Wingate Sixth

The right choice for post-16 learning

2015 - 2016

Wingate Sixth

You have reached an important crossroads in your life. We hope this prospectus helps you make the right choices.

You will find a warm welcome and a friendly atmosphere at Wingate Sixth and, what is more, we are determined to make sure that your time here is successful.

Entering the Wingate Sixth is a big step. There are lots of challenges and opportunities, many exciting and some demanding. It is different from being in Year 11. You are more responsible for managing your time, which means planning your own private study programme and carrying out your own research into topic areas. Project work is a feature of many A Level courses and you will be expected to do this on your own or in a team as the topic requires as well as meet all the deadlines set by your tutors. No-one is going to babysit you in the Sixth Form. You will be expected to take responsibility for your own learning.

Equally, you will gain a new outlook and be treated in a more adult manner with the opportunity to take on a range of responsibilities such as organising charity events or helping young children read. Indeed, the expectation is that you carry out extra-curricular activities based on your interests and future plans.

The courses you study are designed for you. You can find out about them from your teachers, from the information in this booklet, the school website www.wingateschool.com and by researching on the internet.

AS and A levels presupposes success at (I)GCSE. All courses are academically demanding and will challenge bright students to develop and display key skills both in class and through the private research mentioned above.

For those who may find AS levels too challenging for 2015 or second language students who need to improve their English, we may offer the Year 12 Standard Course. Of course, success here can lead to AS level study in 2016.

This may not be the best option for some students and we reserve the decision to insist on retaking Year 11 as a Year 11 student, leading to the Sixth Form in 2016/17.

Wingate School is a growing community moving from strength to strength, become part of the drive and commitment by students and staff to make Wingate a centre of excellence for advanced learning.

We are keen to welcome you to our courses in Year 12 and 13 and are looking forward to you achieving success in your studies here. Mrs Catriona Crone, Head of Wingate Sixth Mt Colin Macrae, Head of Senior School

April 2015

A Guide to Life at Wingate Sixth

A helping hand Your teachers are here to help and support you through your studies. They are all highly qualified and skilled in their fields and will offer professional guidance and monitor your progress closely.

You will have regular discussions with your tutor about your progress, as well as support in your career planning. Whatever your next destination is to be - employment, training, college or university, there will be support and advice available. Your teachers will give you help in your applications for employment or for colleges and universities if you aim to continue onto Higher Education.

Wingate Sixth is a friendly and supportive environment: small enough for you to mix easily and get to know staff well, yet equipped to offer you a range of opportunities with quality teaching.

Regular monitoring of progress

Assessments are made on a regular basis. This is to ensure that you are coping with the work-load and making good progress. Any problems will be raised swiftly with you and your parents. There will be regular communication with parents to ensure that they are kept fully informed of your progress.

A place to study

The Wingate Sixth Centre has a large common room with individual lockers as well as drink-making and cooking facilities. A dedicated private study room in the main school is available so students can get down to necessary research and revision. Students in Year 12 are expected to establish the right work ethic early in their Sixth Form studies. Good AS level grades are the basis and foundation of good A2 level results that will lead to University places for those that choose to follow that route.

The Centre also has its own computer suite for private study or research. Printer facilities and Internet access ensure students have a suitable place to work quietly. The Wi-Fi system means that students can log on to the Internet and the school intranet from their personal laptops.

Extra-curricular activities

Wingate Sixth students are able to attend sports classes and in Year 12 we offer the Sports Leadership Award. We encourage students to get involved in useful activities such as mentoring, helping younger children or helping within the PE department and we try to give them exposure to the world outside Wingate by talks from outside speakers and trips designed to develop their team working skills. For students with a special interest such as Drama, opportunities to help during lessons with small group work are also available.

We also hope to add in extras where we can and last year students were able to attend a First Aid course and take part in fund raising activities. We hope to continue with such opportunities and more in the future.

A mature learning environment

Wingate Sixth students do not wear school uniform. Nonetheless, appropriate dress and sensible behaviour will be expected at all times. Remember, too, that you will become role models for younger children in the school. Normal school rules apply and parents should know that there is a form tutor checking attendance as well as giving guidance and pastoral care.

There is a mentoring Scheme in the Sixth Form and it is the student’s responsibility to arrange a meeting with their mentor every half term or as required. This is designed so that we can identify areas of good practice and also areas where improvements to work habits, personal organisation and behaviour can be discussed. Our aim as a school is to support your child in maximising his/her potential for success. We expect a strong degree of self-discipline when it comes to learning and encourage students to be responsible for their own behaviour and work timetable outside lessons.

Every week there is a Personal Development Period where in Year 12 we cover topics such as: Learning Styles; work planning; revision planning and study skills. Towards the beginning of the third term we start to look at career options and job opportunities linked into University courses. This of course culminates in UCAS applications for the Year 13 students.

Choosing Subjects

Think carefully about which subjects to choose. Clearly, enjoyment of, and ability in, a subject is of crucial importance; remember you will be specialising in it for two years. Some subjects are a more advanced continuation of your (I)GCSE studies while others will be new to you. Find out more about these subjects before deciding which to take. Talk to the relevant teachers', speak to students already studying it and do some research about the topics you will cover. You can study full-time or part-time, though full-time is preferable. Full-time students may take full advantage of all facilities on site. Part-time students are only in school for their lessons and then go home.

The Advanced Courses Full-time students will normally study four subjects at AS level in Year 12, selecting three of these to continue at A level in Year 13. All students are encouraged to continue with, or begin, Spanish up to (I)GCSE or A level standard as appropriate. Sports Leadership`can be added to these academic courses but will be dependent upon timetable constraints and pressure on the student’s time.

Normally, students tend to choose related subjects at AS/A level. Of course, students are free to choose whatever combination suits them, dependent on timetable restrictions (see Subject Choice below). Take advice on which subjects would suit you and which would fit your career ambitions. They also depend on you (I)GCSE results.

Your final A Level grade is based on the combination of your results from both AS and A2 exams - not just the ones you achieve in your second year. If you think you have not done well enough in Science subjects at AS level (IAL), you may have the opportunity to re-sit these units. This is only available to IAL students.

A and AS Subjects for September 2015

You need at least five (I)GCSEs at grade C, or above, to take AS and A levels in Year 12. Our experience shows that many subjects need at least a B grade at (I)GCSE to achieve success in Year 12.

Biology

The Edexcel International Advanced Level (IAL) in Biology is the new name for the International version of the Edexcel GCE A level in Biology. Available for International centres only, this qualification contains a written exam instead of coursework.

The aims of this subject are to develop a student’s interest in Biology including developing further study and careers in the subject. The AS year has 3 units which are assessed by written exams: 1. Lifestyle, transport, genes and health 2. Development, plants and the environment 3. This unit takes the form of an ‘alternative to practical’ written paper in which candidates are assessed on their practical Biology skills The A2 year consists of 3 more units which are assessed by written exams: 4. The natural environment and species survival 5. Energy, exercise and coordination

6. This unit is similar to unit 3. It assesses the candidate’s ability to evaluate and interpret practical data

Please note: only the name of the qualification has changed. The content and assessment methodology are the same as the current international version of the Edexcel GCE A level Biology specification.

Entry requirements: Grade B in Biology at (I)GCSE and a grade C in (I)GCSE Maths is also required.

Chemistry

The Edexcel International Advanced Level (IAL) is the new name for the International version of the GCE A & AS Level in Chemistry. Available for International centres only, this qualification contains a written element instead of coursework. This course can be taken to AS Level in one year or A Level in two years. AS Chemistry consists of two theoretical units and one practical: Unit 1: Introduction to organic chemistry: including formulae, equations, bonding, atomic structure and the periodic table Unit 2: Molecular structure: including polarity, groups 2 and 7, kinetics and green chemistry Unit 3: Introduction to laboratory skills and identification methodology

A2 Level incorporates two other theoretical units and another practical: Unit 4: Rates of reaction: including spectroscopy and chromatography Unit 5: Redox chemistry: including transition metals and organic synthesis Unit 6: Laboratory techniques in depth Please note: only the name of the qualification has changed. The content and assessment methodology are the same as the current international version of the Edexcel GCE A level in Chemistry specification.

Entry requirements: Grade B in Chemistry at (I)GCSE. A grade C in (I)GCSE Maths is also required.

Physics

The Edexcel International Advanced Level (IAL) is the new name for the International version of the GCE A & AS Level in Physics and is only available for International centres. AS and A2 course will enable students to acquire sufficient scientific understanding and knowledge to become confident citizens in a technological world and to be able to develop an informed interest in modern scientific matters. It will also enable students to recognise the usefulness, and limitations of scientific method and to appreciate its relevance to other disciplines and to everyday life. Two units and an alternative to practical unit are studied at both AS and A2 level. Entry requirements: Grade B in Physics at IGCSE and a Grade C or above in IGCSE Maths.

English – AS /A2 Literature and AS Language In Year 12, students can study two separate AS levels: English Language and English Literature. In Year 13 students can continue AS Literature into an A Level, thus achieving one and a half A levels. The AS English Language course enhances reading and oral skills through the analysis of a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts. Students develop their imaginative and descriptive writing skills using language to create deliberate effects. They will use discursive and argumentative writing skills so they can demonstrate their ability to write coherently and persuasively for a range of audiences. Occasionally, Year 12 students choose to take AS Language only as an additional qualification.

AS/A2 Literature consists of an in-depth study of a selection of prose, drama and poetry texts. Four texts are studied in Year 12 and a further two, to include Shakespeare and pre-20th century literature, in Year 13. Students are also assessed on their ability to respond to, and analyse unseen texts. Entry requirements: Grade B at GCSE in both Language and Literature.

Mathematics This is a two-year course which includes AS Mathematics at the end of Year 12. The course consists of six units: Four units in Core Maths: Two in Y12 and two in Y13. These cover algebra, calculus, co-ordinate geometry, functions, graphs, logarithms, numerical methods, proof, sequences, trigonometry, and vectors. The other two units are chosen from the following:

Decision Maths: It includes algorithms, algorithms on networks and graphs, the route inspection problem, critical path analysis and linear programming

Mechanics: Mechanics is the study of motion. The topic will include in-depth analysis of forces, velocity and acceleration. It can be applied to all objects from the mundane throwing of a ball to the orbits of the planets and the beginnings of rocket science

Statistics: This course includes detailed analysis of data, the presentation of data and aspects such as correlation, regression, probabilities and distributions

Entry requirements: Grade B at Maths (Higher) GCSE. Geography

The Geography syllabus teaches the skills of hypothesis testing, data collection, (fieldwork and secondary data), data presentation, statistical analysis and interpretation of results, as well as the ability to draw and evaluate conclusions to the hypotheses. It also studies a range of themes, places and environments at different scales and in different global contexts, including the UK, Spain and countries that are in various states of development. Two Core units comprising Hydrology, Climate, Weathering Processes, Population studies and Settlement patterns make up the AS Course while Extension Physical and Human Geography topics are then studied in more detail at A2 Level. Fieldwork will be conducted where possible to relate theory to the “real world” and Tenerife is a fantastic case study for so much of the examination curriculum including changing rural settlement, coasts, fluvial erosion, slope processes and weathering under a variety of climatic zones and environments. Entry requirements: Students should have gained at least a B grade in (I)GCSE Geography or its equivalent plus a C grade in English Language and Maths.

Psychology

In the first year (AS) students embark on Core Studies, analysing and evaluating a selection of significant psychological treatises. The theory, methodology and applications of each study are learnt and evaluated. The second year (A2) comprises of Specialist Studies in the specific areas of Environmental and Health Psychology.

The second year (A2) comprises of Specialist Studies in the specific areas of Environmental and Health Psychology. Students are examined on their ability to understand, evaluate and apply the psychological approaches, concepts and examples studied. Effective reading and writing skills in English and a wide range of vocabulary are important for understanding the theories and treatises studied. Entry requirements: Students are required to have a grade C or above in English.

Business Studies

Business Studies syllabus enables students to understand and appreciate the nature and scope of business, and the role it plays in society. It encourages a critical understanding of companies and the markets they serve. Students examine the management of organizations and, in particular, the process of decision-making in a dynamic external and global environment. The course comprises five Core units for the AS Course while extension topics and a Strategic Management unit are studied at A2 Level. The course prepares students to enter university to study a wide range of business-related topics, to compliment almost any other university course, or to enable them to run their own business. Entry requirements: The course requires very good English skills. It is not recommended for students who do not achieve Grade C or above at GCSE in English.

Art

This course is Fine Art based. Students will improve upon traditional drawing and painting skills, recording from direct observation and personal experience. They will be encouraged to look at a broad range of artists both historical and contemporary in order to review and refine their own work.

At both AS and A2 level students select their own theme for coursework and the externally set assignment. At A2 level, students also undertake a written personal study. Students are assessed on their manipulative, artistic and analytical skills and knowledge and application of the formal elements. The course prepares students to embark directly onto an art-related degree course or, more traditionally onto a Foundation Course in Art and Design: a one year full-time course that allows students to explore a range of disciplines before deciding which specialist area they want to study at degree level. Entry requirements: Although we recommend that students have previously completed a GCSE course in Art and Design, it is not essential. Enthusiasm, an interest in the subject, natural talent and a willingness to work hard is essential. Sports Leadership (equivalent to 2 GCSEs) This is available to all students who wish to gain extra social and sporting skills and have something extra to add to their CVs. It is a fully certificated course and requires students to complete a number of practical sessions working with younger students in the senior school or junior school children. There is also a written examination at the end of the course. From 2015 it will also include a fully certified First Aid Course. Subject to the number of students the following As & A Level Courses may be available to Year 12: Travel & Tourism: It introduces students to the scope and economic importance of travel and tourism in general but much reference is made to tourism in the United Kingdom, Europe and case studies from Tenerife. Through six units it tracks the development of the industry post-war and brings the student right up-to-date with the latest trends and economics. The course is designed to equip the student for direct entry into the industry and is also

ideal for those wanting to follow a related career. There is much cross over with both Geography and the marketing and promotion side of Business Studies. Entry requirements: No specific requirements but students are expected to have at least 5 GCSEs at grade of C or above. Spanish: While living in Spain, it is important that our students acquire knowledge, skills and understanding of the Spanish language for practical use, further study and/or employment. In Year 12, students may take AS level, A level, (I)GCSE or a beginner’s course depending on proficiency level and standards of previous learning. Note that (I)GCSE (depending on the standard reached by the student) may be taken after one year of study. Entry requirements: Staff will assess the appropriate level for each student. Computer Science: CIE A Level in Computer Science is designed to provide a deep understanding and perspective of the development of computer technology and systems and provide the necessary skills and knowledge to seek employment in areas that use computer science or to progress onto higher education. Students will learn both the fundamental and advanced concepts of computer science and develop problem solving skills in a high level programming language and algorithm design. This two year course concludes with two written exams at the end of year 12 and two written exams at the end of year 13.

Subject Combination Choice We will endeavour to accommodate students’ choices of subjects by structuring the option boxes accordingly. However, inevitably, there may be some areas where a combination of choices will not be possible. Normally, students choose four subjects (one from each block) in total at AS Level in Year 12 and then go on to choose three to study at A Level in Year 13.

Year 12 Subject Combination Choices for 2015:

A B C D Mathematics

Art *(Spanish)

Physics Psychology Geography

Biology Business *(T & T)

Chemistry English Lang & Lit *(Computer Science)

*Please see the note above on these courses

Higher Education/University entry

Entry to Universities in the UK: Normally this requires success in three subjects at A level. The higher the grades you achieve, the greater the choice of universities and courses open to you. Universities will also look at your (I)GCSE as well as your AS and A level grades.

We will guide you through the process of applying for university with UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

Please be aware that UK universities now operate a Student Loan system to pay for university tuition fees (approx. £9,000 a year).

Entry to Universities in Spain: It is set at a minimum of two A levels. However, greater choice of course will be available if three subjects are taken. Of course, your Spanish needs to be good enough for you to continue your studies in Spanish. We advise Spanish to at least AS standard.

Students considering entry to Spanish university must seek guidance from Snra Barrio on which A level subjects are required for particular Spanish university courses. We will guide you through the application process to the Spanish university of your choice.

Homologación (formerly know as Convalidation) is required at the end of year 13 if students wish to continue onto Spanish vocational qualifications at higher level although it is not required for entry into a Spanish University.

This year we have had students apply and receive offers from universities in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Spain and Latvia as well as go into full-time employment.

Entry to Universities elsewhere: We will help you apply to universities in other European countries or elsewhere in the world.

Year 12 Standard Course for September 2014

For new external students starting at Wingate who may find AS levels too challenging for 2015 we may also offer a Year 12 Standard (12S) course. Students study 5 or 6 (I)GCSE subjects alongside the existing Year 11 groups although are still a member of the Sixth Form. There is some flexibility in which subjects can be taken.

Of course, success in these (I)GCSE´s in June 2016 can lead to AS level study in the Sixth Form in September 2016.

For existing students, we reserve the decision to insist on retaking Year 11 as a Year 11 student, leading to the Sixth Form in 2016/17.

For further information on either the Advanced or Standard courses please contact Mr Macrae, Mrs Crone or specific subject teachers.

We look forward to seeing you!