Sixth FormOpen Evening2014

At Wisbech Grammar School Sixth Form our aim is to ensure pupils are given the opportunity to experience a broad curriculum. From the large range of subjects offered at A-Level, to the numerous roles of responsibility; experience of leadership; community service and sport, our pupils leave with the knowledge and experience needed to achieve success as they enter Further Education or pursue the next stage in their lives.

Whether you have a firm idea of what you want to do in the future, or if you wish to continue studying a broad range of subjects in order to keep all doors open for the future, here at Wisbech Grammar School, we have the right subject combination for you. In this booklet you will find an overview of each subject and further information will be provided by Heads of Department and A-Level pupils during the Open Evening. If by the end of the evening, or when you go home you still have any unanswered ques-tions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Many of the aspects of life in the Sixth Form aim to echo life at university. With more independence, guidance is provided to ensure pupils are successful in their studies. In addition to Personal Development and General Studies lessons, visiting speakers and trips are regularly arranged in order to enrich the curriculum offered.

Pupils in the Sixth Form are given the opportunity to supplement their A Level studies with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), this is much valued by universities and allows pupils to select and specialise in a topic area which particularly interests them. In addition, skills learnt through extended research and writing will be of great benefit when completing dissertation units at university.

With an active Sixth Form Council, pupils are given a much valued voice within the school community and Community Service placements are made in the Upper 6th in a number of local institutions, recently pupils have worked at the Macmillan Centre, Peckover Primary School and Edina Court. Once again this develops roles of responsibility and is valued by all parties.

Games is offered once a week and many of our pupils play for school teams, often taking time to coach younger pupils and acting as role models within the wider school community.

Welcome to the Sixth Form

Louise Kemp BA (Hons)Head of Sixth Form

There is certainly much on offer both academically and pastorally and we firmly believe that the Sixth Form at Wisbech Grammar School will foster and develop the potential of all students in our community.

After two years pupils will leave the Sixth Form with the skills needed to face the challenges which lay ahead.

We are very much looking forward to welcoming you next year.

ENGLISH LITERATUREWhy study books, many of them old? Why write about stuff that other people have written? Why, in other words, take an A-Level in English Literature? Well, it’s something to do with language...

Without language, we are not human. Without meaning, language is just random sounds or confusing marks on a page. The pupil of English Literature looks into the meanings that language conveys. Through studying a literary text, he or she explores ideas, emotions and possibilities – and not just those put there by the author; his or her own thoughts and feelings are important, too. The English pupil develops intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and an ability to render arguments in clear, sustained prose.

The course we will follow involves the study of numerous texts, covering a variety of historical periods and genres. There will be some Shakespeare, of course, as well as more modern works looked at through the prism of common themes. Writing opportunities will allow close textual analysis as well as comparison and synthesis of different interpretations. There will also be some coursework.

So: to be an English pupil or not to be an English pupil? That is the question.

At Wisbech Grammar School we currently offer two options for A-Level pupils of Mathematics. Option 1 is to take Mathematics over 2 years in the same way as any other A-Level subject. Pupils will take a total of 6 modules, with 4 in core mathematics, 1 of statistics and 1 of mechanics. This option should give pupils a high grade in Mathematics, which is a versatile and highly valued A-Lev-el qualification. The minimum recommended grade to succeed is an A at GCSE mathematics. It requires hard work, accuracy, attention to detail and a well organised approach. Option 2 is to take the full Mathematics A-Level in the Lower Sixth, which will involve taking 6 modules in the Lower Sixth at an accelerated rate, giving pupils the opportunity to take a second A-level, Further Mathematics, in the Upper Sixth. This option will give pupils the highly valued double A-Level in Mathematics which is extremely useful when applying for Mathematics, Physics and Engineering subjects at top universities. The minimum recommended grade to succeed is an A* in GCSE Mathematics and at least a grade B on the Additional Mathematics course taken by 5th form, set 1.

MATHEMATICS

PHYSICSUnlike other sciences, Physics has no limits. Everything in your life, on this planet, other planets, to the far reaches of the universe and beyond is in the Physics’ job description.

Studying Physics at A-level at Wisbech Grammar School is more than just the study of a science, it will train your brain to think beyond boundaries and provide a sound basis for future study.

The course that we offer is broken down in to six assessed units, which make up the AS and A2 courses. Broken down in to modules, you’ll cover: Mechanics, Electrons and Photons, Waves, Practical skills in Physics, The Newtonian World, Fields, Particles and Frontiers of Physics and finally a further Practical Skills module.

BIOLOGY

Biology is an exciting and dynamic subject to study to AS/A2 level. New ideas in research and discovery quickly find their way into the specification. Recent additions include gene therapy, genetic control, and the commercial application of enzyme technology. Theory lessons are backed up with relevant experimental work. These include physiology investigations, dissections, microscope work and ecological field work.

Most people can relate to Biology because it is so close to us - literally! There are two types of pupils who study Biology: those who want to study a biological based course at university (e.g. Medicine, Veterinary Science, etc.) and those who want a science-based facilitating A level, valued by Russell Group universities. There is something in the course for everyone and it will stretch all pupils with its diversity and depth of topics.

Agriculture, Biochemistry, Conservation, Dentistry, Ecology, Food Science, Genetics and more, are all courses you can follow at university with a Biology A-level.

The course currently offered at Wisbech Grammar School enables pupils to develop a solid understanding of a range of biological topics, including:Human and cellular biology, DNA and biodiversity, Photosynthesis and respiration, Cells and organisms and Practical and investigative skills in Biology.

CHEMISTRYChemistry is a vital component in virtually all science courses and is consequentially combined with other subjects such as Biology, Maths and Physics. However, it can also be successfully combined with many more.

Over the two years involved, all the work defined in the specification is taught in an integrated and logical way. However, material outside this is also covered, wherever it helps in the understanding of the chemistry involved, or reflects the interests and talents of the pupils.

Whilst the theoretically perfect is aspired to, this is combined with the practically useful. Experimental work is carefully used to develop skills and ranges from that intended to reinforce the organic, inorganic and physical theory to open-ended and discovery practicals.

Our A-level chemists go on to a wide variety of degree courses and many have commented on the importance of their time at Wisbech Grammar School’s Chemistry Department in preparing them for university study.

ECONOMICS

Economics - the study of the Economy? Well sort of; more like a study of the world we live in. It is the choices we make, the rationality behind them, but ultimately it’s about the behaviour of people. It’s a game of intriguing signals, negotiations, contests of strength and a battle of wits. Study it and you will never look at the world the same way again.

Economics A-Level at Wisbech Grammar School will equip you with the skills to tell who will get what, how they will get it and why. It is an engaging subject that can take you beyond the confines of school and out into the wider world.

The course that we offer investigates the Micro and Macro environment of economic theory. We study the functions of markets and the behaviour of firms that operate within them. We focus on the wider global trade patterns and drivers for growth in world economies.

BUSINESS

To study Business is to focus on the dynamic nature of the contemporary business world; research the drivers for entrepreneurship to the corporate decision makers and investigate the topical business issues of our day.

Studying Business A-Level at Wisbech Grammar School will provide you with this exciting prospect and enable you to develop and apply your skills in readiness for a life beyond school.

The course is designed to give you the chance to develop and apply the full range of academic skills, while allowing the practical elements of business to be enjoyed. Business introduces you to the challenges and issues of starting a business, including financial planning and resource allocation. The course then explores the key internal functions of business and how the management of these functions can assist in improving the effectiveness and performance of an organisation.

Geography is stimulating, inspiring, challenging and provides pupils with the ability to view social, economic and environmental issues from a wider perspective. Studying Geography at A-level at Wisbech Grammar School is more than just the study of a science, it’s the insights it can provide into understanding the world around us and the contemporary nature of the issues it tackles.

Geographers are taught a wide-ranging combination of skills (communication, teamwork, management, analytical and spatial) that are recognised and desired by employers. The breadth of material covered means that Geography combines well with a wide variety of other subjects.

The course that we offer balances human and physical topics across four units, which make up the AS and A2 courses. AS Geography involves 2 units; World at Risk, in which hazard trends and their management, climate change as a potential hazard and the role of different players at different scales to reduce the hazard risks are studied. Going Global, focuses on how societies are connected around the world through flows of information, goods and people.

A2 Unit 3 Contested Planet covers six synoptic topics; Energy Security, Water Conflicts, Biodiversity Under Threat, Superpower Geographies, Bridging the Development Gap and The Technological Fix. Unit 4 provides the opportunity for independent, in-depth study of a themed research project on Tectonic Activity and Hazards

Field trips are organised to provide the experience required by the syllabus and to develop first-hand knowledge of located case studies; the opportunity to attend lectures and seminars at local universities is taken to extend the breadth and depth of pupils’ knowledge and understanding. One day field trips to London 2012 Olympic sites and the Norfolk Coast are undertaken during the AS programme, whilst an Iceland field trip is offered every other year for A level students to develop their field work experience and prepare them for their module examinations.

GEOGRAPHY

History is an important and highly relevant subject. Whether on a personal, local, national or international level, both who we are, our identity, values and what we hope for in the future, are largely defined by what we have been in the past.

A-Level History develops an informed and enquiring mind. The topics range from the Vietnam War to the unification of Italy; and from Winston Churchill to the rise of German nationalism. These require a study of sources as well as traditional essays. Combined, they allow us to make sense of the 21st century world in its historical context, identifying links between the past and the present.

The course is enriched with opportunities for debate, trips and guest lectures.

A-Level History results and student feedback have both been excellent; studying the past will certainly brighten your future!

HISTORY

Who tells you when you can vote? Or when you can drive? Or if Britain is going to go to war again? The people who make these decisions are elected by you and me, and this course tells you about them.

If you have an interest in current affairs, or if you care about how this country of ours is being run, then the Government and Politics course will tell you all you need to know.

In the first year we study the UK. This looks at the people in power in Parliament, as well as those on the outside in pressure groups and political parties who want to take power. At A2 in the Upper Sixth, attention is turned to the USA where Congress is scrutinised alongside the President and the Supreme Court.

Trips go to Parliament for a tour and to Cambridge for a debating competition. You will get to meet visiting speakers and famous politicians. You will also get to know what you can do for your country, and what it has done for you.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Psychology is the scientific study of thought, emotion and behaviour, posing more questions than it has provided answers for. It is a fascinating, exciting and ever developing subject; the perfect course for those of you who want to understand people and the drivers of human behaviour, whilst developing your critical thinking. This understanding can be valuable in a diverse range of environments, and knowledge of psychology has a wide variety of career applications, from education, health and the economy, to crime, marketing and politics, to the work of professional psychologists, councillors and therapists making a difference in people’s lives.

Studying psychology at A-level at Wisbech Grammar School is more than just the study of a science, the course allows you to engage in contemporary debates through an awareness of a realm of research. You will develop your analytical skills, training your brain to think beyond what is presented in front of you, challenging established findings that have been posed over the years, testing and questioning different theories, opinions and famous case studies.

Looking at why we think, feel and behave the way we do, you will improve your understanding of yourself and those around you, of human dynamics and behaviour. You will develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject, how they relate to each other and how they can be applied to everyday life.

PSYCHOLOGY

Would you like to improve your French skills to a near-fluency level? Would you like to improve your confidence in speaking in public? Would you like to boost your annual salary by £48,000 (The Economist, March 2014)? Then French A-Level is for you!

Your listening, reading and writing skills will be developed by reading articles, online magazines and videos on the topics of Media, Popular Culture, Health and Relationships in the first year, and Environmental issues, the Multicultural Society and Social Issues in the second year.

In today’s world, the need for language speakers remains as high as ever. Recently, Russell Group Universities have indicated a strong interest in pupils with a language at AS level for their medicine course, as it shows openness, empathy and is extremely useful in the workplace.

FRENCH

GERMAN

German is spoken by around 100 million people worldwide and is, as such, the most widely used language in the European Union.

It is spoken natively by people in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and there are fairly large German-speaking communities in parts of the USA and Australia. Given the amount of trade that British companies do with their German-speaking counterparts, employees who have a good knowledge of German are highly sought after.

Studying German at A-Level offers you the chance to develop a wide range of transferable skills. Regular grammar-learning develops your ability, not only to improve your logical reasoning, but also your ability to apply rules in creating your own sentences. You will also learn how to interpret texts, infer meaning and respond to what you have read or hear, both orally and in writing.

By the end of the course, you will also be able to communicate confidently in spoken German, as well as having gained a deeper understanding of two cultural topics. As an A Level, it is extremely well regarded by higher education institutions and employers.

The course comprises four units. Units 1 and 3 test your listening and reading comprehension, as well as your ability to produce a longer piece of written work, which is not only grammatically accurate, but also logically structured. The other two units test your oral skills, and we cover a wide range of topics, from ‘Media’ to ‘The Family’, as well a work of literature, a film or an historical topic in the Upper Sixth.

SPANISH

Spanish is a wonderful language with a rich cultural heritage. It has roughly the same number of first language speakers as English and is continually growing. It is estimated that by 2050 there will be 530,000,000 Spanish speakers in the world, 38 million of whom will be living in the USA.

The AS and A-level courses aim to develop in greater depth the four communication skills studied at GCSE (listening, speaking, reading and writing) by studying topical issues through the medium of Spanish. Topic areas studied at AS are the media, family and relationships, popular culture and healthy living, and the multi-cultural society, the environment, contemporary social issues and two cultural topics at A2.

In addition to the language-based professions such as teaching, interpreting and translating, there are many other disciplines in which knowledge of Spanish is secondary to other skills, but is an added bonus to employers: travel and tourism, sales, purchasing, marketing, banking, journalism, medicine, engineering… the list is endless. In fact, many university courses welcome a languages qualification at A-level, including Medicine.

MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

This course will appeal to musicians with a keen interest in studio recording technology and computer sequencing, who wish to advance their practical skills and technical expertise (with, or without, a GCSE qualification in Music).

Set areas of study, including defined genres, cover the progress of music technology and how it has significantly influenced the evolution of Pop and Jazz music.

Pupils learn how to discriminate and justify the use of technological tools employed in the music recording industry. Commissioned tasks feature sequencing, recording and creative arranging or composing with external assessments focusing on both musical and technological elements.

Pupils completing this course are sufficiently prepared to undertake studies of Music Technology at higher levels. The vast array of Further Education courses provides opportunity for each candidate to specialise in sound engineering, music technology management, or embark on courses that offer combinations with science, arts or theatre-related topics.

MUSIC

A-level Music is for pupils who want to develop their analytical and practical musicianship skills and gain more understanding of the historical and cultural settings of music. The course is full of variety and exciting opportunities for diversification, and builds on the musical skills acquired at GCSE.

Detailed analysis and studies of set works from different styles and of musical periods run alongside musical performance and commissioned compositional projects, whatever the preferred choice of resources.

A-level Music is an excellent foundation for further Music studies at all higher levels, whether it be an academic music course, joint subjects or as a performer in a specialist Music College. The disciplines of analysis, performance, creativity and manipulation of resources, often coupled with a logical/mathematical trait or linguistic expertise, are wonderful attributes that could support a wide variety of future job opportunities.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

If you thought that PE was all about playing games then you would be wrong. It is far more interesting than that. Sport has been an integral part of everyday life since man began to walk the earth and it is from these humble beginnings that it has grown into the multidimensional and extraordinarily commercial business that it is today.

During the two-year course you will study 4 units. Half is the exciting theory part which studies Psychology, Physiology, History and contemporary issues whilst using the Olympic Games as a model to look at drug abuse, cheating and the problems of professional sport. The other half is coursework where you can analyse and further your skills so that you can perform at your best in your chosen practical areas.

Pupils with AS or A-Level Physical Education have access to a wide range of possible career and higher education opportunities. As PE combines with a range of other subjects, it supports applications for a wide range of university courses like Sports Science, Physiotherapy, Recreation Management and Leisure Sttudies. Careers in teaching, fitness, recreational management, the armed forces and the civil service are also possible.

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Next time you are out food shopping, pause for a moment, then try to visualise how all the food products got into your local supermarket, restaurant or corner shop. Cookery items feature everywhere in television programmes, magazines and advertisements. Nutritionists, product development technologists, food stylists, food scientists, engineers, food marketers and food journalists are just some of the experts working in the food and drink manufacturing industry, the single largest manufacturing sector in the UK. In hospitals, dieticians work with patients to formulate their diets. The hospitality market is expected to grow by 1.8% with careers in event management, hotel management, business development and executive chef positions.

Food Technology can lead to a choice from the many different food degrees on offer or to many other non-food based courses. It is a recognised A-level at all Universities.

The AQA GCE Food Technology course is broken down into modules through AS and A2 to include nutrition, health, food choice, product design and development, food hygiene, chemical structure of nutrients, the effect of food processing on the nutritional value of food as well as the aesthetic, sensory and physical quality of food.

Lessons are split into theory and practical sessions where design proposals are explored, dishes are invented and product testing is undertaken. Culinary skills are developed to include techniques such as sauce making, pasta making, bread making, pastry making and meat handling. Eating is obligatory.

In Computing we give pupils a thorough grounding in how computers work from the inside-out, and how they can be used to solve real-world problems. A-level Computing is an exciting and challenging course covering a broad range of technical skills and theoretical knowledge. At its heart a practical subject, pupils will develop their coding abilities using a range of programming tools, and by applying their skills to a host of real situations.

In addition to traditional examinations, pupils are practically assessed by solving programming problems in an IT suite under examination conditions. Pupils also undertake an extended practical project on a topic of their choice, usually creating a bespoke piece of software.

This course should be considered carefully by any pupil thinking of a career in Engineering or the sciences, as well as those who want to study Computer Science or Mathematics at university.

COMPUTING

DT Product Design involves identifying a situation where a design and make solution is required. You will learn to analyse design problems and develop an answer that leads to a manufactured product. Previous experience in Resistant Materials Technology and an interest in design and making products are essential for this course. Skills in ICT and Art would also be an advantage when developing the design portfolio.

You must be willing to analyse problems, work independently in the pursuit of a solution and manage a project over an extended period of time.

The course that we offer is broken down in to four assessed units which make up the AS and A2 courses. During the AS year of study you will create a portfolio of creative work for Unit 1 and complete an exam for Unit 2 which will test your knowledge of technology and industry. The A2 year consists of a major project for Unit 3 and once again an exam for Unit 4 which will further test your knowledge of technology and industry.

DT PRODUCT DESIGN

ART

Art at A-Level is suited for those who have a genuine interest in the subject and want to develop their creativity. The course aims to discover and develop your personal creative direction. In order to do this you will be stretched to improve your practical skills in the use of a range of media. You will also be asked to show critical thinking about your own work and the work of professional artists. You will be encouraged to visit exhibitions, galleries and, if possible, artists’ studios. Local, national and international trips and visits are arranged periodically.

As well as having an excellent record of A-Level results, the Art Department gives pupils support with the preparation of a portfolio for interviews. Some of the careers our past students have taken up are professional artists, teachers, architects, advertising creatives, graphic designers, product designers and illustrators.

Pupils who are determined that their future is in the Art and Design area may take two of the Art courses on offer (Fine Art, Graphics, Textiles). However, A-Level Art is a respected subject and it can complement other subjects well when applying to university for many courses.

The simple fact is that fashion, textiles and design is a part everyday life, wherever we live, and whatever we do; from choosing what clothes to put on in the morning to the decoration of a Mongolian yurt, fashion, design, style, art – it’s all linked.

This course will allow you to explore and experiment as you grow in confidence as a design pupil. You’ll be immersed in hands-on creative projects very quickly and through visual research you will explore colour, pattern and mark making and become proficient in surface pattern design. Alongside projects in a range of textile materials such as print, collage, resist, mixed media, sculpture, fashion or interior design you’ll also use techniques and software such as Illustrator and Photoshop.

We will support you to develop the confidence to be independent and create original work that pushes your ideas and techniques. If you want to learn, explore and be challenged think about studying Textiles and join this highly successful department.

TEXTILES

GRAPHICS

Animation, Illustration, TV and Digital Advertising, Graphic Design, Marketing; these are some of the careers past Wisbech Grammar School Graphics pupils are now working in, at the very highest level.

Graphics, quite simply, is all about getting a message across in an effective way; it takes a degree of creative thinking and perseverance as well as using a wide range of skills that the A-Level course will aim to teach you.

Typography, illustration, packaging creation and animation are some of the areas that you will cover during the course. As well as regular reviews of your work, you will obtain specialist support with your portfolio to assist with future university and employment applications. Pupils who are determined that their future is in the Art and Design area may take two of the Art courses on offer (Fine Art, Graphics, Textiles).

You do not need to be a dedicated graphic designer to choose Graphical Communication, you may wish to choose Graphics to complement your other A-Level choices just because you are a creative person and wish to continue your understanding of how the modern visual world is changing, for example you may have a keen interest in photography that could be developed further in this course.

Wisbech Grammar SchoolNorth BrinkWisbechPE13 1JX

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