course and Practical examination.

4075 minute written exam

Module 2

Mechanics, materials and waves

4075 minute written exam

Module 1

Particles, quantum and electricity

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Physics

Course outline

Physics is concerned with the discovery and characterisation of the

universal laws which govern matter, energy, space and time. Doing

physics A2 Level at SES will let you find out: what happens when a star dies, why a nuclear power station cannot explode like a bomb, what a black hole actually is, what a quasar and pulsar look like up close, how

radioactive decay affects the body, how a fridge works and much more.

Course Structure

This year also contains 3 modules which cover five fundamental areas. Work on further mechanics, and electrical fields are extensions of work studied at AS Level but some topics are completely new such as electromagnetism, gravitational fields, nuclear physics, and thermodynamics. There is also an optional module with electives that include astrophysics, medical physics and special relativity. There is also another practical assessment.

Assessment Criteria

Career prospects

Accountant, Air traffic controller, Astronaut, Banker, Barrister, Civil Servant, Computer programmer, Defence specialist, Engineer,

Geologist, Musical instrument designer, Pilot, Physicist, Politician, Lawyer, Meteorologist, Stockbroker, Teacher and almost any othercareer.

“All science is either physics or stamp collecting.”

Ernest Rutherford

Physics A2


Practical Assessment over the course and Practical examination.

4075 minute written examModule 5

Radioactivity, Thermodynamics and

Astrophysics

4075 minute written exam.

Section A – Multiple Choice

25marks

Section B – Written

50 marks.

Module 4

Further Mechanics and Fields

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Documents

6th Form Subject Choices