Magdalen College Course Booklet

MAGDALEN COLLEGE SCHOOL BrACkLEy POST 16 CHOICES

Founded 1548

3

Introduction 4

Advanced Level Courses 5

Applied Business Studies 6

Applied Information and 6 Communications Technology

BTEC National Certificate 7 in Applied Science

Art and Design - Fine Art 8

Art and design - Creative Textiles 9

Biology 9

Business Studies 10

Chemistry 10

Computing 11

Design & Technology 11 - Product Design

Drama and Theatre Studies 12

Economics 12

English Language and Literature 13

English Literature 13

Enterprise, Employability and Personal 14 Finance and key Skills for Leadership

BTEC FASHION & CLOTHING 15

FILM STUDIES 15

Food, Nutrition and Health 16

Geography 16

Health & Social Care 17

History 17

Mathematics and Further Mathematics 17

Modern Languages 18 (French, German and Spanish)

Music 19

Music Technology 19

Philosophy and Ethics 20

Physics 20

Physical Education 21

Psychology 21

Sociology 22

Travel and Tourism 22

Extended Curricular Provision 23

16 - 19 Bursary 23

CONTENTS

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At this point in your education you are facing some important decisions.

Should you join Magdalen College School Sixth Form, follow a course at college or elsewhere, or take up an apprenticeship?

You will have to consider each of these options carefully in the light of available information, objective advice and careful assessment of your aspirations and personal strengths and interests.

The school’s Post 16 Choices Programme is there to assist your decision making.

This booklet, alongside the subject outlines and specifications, provides an invaluable information resource which will be supported by consultation and open evenings.

Our open evenings provide students and parents with the opportunity to understand the process of choosing options and meeting members of staff to learn more about the courses on offer. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss their choices individually with a member of staff.

Entrance criteria for the sixth form pathway and individual subjects are published separately.

As you may be aware, A levels are changing. New A levels are being developed in stages, and although the content in the new A levels is broadly similar to our current A levels, the structure is markedly different. The information contained in this booklet is correct at the time of publication but changes may occur as new courses become accredited. Provision is also subject to demand and staffing resources. We cannot guarantee therefore that all the courses listed will run in 2015.

To make an appointment please call 01280 846330 or email [email protected].

Students from other schools can combine their interview with a tour of the school.

For further information on our sixth form provision, including exam results, please visit the school website www.magdalen.northants.sch.uk.

We look forward to welcoming you to Magdalen College School Sixth Form.

Introduction

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The way A levels (GCEs) are being taught and assessed is being changed

• Currently,GCEsaredividedintotwoparts:theASandtheA2.AlthoughtheAScanbetakenasastand-alonequalification, each counts towards the total A Level marks. The AS consists of two or three modules (depending on the subject). The A2 also consists of two or three modules. The A2 cannot be taken as a separate qualification in its own right – it is merely the second half of a full A Level.

• InthenewstyleofGCE,boththe1yearASlevelcourse,andthe2yearAlevelareseparatequalifications.Assessmentforthe AS level will take place at the end of Year 12. Assessment for the A Level will take place at the end Year 13. Marks from the AS Level will not count towards the A Level.

• ThesenewstyleGCEsarebeinglaunchedinstages.ThefollowingsubjectsareteachingnewspecificationsfromSeptember2015: English (including Language and Literature), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Psychology, Art, Business, Economics, Computer Science and Sociology. The remaining subjects on offer continue with the existing AS and A2 courses. Students can opt for a mixture of new and old courses.

• StudentswillbeaskedtoidentifytheirlikelyGCEchoicesintheautumnterminYear11.Subjectsofferedwillthenbeplaced in blocks depending on student responses; students will then be asked to choose a subject from each. This structure may then be reviewed to ensure that the majority of students can study their first choice subjects.

• Wewilldoourutmosttomakesurethateverystudentisabletofollowtheirmainchoicesandinterests.Itisimportanttonote that not every combination of subjects will be possible. Blocks will be arranged so that the majority of combinations indicated by students are possible. A subject will not be offered if too few students opt for it. A maximum number of pupils per teaching groupmaybeenforcedifasubjectisover-subscribedinaparticularblock.

ADVANCED LEVEL COUrSES

Subjects available at Magdalen

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Applied business studies *Career opportunities

A very useful qualification for those hoping to go into Business Administration and/or Management. Furthermore, the course is general enough to

leave the student with a wide range of options when choosing Higher Education courses and careers in general.

This course provides students with a broad introduction to the business sector and should encourage students to develop skills, knowledge and

understanding in realistic business contexts, such as discovering the problems and opportunities faced by local businesses

and/or organising an enterprise activity.

No prior knowledge of the subject is required.

*Thelong-termfutureoftheseappliedqualificationsisstillunderreviewbyOfqualwhoregulateexaminationsthroughoutthecountry. They are available as AS Levels from September 2015. We will update students as soon as further announcements are made.

Applied Information and Communications Technology * Career opportunities

ThiscourseisparticularlysuitedtostudentswishingtocontinuetheirstudiesinInformationandCommunicationTechnologyorgainfuture

employmentinthisarea.Intoday’shigh-techworlditisdifficulttofindanareaofstudyoremploymentwhereICTskillsarenothighlysoughtafter.

Thiscourseisgenerallya“hands-oncourse”thataimstoimprovethepracticalandtheoreticalknowledgeofInformationandCommunication

Technology, building on problem solving and interpersonal skills.

StudentswilllearnhowtouseappropriateICTtoolsandtechniquestocarryoutinvestigations,captureandhandledata,solveproblemsand

plan and manage projects. The course helps students to analyse, design and evaluate suitable solutions to a variety of information technology

problems, highlight awareness of the management of information as well as the economic, social and ethical implications of the use of

information and communication technology.

*Thelong-termfutureoftheseappliedqualificationsisstillunderreviewbyOfqualwhoregulateexaminationsthroughoutthecountry. They are available as AS Levels from September 2015. We will update students as soon as further announcements are made.

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BTEC National Certificate in Applied Science Career opportunities

The BTEC National Certificate is the first part of the BTEC National Subsidiary Diploma in Applied

Science. Only those students who finish their course after one year will be awarded the National

Certificate.ItisnecessarytoprogresstofinishasecondyeartocompletetheSubsidiaryDiploma.

ThecoursebuildsonconceptsandskillsthathavebeendevelopedatGCSE.Itpresentsallofthe

Scienceswithinthe“realworld”contextandthereforefocusesonhowScienceis“applied”ina

widevarietyofsituationswithinresearch,commerceandindustry.Itcontainsanexciting,relevant

and challenging range of learning experiences.

Assessment Structure

Students will have to complete course work assignments in order to satisfy assessment criteria at

either Pass, Merit or Distinction levels. Each of the Units below has assessment criteria to satisfy,

Unit 1 possessing more than either of the other two. All criteria at a minimum of a Pass level must

be gained for the award to be achieved. The Pass criteria approximate to Grade E at AS level, the

Merit to Grade C and Distinction to Grade A and earn points accordingly for entry to University.

Theunitsare:

Unit 1 Fundamentals of Science

Unit2 WorkingintheScienceIndustry

Unit 4 Scientific, practical techniques

Currently, there are no examinations to be taken for this award but that will change in the future.

Controlled Assessment

StudentswillcompleteAssignmentswhicharebasedupontheircourse-workcontentineachUnit.

The work will be marked internally and moderated both internally and by BTEC. The completion of

assignments by students will take place both in school under supervision and when not supervised.

Unsupervised components will be clearly identified and be chosen to demonstrate the independent

research and personal work ethics of each student.

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Art and Design - Fine Art Career opportunities

Visual communication, such as Advertising, Graphics,

Illustration,DesktopPublishing,TV/Film,Animation,

Production Management, Graphics, Photography,

Advertising,Fashion,Industrial,3DDesign,Architecture,

Exhibition, Theatre, Product Design.

This course enables students to generate attainment

through the creative development of process, production,

reflection and evaluation, leading towards skills, knowledge

and understanding. As well as developing specialised skills

in Drawing and Painting, there will be opportunities for

students to explore aspects related to their work through

three-dimensionalstudies,useof/ and Printmaking

and Photography.

Students will work in a supportive structure whilst being

guided to develop increasing levels of personal response

throughfirst-handexperience.Considerableemphasis

is placed on contextual study developing research skills

through direct contact with artists and galleries.

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Art and design - Creative TextilesCareer opportunities

TextileDesigner,TextilesBuyer,Merchandiser,FashionConsultant,Fashioneditor,InteriorDesigner,PrimarySchoolTeacher,

Secondary School Teacher, Fashion designer, Fashion Marketing, Costume Designer, Soft Furnishings Consultant.

This course enables students to generate attainment through the creative development of process, production, reflection

and evaluation, leading towards skills knowledge and understanding. Students are encouraged to develop their design from

original drawings, experiment with threads and fabrics, and to realise the design into a finished piece of Textiles. Students

will explore a wide variety of techniques including surface decoration, dyeing, printing and fashion design. The course will

encourage students to develop awareness of cultural differences and personal preferences, and of relevant environmental

considerations through visits to museums, collections, The Clothes Show and practicing Textile designers.

BiologyCareer opportunities

The study of Biology enables students the choice of a wide range of careers including research,

Pharmacy, Medicine, Plant Breeding, Forestry, Conservation, Ecology, Marine Biology, Science

Writing,Bio-Information,Teaching,HealthOfficer,Bio-Technologist,Dietician,Chiropractor,

Physiotherapy and many more.

This course presents biology as exciting, relevant and challenging and enables students to build

on the concepts and skills developed in the new GCSE Science specifications. Students will learn

essential biological principles in interesting and stimulating contexts and have time to develop

skills alongside the understanding of concepts and principals. Students will learn to appreciate the

contributions of biology to society and the responsible use of scientific knowledge and evidence.

MArTHA NOrMAN | yEAr 13

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ChemistryCareer opportunities

A deeper study of Chemistry can provide students with a wide range of options for further courses

orcareers,theseinclude:Medicine,VeterinaryScience,PharmacologicalSciences,Engineering,

Accountancy, Teaching, Chemical/Biochemical Research, Chemical Product Research and Development,

Forensic Science and Nursing. Chemistry is essential for several of these courses at University.

The course enables students to develop essential knowledge and understanding of the concepts of

chemistry, and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations. Students will develop

an understanding of the link between theory and experiment; be aware of how advances in information

technology and instrumentation are used in chemistry; appreciate the contributions of chemistry to society

and the responsible use of scientific knowledge and evidence and sustain and develop their enjoyment of,

and interest in, chemistry.

Business StudiesCareer opportunities

A very useful qualification for those hoping to go into Business Administration and/or

Management. Furthermore, the course is general enough to leave the student with a

wide range of options when choosing Higher Education Courses and Careers in general.

The course encourages students to develop an enthusiasm for developing business and

to acquire a range of relevant business and generic skills, including decision making,

problem solving, challenging assumptions and quantifying and managing information.

Students will understand that business behaviour can be studied from a range of

perspectives and will develop a critical understanding of organisations and their ability to

meet society’s needs and wants. Students will also generate enterprising and creative

solutions to business problems and issues, and teach students to be aware of the ethical

dilemmas and responsibilities faced by organisations and individuals.

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ComputingCareer opportunities

Itisenvisagedthatstudentswillutilisetheskillsandknowledgeofcomputinginoneofthreeways.Firstly,toprovideageneralunderstandingoftheuseof

computer technology and systems, which will inform their decisions and support their participation in an increasingly technologically dependent society. Secondly,

to provide the necessary skills and knowledge to seek employment in areas that utilise computing, where they may develop their skills and knowledge further

through practical experience and training. Thirdly, students may choose to continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of computing through entry to

higher education, where this qualification will provide a useful foundation for further study of computing or more specialist aspects of computing.

The course encourages students to develop the capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically in gaining an understanding of computer

systems, including software, hardware, data, communications and how computers ‘think’. Students will build upon their ability to apply skills, knowledge and

understandingofcomputinginarangeofproblem-solvingcontexts.Studentswilldevelopskillsinprojectandtimemanagementaswellasthecapacitytosee

relationships between different aspects of the subject. Students will gain an understanding of the consequences of using computers, including social, legal, ethical

and other issues and becoming aware of emerging technologies and an appreciation of their potential impact on society.

Design & Technology - Product Design - 3D DESIGNCareer opportunities

Architecture,Engineering,ProductDesign,IndustrialDesign,GraphicDesign,InteriorDesign,SportsDesign,AutomotiveEngineering,CAD/CAMIndustry,teaching

and many more employment fields.

This subject has been designed to encourage students to take a broad view of technology and design, to develop their capacity to design and make products and to

appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacturing and marketing.

The subject content will be studied in relation to many areas of industrial design; this will be examined in the written papers. However, the student may choose to

produce coursework assignments with a more ‘graphic’ outcome (as in GCSE Graphic Products) or a more ‘practical’ outcome (as in GCSE Resistant Materials).

TherearethreeareasofsubjectcontenttobestudiedatbothASandA2:Materials&Components:Design&MarketInfluences:Processes&Manufacture

Students will develop skills in design and manufacture and be taught about selection criteria in design and the influences factors associated with modern product

design. As well as an appreciation of traditional craft skills students will experience the most modern manufacturing technologies available including CAD and CAM.

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A2 Unit 3 Exploration of Dramatic Performance

Unit 4 Theatre Text in Context

Drama and Theatre StudiesCareer opportunities

The first step towards a career in any aspect of the theatre and other media as well as a wide range of

possibilities involving working with people and or using organisational skills.

This course enables students to integrate the theory of Theatre Studies with practical application, encourage

experimentation within practical work, and offer options for specialising in acting, costume, masks, lighting or

sound. Students will have the choice to broaden their studies and defer decisions about specialism by following

the AS for one year; to specialise by continuing with A2.

Studentswillstudythefollowingunits:

AS Unit 1 Exploration of Drama and Theatre

Unit 2 Text in Performance

EconomicsCareer opportunities

A Level Economics is a useful entry qualification to many degree courses in Management

Sciences, Media Studies, Journalism, Marketing, Social Science, Geography, Business

Studies,AccountancyandLaw.ItisalsousefulforcareersinBankingandInsuranceand

many other careers in the financial and business world.

This course enables students to develop an enthusiasm for the subject in appreciating

the contribution of economics to the understanding of the wider economic and social

environment, as well as developing an understanding of a range of concepts and an ability

to use these concepts in a variety of different contexts. Students will use an enquiring,

critical and thoughtful approach of the study of economics and develop the ability to think

as an economist in order to develop skills, qualities and attitudes that will equip them for the

challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life. No prior knowledge of

the subject is required.

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English Language and LiteratureCareer opportunities

Journalism, Writing, Publishing, Psychology, Media and Theatre, Management, Teaching

and Retailing.

The course will enable students to develop their own creative writing skills and practice

particular writing styles. Students will analyse a range of modern and iconic speeches as

well as studying modern 21st Century poetry and prose. This course will enable students to

studyanon-fictiontextandmakeinformedopinionsandjudgementsonarangeoftexts.

English LiteratureCareer opportunities

Teaching, Civil Service, Publishing, Politics, Librarian, Psychology, Media and Theatre,

Management, Book Retailing, Writing etc.

The course will enable students to develop an interest and enjoyment in literature

through wider reading. Students will make informed opinions and judgements on literary

texts and gain an understanding of cultural, historical and other influences on texts,

with specific reference to the traditions of English and American Literature. Students will

gain appreciation of literature or literary influences from outside the UK. This will allow

them to communicate their responses to a wide variety of texts and respond to texts of

different types and periods.

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Enterprise, Employability and Personal Finance and key Skills for LeadershipThe Level 3 Certificate in Enterprise, Employability and Personal Finance and the Level 3 Key Skills for Leadership are one year courses, taken in Year 12.

The courses complement each other and will result in two Level 3 qualifications for students.

Enterprise, Employability and Personal Finance

Thepurposeofthecourseistoenablethestudentsto:

• acquiretheskills,knowledgeandunderstandingthatwillpreparethemforhighereducationand/oremployment,bothnowandinthefuture,

as confident individuals and members of society.

• beinnovativeandcreative,totakerisksandmanagethem,tobecomefinanciallycapableandtodevelopanenterprisingattitude.

• developkeyemployabilityskills,suchastheabilitytoproblemsolve,tocommunicateeffectivelyandtoworkwellinateam.

• understand,analyseandevaluatepersonalfinance,financialproductsandtheroleoffinanceasanintegralpartofanenterpriseprojectoractivity.

Students will learn primarily through participative activities. These are designed to both provide opportunities to acquire knowledge and understanding of the content and to

develop a range of skills that are relevant to enterprise, employability and personal finance management. These include problem solving, decision making, negotiation, research,

evaluation, report writing (communication), calculation, planning and implementation and justification.

Assessment structure

External examination-60%ofLevel3Certificate.

A1hour30minuteswrittenexamination-consistingofstructuredandessaystylequestions.TheexaminationcontentcoversEnterprise,EmployabilityandPersonalFinance.

Enterprise project-40%ofLevel3Certificate.

The project covers the knowledge and application of enterprise and is focused around an activity which will require students to apply the principles of the enterprise activity cycle.

The context of the enterprise activity can be business orientated (e.g. manufacturing and marketing a product), social (interaction of social groups in the school/college or local

community) or environmental.

ThroughworkontheEnterpriseProject,studentswillalsobeassessedinthefollowingskills:Teamwork,Abilitytolearnnewskills,Abilitytoproblemsolve.

Key Skills for Leadership

Students complete 3 units each worth 20 UCAS points

Problem Solving

ImprovingownLearningandPerformance

Working with Others

Students complete a portfolio for each unit documenting the work undertaken. There are many transferable skills between these two qualifications.

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Btec Fashion & ClothingCareer opportunities

This subject provides students with a sound starting point for a career in textiles and

fashion where artistic flair meets conventional fashion design. Students may be pursuing

careers in clothing design or may wish to further their studies at college or university.

Careers in fashion include direct clothing design, fashion retail and marketing, fashion

procurement, clothing manufacture and planning, digital design as well as branching out

into areas such as fashion journalism.

This subject offers students the chance to develop their skills in the design of clothing and

accessories. They will experience creative and artistic procedures in order to allow new and

imaginative ideas to take form and therefore encounter many art techniques and develop

an artistic portfolio from which fashion solutions will emerge. Over the two years you will

explore, design and manufacture high quality garments from a range of contextual themes

using traditional and modern fabrics and textile innovations.

FILM STUDIESCareer opportunities

The course provides a foundation for further study in Film or related areas of higher

education degree courses as well as progression for applied qualifications such as

HNDordirectentryintoemployment.Itdevelopsfluencyinargumentandexpression

and in critical thinking that is valued in a range of careers including all types of business,

marketing,journalism,projectmanagement,ITandteaching.

This qualification has been developed to explore film as an art form, a communication

mediumandanindustry.Itisagreatchoiceforanyonelookingtoimprovetheirskillsin

essay writing, research and enquiry in a subject that is constantly pushing boundaries in the

creative arts through its use of technology and has a huge influence on society.

Itoffersstudentsaflexibleandcreativeapproachtostudyingfilm,takingintoaccountallof

the processes from concept through to screening. This qualification encourages students

to explore and appreciate a broad range of films in different languages and gives students

the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding in practical productions.

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Food, Nutrition and HealthCareer opportunities

The course is broadly based and good preparation for students contemplating careers in

food-relatedindustries,e.g.Nutritionist,FoodBuyers,ProductDevelopmentChef,Taste

Testers, Food Critics, Consumer Affairs; Welfare Professions and Social Care.

The course explores the fundamental issues which are relevant in our lives, and will help to

equip students for the future, whether working in the food industry or not. The course also

introduces the food industry in relation to business, national trends in working and eating

and other contemporary issues.


AS Unit 1 Society and Health

Unit 2 Resource Management

A2 Unit 3 Coursework

Unit 4 Nutrition and Food Production

GeographyCareer opportunities

GeographyatAS&A2levelenablesstudentstogoontoUniversity

courses to study further Geography, Planning, Archaeology,

Meteorology, Hydrology, Architecture, Leisure Studies and also is a

very good foundation for many other Degrees e.g., Law, Medicine

and Ecological based subjects.

The new syllabus is designed to engage students and renew interest

in the subject of geography, which enhances an understanding of our

planet.Itpromotesindependentenquirylearning,withthinkingskills

and field work.


AS Unit 1 Managing Physical Environments

Unit 2 Managing Change in Human Environments

A2 Unit3 GlobalIssues

Unit 4 Geographical Skills

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HistoryCareer opportunities

History opens up a variety of particular career paths including;

Law, Solicitors, Journalism, Media, Teaching, Archaeology,

MuseumsandLibrarians.ItisalsorecognisedasanALevel

that develops strong thinking and literacy skills which are

valued in the broader world of work.

The course on offer continues to give students the

opportunity to study History in length and breadth as well as

to develop expertise in a variety of skills and to acquire and

demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the periods

studied.Italsoenablesstudentstostudysignificantevents,

individuals and issues; a range of historical perspectives; the

diversity of society; the history of more than one country or

state; a substantial element of English history and continuity

and change over a period of time.

Mathematics and Further MathematicsCareer opportunities

There are many opportunities for further study and careers in Mathematics or related areas. Accountancy, working in the Civil Service, careers in

Sciences, Commerce and Business and Computer science and Software engineering all potentially require a high level of mathematical ability.

TheOCRMEIStructuredMathematicsSchemeprovidestheopportunityforstudentstostudycoremodulescoveringareasofpuremathematics

and applied modules (mechanics, statistics, and decision mathematics) in order to extend their skills, knowledge and understanding of the subject.


Maths AS Unit 1 Pure Mathematics C1

Unit 2 Pure Mathematics C2

Unit 3 Applied Module

Entry requirement for Further Mathematics

This is a demanding mathematics course and students will need to be confident and able mathematicians.

Further Maths AS Unit 1 Pure Mathematics FP1



Maths A2 Unit 4 Pure Mathematics C3

Unit 5 Pure Mathematics C4


Further Maths A2 Unit 4 Pure Mathematics FP2



Health and Social CareCareer opportunities

The subject is particularly relevant for those who have a career or course in mind from the

extensive range of options available in the Health, Social Care and Early Year Services.

The course aims to develop and sustain an interest in Health, Social Care and Early Years

issues. Students will develop knowledge, understanding and skills which will give them a

range of insights and enhance their effectiveness within their daily lives. This course will enable

students to use knowledge and skills learned, as preparation for entry into Higher Education

or employment in the Health, Social Care and Early Years sector and related professions.


AS Unit 1 Effective Care and Communication

Unit 2 Understanding Health Conditions and Patient Care Pathways

A2 Unit 3 Practitioner Roles

Unit 4 Food and Fitness

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Modern Languages (French, German and Spanish)Career opportunities

Modern Language graduates from Higher Education have the third

best employment rates in the UK. This is a reflection of the shortage

of language skills currently recognised amongst the UK business and

industrial sector. While business is the biggest employer of students

with specific modern language training both in the industrial and

service sector, other major employment opportunities exist within

the media – whether print journalism, TV production or presenting.

Language skills are further valued as a basis for a career in law or

publishing, while the extension of language learning into primary

schoolsmeansthattheon-goingshortageofModernLanguage

teachers in the secondary school sector is now mirrored in the

primary sector.

This course encourages students to develop their language skills

to a more sophisticated level, as well as to learn about the wider

world, and the target culture in particular, through the medium of the

language chosen. The topic areas which will be studied in each year

oftheALevelcourseareasfollows:


AS Unit 1 Spoken Expression and Response

Unit 2 Understanding and Written Response

A2 Unit 3 Understanding and Written Response

Unit 4 Research, Understanding and Written Response

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Music Technology Summary Of Units: Specification: EDEXCEL

Unit 1: Music Technology Portfolio 1

Task1A:SequencedRealisedPerformance

Task1B:Multi-trackRecording

Task1C:CreativeSequencedArrangement.

Students will also submit a logbook that will provide information on the resources used in each task as

well as assessed questions on their creative sequenced arrangement.

Unit 2: Listening And Analysing

Students are required to study the development of popular music styles from 1910 through to the present

day.Thisisnotintendedtobeacomprehensiveandin-depthstudyofeverypopular,JazzorRockmusic

style, but an overview of the main styles and trends during the development of popular music.

Unit 3: Music Technology Portfolio 2

Unit 3 builds on skills acquired in Unit 1, and extends these to include a composition task.

ItinvolvesdetailedstudyofanAreaofStudy3:TheDevelopmentofTechnologybasedMusic.

StudentsmustcompletethreetaskswhichtogetherformMusicTechnologyPortfolio2:

Task3A:SequencedIntegratedPerformance

Task3B:Multi-trackRecording

Task3C:ComposingusingMusicTechnology.

Students will also submit a logbook which will provide information on the resources used in each task.

Unit 4: Analysing And Producing

Content summary

Students will be expected to demonstrate their knowledge of music and the principles of music

technology through a series of written commentaries, manipulations and production tasks using material

provided on an examination paper and recorded on an audio CD.

The examination will test students’ musical understanding, their ability to manipulate and correct

recorded music and their ability to write commentaries on technological processes. They will also be

tested on their ability to produce a balanced stereo mix.

Assessment

Thisassessmentwilltaketheformofa2-hourexamination.

Each student will have an audio CD, which will contain a series of music files to be imported into music

production software. Each student will also have an examination paper in which some or all of the CD

tracks will be notated as conventional staff notation, editing grids or numerical data.

MusicCareer opportunities

Teacher (School, Peripatetic or Freelance), Performing

Musician, Sound Engineer, Music Media – TV/Music Editor,

MusicPublishing,Composer,InstrumentMaker.

This course will enable students to develop a secure

foundation for further study in this subject. Students will

extend repertoire for performance using instruments or voice

as well as develop knowledge and understanding of a wide

rangeofmusicfromtheWesternClassicaltradition,Jazz

andpopularrepertoires,andofNon-Westerntraditions.

Students will extend composing skills in a variety of styles

and contexts and developing skills in handling music

technology as a medium for enhancing both composition

and performance work.


AS Unit 1 Performing Music

Unit 2 Composing

Unit3 IntroductiontoHistoricalStudy

A2 Unit 4 Performing Music

Unit 5 Composing

Unit 6 Historical and Analytical Studies in Music

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PhysicsCareer opportunities

Physics is especially useful when considering a career in the following

areas – Accountancy, Airline Pilot, Architecture, Astronomy, Computing,

Engineering, Medical Physics, Medicine, Scientific Research and

Teaching.

This course enables students to develop essential knowledge and

understanding in Physics and, where appropriate, the applications of

Physics, and the skills needed for the use of this in new and changing

situations. Students will develop an understanding of the link between

theory and experiment and appreciate how Physics has developed

and is used in present day society. This course shows the importance

of Physics as a human endeavour which interacts with social,

philosophical, economic and industrial matters and allows students

to recognise the quantitative nature of Physics and understand how

mathematical expressions relate to Physical principals.

Philosophy and EthicsCareer opportunities

Philosophy and Ethics encourages logical thought and insight into Human Behaviour.

Itwillbeofbenefittoawidevarietyofcareerse.g.:ManageriallevelsinBusiness,

theCivilService&Advertising.OthercareerswhereaqualificationinPhilosophy

and Ethics would be useful are in Medicine, the Legal Profession, Social Work,

Journalism, the Police Force and Education.

This course enables students to study ethics, phenomenology and philosophy and

discover the cultural and historical impact of a religious tradition upon society.


AS Unit 1 Religion and Ethics

Unit 2 Philosophy of Religion

A2 Unit 3 Religion and Ethics

Unit 4 Religion and Human Experience

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PsychologyCareer opportunities

Since Psychology will provide students with an insight into human

behaviour, it will be of benefit in all careers and walks of life.

Many students will continue into higher education after completing

A Level Psychology, taking up places on a wide variety of courses

including, for example, Psychology, Medicine, Business, English

and Law.

Psychology at GCE Level offers students the opportunity to

examine and begin to understand why humans behave the way

they do. Why do some people seem to have better memories than

others? Why do people respond to stress in different ways?

Why are some people more intelligent than others?

Using a scientific approach, these are just some of the many

questions that we will attempt to answer throughout the course.

This course will enable students to study psychological theories,

research, terminology, concepts, studies and methods. Students

will develop skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation as well

as an understanding of different areas of Psychology. Students

will design psychological investigations and analyse and interpret

data and develop an understanding of ethical issues in Psychology,

including the ethical implications of Psychological Research.

Please note that Psychology A Level is now accepted as a Science

subject by universities.

Physical EducationCareer opportunities

Many students choose to use their qualification to go straight into employment, rather than go on to higher education. Because AS or Advanced GCE Physical Education develop the transferable skills and the Key Skills that employers are looking for, they can lead to a wide variety of employment opportunities. This can include further training in such areas as Recreational Management, Leisure Activities, the Armed Forces and the Civil Service.

This course will enable students to develop knowledge and skills in a range of sports roles and explore the contemporary issues in modern sport and recreation. Students will examine the effects of exercise and the relationships between training and performance, and identify the pathways and opportunities available to participate in sport and recreation at a local, national and international level. This course will enhance students’ understanding of how elite performers prepare for sports competition and find ways to improve their own performance in selected roles through greater understanding of the subject.


AS Unit 1 Participation in Sport and Recreation

The unit content is divided into two sections. The first section will develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of what constitutes a Healthy and Active Lifestyle. The second section develops their knowledge and understanding of how Competitive Sport has developed over time. The assessment of this unit is through a 1 hour and 30 minute examination paper.

Unit 2 The Critical Sports Performer

Students will develop and record their performance in two chosen roles from a choice of three (performer, leader and official). They will then undertake a study into the provision for all three roles at a Local level and one role at the National level. Lastly, they will produce an analysis of Five areas within their preferred role.

This unit is internally assessed and externally moderated, through a portfolio of evidence.

A2 Unit 3 Preparation for Optimum Sports Performance

Studentswilldevelopaknowledgeandunderstandingoftheshortandlong-termphysiological, technical and psychological preparations made by elite athletes. The assessment of this unit is through a2-hourexaminationpaperwhichissetandmarkedbyEdexcel.

Unit 4 The Developing Sports Performer

Students will continue to refine their practical performance in one chosen role.

Students will construct one development plan (Personal Exercise Programme) to further progress their performance as performers, leaders or officials. They will research one role in an international context, taking in grassroots participation, elite performance and other factors.

Lastly, they will plan their life in physical activity, from the Advanced Subsidiary course to the potential opportunities and performance structure open to them, thereby outlining a ‘time line’, through school, college, university, club, veterans and future roles.

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SociologyCareer opportunities

The course is central to any student looking to pursue a career which involves dealing with social groups, e.g., Medical Profession, Teaching, Police Officer, Human Resources, Journalism, Law, Public Relations, Psychologist, Researcher.

Sociology is the study of society and of people and their behaviour. Sociologists study a wide range of topics. For Example, Gender, Race and Ethnicity, Marriage and Divorce, Lone parents, peer groups, social inequalities, researching social behaviour,deviance,stereo-typingandsoon.Instudyingtopicslikethese,sociologistscreatetheoriestoexplainhumanbehaviour and the workings of society. Theories are explanations of the patterns we find in society. For example, we may have a theory as to why there are differences in girls and boys achievement levels in school.

Sociology is an evidence based subject. This means it is not just about the sociologist’s personal opinion. Sociologists therefore collect evidence methodically by carrying out research to establish whether their theories are correct. A good theory is one that explains the available evidence.

The course is designed to encourage candidates to develop contemporary knowledge and understanding of sociological theory and methods and demonstrate the application of a wide range of skills, such as analysis, interpretation and application and evaluation. Students will consider the sociological themes of socialisation, culture, identity, social differentiation and power.

Travel and TourismCareer opportunities

The course aims to maintain and support the recognised standards demanded for Travel and Tourism education and training in order to meet the requirements of various sectors. With a GCE in Travel and Tourism, a candidate would be a suitable recruit for a role in a range of fields including Travel Agents, Conference Planning and Resort Representatives.

This course will enable students to develop and sustain an interest in travel and tourism and the issues affecting the development of the industry and its potential effect on employment opportunities. Students will develop an understanding of the scale and importance of the travel and tourism industry and the interdependence of its sectors, as well as appreciate the importance of the customer and customer services to the travel and tourism industry. Students will also learn to appreciate the positive and negative impacts travel and tourism may have on people, environment and economy, aswellastheimpactofinformationandcommunicationtechnology(ICT)onthedevelopmentofthetravelandtourismindustry and the potential effect on future activities. Students will develop practical and technical skills relevant to the travel and tourism industry.


AS Unit1 IntroductiontoTravelandTourism

Unit 2 Customer Service in Travel and Tourism

Unit 3 Travel Destinations

A2 Unit 8 Event Management

Unit9 Eco-Tourism

Unit 10 Tourism Development

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16 - 19 Bursary SchemeThisschemeisaimedatstudentsthatmightbefacingfinancialdifficulties.Itmaybeusedtohelpcoverthecostofessentialequipment,resources,visitsortrips.

Thefundingsupportisdesignedtohelpstudentsgainthefullbenefitoftheirtimeinthesixthform.Informationandapplicationformsareavailablefromtheschool.

Extended Curricular ProvisionExtended Curriculum and Extra – Curricular Opportunities

Students can select a suitable placement from a variety of opportunities offered through Magdalen College School or organise their

own placement (subject to appropriate health and safety / insurance checks).

Students can support lessons in lower school subjects, mentor younger students, support students with additional needs or support

extra-curricularactivities,includingleadershipofsportsclubs.

Studentscanengageinavarietyofactivitieswithinlocalprimaryschools:supportingindividualclassesandstudents,arranging

lunchtime clubs, participating in assemblies.

Our partner organisations offering placements include Juniper Care Home, Brackley Library, Katharine House Hospice, Brackley Food

Bank and Livability. Students can also organise their own placement (subject to appropriate health and safety / insurance checks).

Leadership activities include election as Head Girl or Head Boy, Head of Houses, members of our Student Council and Sixth Form

Representatives.

All students have the opportunity to participate in PE activities and Sixth Form sports teams.

TheseincludeSchoolandChapelChoir,JazzBandandfullOrchestraandSectionGroups.

TheMagdalenLectures,Subjectvisits,YoungEnterprise,Internationaltrips,WorldChallengeExpedition,SchoolandSixthForm

Drama productions, and English and History Debating Societies. Sixth Formers also organise and participate in charity fundraising

activities as part of their tutorial programme.

Students select an area of choice and carry out independent research following academic modules preparing them for university and

the business world.

All year 12 students will be expected to devote the minimum amount of two hours per fortnight to one of the enhanced curriculum opportunities.

Some of these activities are accredited through the Key Skills for Leadership Certificate.

Work experience

Supporting students within school

Volunteering in local primary schools

Volunteering with a College School partner

Optional activities

Sports

Musical activities

Other extended curriculum opportunities

Extended project

CONTACT DETAILS

Magdalen College School is the trading name of Magdalen College School Brackley Academy Trust, a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales under company number 8316633 whose registered office is Magdalen College School, Waynflete Avenue, Brackley, NN13 6FB.

Please note: The subjects and information contained in this booklet are correct at time of going to press. However, changes may occur as provision is subject to Ofqal Accreditation confirmation, student demand and staffing resources.

Sixth Form Centre

St John’s, High Street, Brackley,

Northamptonshire, NN13 7DW

Main reception

Waynflete Avenue, Brackley NN13 6FB

01280 846330

[email protected]

www.magdalen.northants.sch.uk

WAYNFLETE AV

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TO SILVERSTONE,TOWCESTER &NORTHAMPTON

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Documents

Magdalen College Course Booklet