Sixth Form Options Booklet 2022-2023

Physical Education Page 51

A Level AS Level studied GCSE Physical Education and to have achieved
a grade 7. The equivalent grades in Science are also
Exam Board: AQA very useful.
Code: AS Level A651QS 7581; A Level 7582
ASSESSMENT FORMAT
AIMS
This course covers a diverse range of topics, drawing Paper 1: ‘Factors affecting participation in physical
on the disciplines of anatomy and physiology/exercise activity and sport’. This will include applied anatomy
physiology; acquisition of skill/psychology of sport and and physiology, skill acquisition and sport in society.
sport in society. These are fascinating topics and to (2 hours, 35% of A Level)
answer examination questions you will be required to
have a good knowledge base, then apply it to sporting Paper 2: ‘Factors affecting optimal performances
situations and then be able to discuss the impact of the in sport’. This will include exercise physiology, sport
issues addressed. psychology, and sport and society.
(2 hours, 35% of A Level).
INTERESTING FEATURES
The department prides itself on a multi-dimensional Non-Exam Assessment: Students are assessed in
approach where kinaesthetic and flipped learning are one practical activity, including a written analysis and
often utilised to bring the subject to life. evaluation. (30% of A Level)

TRIPS Studying P.E. has highlighted the
Educational visits are a huge component of the principles of motivation and discipline
course as they allow for excellent application of the and many more, enabling me to gain
theoretical concepts covered. Recent trips have been a fascinating insight into the physical
to Loughborough University, Bath University, Surrey and mental capability of a human
Human Performance Institute and Wimbledon. being. A-level P.E. has definitely forged
a perfect foundation for my Sport
WHERE IT LEADS Science degree at university.
The subject lends itself to those wanting to study
Sports Science courses, but many students use the Louis Brown, Year 13, 2020
qualification to meet the requirements for entry into
some of the UK’s best universities. Students have also
taken up sport scholarship places at US establishments.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
It is desirable but not essential for students to have

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Graduates from UK Sports Science
university courses are at the forefront

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Page 52 ASSESSMENT FORMAT
Three two-hour exams of questions comprising
Physics multiple choice, short- and long-answer questions on
course content, experiments and data analysis.
A Level AS Level
Physics A Level builds on ideas from
Exam Board: AQA Code: 7408 GCSE with a wide range of interesting
topics. It is full of thought-provoking
AIMS and challenging problems.
Studying Physics is about exploring the world around
us and using that knowledge to solve problems. From Joshua Coles, Year 12, 2018
everyday phenomena like rainbows and why sunsets
are red, to the more revolutionary concepts of
quantum theory, sub-atomic particles and cosmology.
The fact that Physics requires a great deal of effort to
master is what makes it a qualification which is highly
regarded by universities and employers.

TRIPS
• Year 12 students visit the Centre for Fusion

Energy in Culham or the Particle Physics masterclass
at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.
• The Physics of rollercoasters is studied
at Thorpe Park in Year 13

WHERE IT LEADS
Studying Physics develops problem-solving and critical
thinking skills which are useful in many fields including
engineering, IT, medicine, finance and research.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
This is a challenging course which requires a solid
grounding (grade 7) in both Mathematics and Physics
(or the Physics section of the Science Dual Award).
Although the course is essentially mathematical, A
Level Mathematics is not a requirement, as extra
support is available for physicists not also studying
Mathematics.

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The Confederation of British Industry recently
stated that 45% of employers are finding
it difficult to recruit workers with skills in

Science, engineering, Maths and technology
and are therefore paying a premium for them.

Politics ASSESSMENT FORMAT
At A Level, there are three two-hour exams, which
A Level AS Level contain a mixture of medium length ‘explain’ and essay-
style questions. The three papers cover:
Exam Board: AS, Edexcel. A Level, AQA • Government and Politics of the UK
Code: AS 8PLO; A Level 7152 • Government and Politics of the USA and

AIMS comparative US/UK politics
• Political ideas
The course is designed to provide a comprehensive At AS Level, there are two examinations of 1 hour and
introduction to UK and US politics – how political 45 minutes on British politics and a mixture of ‘explain’
processes operate on both side of the Atlantic, and essay style questions.
how voters can influence politics and how these There is no coursework element to the course.
two countries are governed today. The course also
includes a paper on four core political ideologies, I really enjoyed the range of subject
including conservatism, liberalism and socialism. matter within the course; from US
Politics to learning about feminism,
You do not need to know all about contemporary the diversity of subjects allows you to
politics before starting the course, but it is essential achieve a full understanding of the vast
that you have both a desire to learn more, and a landscape of politics.
keen and enquiring mind.
Jack Borthwick, Year 13, 2020
The Politics course will make use of a wide range of
teaching methods, including seminars and case studies,
as well as students’ presentations, research, debates,
and group and class discussion. The course will aim to
make full use of ICT, video clips and news reports.

TRIPS

Trips offered by the department include our annual
trip to the Westminster Student Conference to hear
from leading UK politicians on the important political
developments. We also run a trip in Year 13 to an
American politics revision conference. In the past,
we have hosted local MPs and in 2019, we visited
the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Due to the nature of this course, a 6 in GCSE English
Language is strongly recommended.

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“Just because you do not take an interest in
politics, doesn’t mean politics won’t take an
interest in you.” – Pericles, 5th century BC.

100% Exam Trips

Page 54 teaching, neuroscience and clinical psychology.

Psychology ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The minimum entry requirement for studying
A Level AS Level Psychology is a grade 6 in both English and Maths.
Being able to write in a clear, concise manner, plus
Exam Board: AQA understanding statistical and numerical data, is essential
Code: AS Level 7181; A Level 7182 for studying Psychology. A grade 7 in GCSE Biology
is also key for success in the course.
AIMS
There is a variety of skills students will learn by taking a ASSESSMENT FORMAT
Psychology course. Psychology is a science, so students There is no coursework component. Assessment in
will be taught scientific methodology and how to be AS Enrichment is two 90-minute exams at the end of
an ethical researcher. The course investigates socio- Year 12. Assessment for A Level is three two-hour
cultural issues that may influence behaviour, along with exams at the end of Year 13.
biological and cognitive links. Psychology is a mixture
of both the human and natural sciences; it looks at I really enjoyed learning Psychology,
behaviour and experience. The main aim of the course especially when we went to Prague
is to find out what makes us tick, using the brain and to apply my knowledge of Social
mind connection. Psychology. I am looking forward to
continue my studies at university as
TRIPS Psychology is so interesting.”
The Psychology department take Year 12 students
to Marwell Zoo for an animal behaviour workshop, Emily Quinton, Year 13, 2020
learning how to conduct research; a biannual trip for
both Year 12 and 13 students to Krakow, Poland/
Prague to explore the Psychology behind the
Holocaust; and
Year 13s attend a conference in London where past
guest-speaking psychologists have included Professor
Phillip Zimbardo, discussing his famous Stanford
Prison Experiment.

WHERE IT LEADS
There are a variety of careers in Psychology, including
medicine and psychiatry, counselling and social
work, forensics and criminology, business and
marketing, sport and educational psychology,

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“Psychologists contribute in almost every
profession, from healthcare and law

enforcement to sport performance and
education. Understanding Psychology and
how to apply it is an asset in any career.” –

American Psychological Association

Spanish Page 57

A Level AS Level ASSESSMENT FORMAT
Written exam: Reading and listening: responding to a
Exam Board: AQA Code: 7692 variety of texts from a range of contexts and sources –
worth 50% of the A Level.
AIMS Essays: Two questions in Spanish; one on a set text and
The A Level course is designed to enable students one on a set film, both from a choice of two questions
to develop the ability to communicate confidently – worth 20% of the A Level.
in Spanish, both orally and in written form, within a Speaking: Discussion of a theme from a stimulus
variety of registers and situations. Students develop the card, and a presentation and discussion of an individual
skills and abilities required for further study, work and research project – worth 30% of the A Level.
leisure. They will also gain an appreciation of different
contemporary societies and cultures where Spanish is I have been amazed by the level of
spoken, including South America, as well as developing fluency and comprehension I have
an informed and positive attitude towards them. achieved at A Level, in comparison
to what I learnt at GCSE.
TRIPS
Students have the opportunity for either a residential Sixth Form student, 2018
study trip or a work experience placement, for a week
in Spain.

WHERE IT LEADS
Past students have gone on to read Spanish at
university, often with another language or another
subject such as economics. Students achieve careers
in any number of fields and in a variety of countries
for many prestigious companies, such as Telefonica.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Students should display a passion for learning Spanish
as well as studying the culture of the Spanish-speaking
world. Ideally they will have achieved at least a grade 7
at IGCSE.

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More than 400 million people
speak Spanish as a native

or second language, making
it the second most widely
spoken language in the world.

Holme Park, Sonning Lane, Sonning-on-Thames, Berkshire, RG4 6SU
Tel: 0118 944 1005 rbcs.org.uk