6th Form Course Guide 2018 A4 vFINAL

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This Course Guide will give you an introduction to the A Level and Level 3 courses we offer in Sixth
Form at The Bishops’ Blue Coat CE High School.

Our courses are well-established and we know that gaining these qualifications will mean that you are
able to move on to your next destination, whether that be university or the world of work. You will
read about former students from each course. They are just one example of where the course could
take you; ask the course leaders to tell you where else the qualification can lead.

There are three key facts that you should note if you are interested in joining the course:
Course entry requirement This explains what GCSEs and grades you will need to join the course.

How you are assessed Look at the balance of coursework and examination. Most A Levels
have a high proportion of examinations but coursework is a part of
some courses.

When you are assessed A Levels courses now have all of the assessment at the end of Year 13.
Some courses have a coursework element within this assessment.
Level 3 courses include coursework and also assessment in some units
at the end of Year 12.

It is important that you do not simply choose A Levels from this guide. There are other ways to
research your A Levels:

 Speak to your GCSE teachers or course leaders, either on Open Evening or during school.
 Visit the website of the examination board and look at the specification – a lot of the

document is for teachers but you will get more details on units and topic areas.
 Some courses have additional summaries they give out.
 Talk to current students about the course.
 Speak to the Head of Sixth Form about your choices.
 Research online – there is a website called ‘The Student Room’ where a lot of our sixth form

seek advice.
 A careers interview with our Careers Advisor, Mrs Schofield.

[email protected].

You will be choosing three courses to study for the next two years. Students learn best when they are
enthusiastic and interested and so that should be your main aim. In addition, we offer Enrichment
Programmes that you can learn more about overleaf.

Good luck. And remember, if you are in doubt…ask!

Jonathan Deakin Cheryl Foster
Head of Sixth Form Deputy Head of Sixth Form
[email protected] [email protected]

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These programmes are offered in addition to our academic courses. Some will be undertaken by all
students in Year 12; some are optional.

This programme encourages and motivates you to engage in activities to develop employability skills of
leadership, initiative, organisation, resilience and communication. Activities can take place in or out of
school, be curricular or extra-curricular. Your personal EDGE tutor will guide you through the activities
and help you to complete the online self-reflection documents in order for you to achieve at least
Graduate level before you leave Bishops’. This programme is endorsed by the Confederation of British
Industry (CBI) which is a UK business organisation that speaks for 190,000 businesses. On completion
of the programme you will receive an electronic badge of competition which can be included on CVs
for future employment and education.

Sixth form students already receive statutory sessions in a range of areas. You will have one lesson a
fortnight to cover: drugs, alcohol, sexual health, well-being, spirituality, moral ethics, personal finance
and more.

Using a double lesson once a fortnight, students will choose one of the these activities. It allows
students to schedule a regular volunteering activity or work experience placement or to take part in
sport. Staff coordinate these activities and assist in planning and reflecting where required.

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The Extended Project Qualification is a research project. It is considered (in workload) to be ‘half’ an A
Level. You can research an issue in any area and produce a 5000 word essay on your chosen question.
This could be a historical event, a science issue, research into an area of drama or literature.
Alternatively, you can create something e.g. exhibition, children’s book, event. In Year 12 you will
focus on skills and complete some tasks with other students. Then, in summer, you will plan and begin
your own EPQ to conclude in Year 13. Universities often make lower offers to students completing an
EPQ in the area that they wish to pursue at degree level.

The DofE Silver Award is an opportunity to achieve recognition for some of the extra-curricular
activities that you already do or to take on new challenges. You have to undertake activities involving
developing new or existing skills, improving your fitness and volunteering. You must show a regular
weekly commitment to each activity over a period of up to six months. You will also plan and complete
two hiking and camping expeditions over long weekends. The award is widely recognised as a very
valuable indication of a young person’s enthusiasm, commitment and interest in their wider
community.

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Course entry requirements: Grade 5 in two GCSE sciences.

The course provides a broad understanding of vocationally-related

science to support progression into higher education or

employment in a science-based field. The course also offers Principles of Biology
students the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as Principles of Chemistry
problem-solving, research and communication. Alongside other Principles of Physics
qualifications it can fulfil the entry requirements for a number of Experimental procedures
science-related higher education courses including biomedical, Practical techniques
forensic and sports science as well as nursing. Roles/skills of scientists

Public perception of science

Danielle Evans completed A Levels in Applied Science in the media
Science, PE and Art. She joined a school leaver Communicating science
programme at Bank of America and began Researching science

learning all about investment banking. She is

now in the process of completing her CIMA

accountancy qualification.

Exam Board: AQA | Assessment: 50% exam 50% coursework | When?: 50% Year 12 50% Year 13

Course entry requirements: Grade 6 in Art & Design.

The benefit of an Art course is that you don’t just study Art: you Formal Art skills
make it. Art enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, Experimentation
problem solving skills, lateral thinking, complex analysis and Techniques of production
critical thinking skills. No matter what career you choose, those Researching artists
who can arrange, present and display material in a way that is Developing your own ideas
aesthetically pleasing have an advantage. In a fast-paced, Analysis of artists
changing world full of technology and business, there has never Presentation and display of art
been a better time to join the creative industries. Critical thinking

Beth Thomas gained an A in 2013. She
completed an Art Foundation course at
Manchester Metropolitan University which led
into fashion design at degree level, also in
Manchester.

Exam Board: AQA | Assessment: 50% exam 50% coursework | When?: 100% Year 13
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Course entry requirements: Grade 6 in two GCSE sciences. Grade 5 in English or
Maths.

Biology develops essential knowledge of the concepts of life DNA and protein synthesis
together with an understanding of scientific methods. It also Enzymes
increases the awareness of advances in technology which can be Cell structure and function
used in society. A Level Biology is a great choice for people who Viruses
want a career in health and the clinical professions including Cell division
medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, nursing Reproduction
and forensic science. Natural selection
Biodiversity
Charlotte Miles completed A Levels in Biology, Cell exchange and transport
Chemistry, French and Maths. She is now in mechanisms
her fourth year of Medicine at St Peter’s Circulatory system
College, Oxford.

Exam Board: Edexcel | Assessment: 100% exam | When?: 100% Year 13

Course entry requirements: Grade 5 in English or Maths.

We all use businesses every day – shops, websites and apps are Marketing and promotion
just a few of the ways that we access them. This course gives you Finance
an insight into how these businesses are run and what makes Ethics
some businesses successful while others fail. You might even Customer service
choose to start your own business one day! This course covers all The economy
types of business, from sole traders with just one person who Manufacturing
owns and runs the business to multinational corporations with Quality
tens of thousands of employees. Communication
Business law
Elliot Ward completed A Levels in English, Management and leadership
History, Business Studies. He works for International business
Manchester City Football Club in the area of
Media Relations and Public Affairs. This
involves upholding and sustaining the
reputation and public perception of this club
by providing best practice public relations.

Exam Board: AQA | Assessment: 100% exam | When?: 100% Year 13
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Course entry requirements: Grade 6 in two GCSE sciences. Grade 5 in English or
Maths.

Chemistry makes an important contribution to the understanding Fundamental particles – atomic
of the materials used in everyday life and in the world about us. structure
Physical chemistry deals with the relationships between energy Application of maths in chemistry
and chemical reactions. Organic chemistry is the study of carbon Solution chemistry
compounds. Inorganic chemistry is the study of other elements Bonding
and compounds. Success in chemistry can leads to further studies Periodicity
and jobs in education, chemical engineering, medicine, pharmacy, Energetics
forensics, dentistry and dietetics to name but a few. Kinetics
Organic chemistry
Beverley Wilson is studying for her PhD having Chemical analysis
graduated from Cambridge University with a Assessed practical procedures
2.1 BA and MSc in Natural Sciences. Her
studies are being funded by the Wellcome
Trust and she is studying at Manchester
University.

Exam Board: AQA | Assessment: 100% exam | When?: 100% Year 13

Course entry requirements: Grade 6 in English Language and English Literature.

“A book is a version of the world.” Salman Rushdie

You will study not only literature and language, but also the

culture and history behind texts. You will develop your creative

writing skills and have the flexibility to learn about what you enjoy ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’

most through the coursework component. Studying English will Carol Ann Duffy’s poetry
enable you to think critically and creatively, argue convincingly, An anthology about Paris

and work independently and collaboratively on a range of texts ‘The Great Gatsby’
and tasks. You will gain knowledge and experience of classic ‘Othello’

literature, modern poetry, and non-fiction texts. Creative writing
Real speech transcripts

Zack Coates gained an A in this course. He
went to Lancaster University to study Creative
Arts, graduating in Theatre Studies. He is now
a primary school teacher in Frodsham.

Exam Board: AQA | Assessment: 80% exam 20% coursework | When?: 100% Year 13
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Course entry requirements: Grade 5 in English Language and English Literature.

In an increasingly media-saturated world, the study of film, in all its

forms, holds an integral place in our critical understanding of the

modern world. As citizens, we should analyse and evaluate the Classical Hollywood
impact of our greatest sources of entertainment and information Hollywood since the 1960s
as they affect our lives. Analysis of media arts is essential to a Contemporary indie film
healthy democracy given that we glean so much information from Silent film
visual media. This course will give you in-demand critical skills of New wave film
analysis and evaluation. Digital film

Documentary

World film

Ella Troup gained an A in our Media Studies Short film

course in 2012. In 2015, she graduated from Screenwriting

The University of Manchester with a BA Hons Film production

degree in Drama and Screen Studies. She then

graduated with a Masters degree in

Screenwriting and now works in the

screenwriting profession.

Exam Board: Eduqas | Assessment: 70% exam 30% coursework | When?: 100% Year 13

Course entry requirements: Grade 5 in English or Grade 5 in Science.

An understanding of food science and nutrition is relevant to many

industries and job roles such as nutritionists, care providers such

as hospitals, fitness instructors, hospitality and catering, product
development and promotion. This qualification has been designed Food preparation skills and
to provide the knowledge, understanding and skills to progress to techniques
Nutritional needs of specific
further study or training or be used to provide experience for
groups
employment. This qualification has been approved for UCAS
Food hygiene and safety
points equivalent to those gained from A levels.
Food science and experimentation

Issues in food science and

Michelle Garner studied Human Nutrition at nutrition

Chester University then went on to complete a Project based research,

PGCE at Northumbria University to become a development and presentation

teacher of Technology. She is the Curriculum

Leader for Food and Nutrition at Blacon High

School.

Exam Board: Eduqas | Assessment: 75% coursework 25% exam When?: 50% Year 12 50% Year 13
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Course entry requirements: Grade 6 in French.

We live in a multilingual global society and languages are Family and Relationships
undeniably all around us, whether at work, on holiday or just Education
casually in day-to-day life. This course is ideal for you if you wish World of work
to improve your communication skills, your understanding of Literature, Film and Music in the
grammar and to develop your linguistic ability making you more French-speaking World
employable as employers seek people with a language Migration and Integration
qualification. This course also aids appreciation of other cultures Cultural Diversity and Difference
and undoubtedly broadens horizons. Occupied France
The Vichy Regime
Olivia Gittins studied Law with French at the The French Resistance
University of Sheffield. She has now graduated,
having spent her third year in Geneva.

Exam Board: Edexcel | Assessment: 100% exam | When?: 100% Year 13

Course entry requirements: Grade 6 in Geography.

A Level geography covers both the physical and human

environments, and the complex interaction of processes that

shape our world. Studying Geography will allow you to Global systems and cycles
understand processes and landscapes that other people take for Hazards
granted. The broad nature of the course content means you will Coastal Landscapes
always find something that interests you, and the skills you learn Space and Place
in the process are widely applicable as you move onto further Globalisation and Trade
study. Human Rights

Disease

James Pascoe left Bishops’ to join the Fieldwork skills

prestigious school-leavers programme at Bank Investigative skills

of America Merrill Lynch and now works in the

Global Derivative Equity Settlements Team.

He reflects, “I recommend Geography to other

students as it teaches you a versatile set of academic

skills that can be transferred across subjects.”

Exam Board: OCR | Assessment: 80% exam 20% coursework | When?: 100% Year 13

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Course entry requirements: Grade 6 in German.

We live in a multilingual global society and languages are

undeniably all around us, whether at work, on holiday or just

casually in day-to-day life. This course is ideal for you if you wish The Environment
to improve your communication skills, your understanding of Education
grammar and to develop your linguistic ability making you more World of work
employable as employers seek people with a language Literature, Music and film in
qualification. This course also aids appreciation of other cultures German Media
and undoubtedly broadens horizons. Festivals and Traditions

Migration and Integration

The Reunification of Germany
Andrew Thornton achieved an A* in his German

A Level and is now studying at the University of

Durham.

Exam Board: Edexcel | Assessment: 100% exam | When?: 100% Year 13

Course entry requirements: Grade 5 in English and Science.

The Health and Social Care sector is the largest employer in this Human life span development
country. There are a wide range of further education courses Meeting individual care and
which lead on from this course as well as an extensive variety of support needs
job roles and opportunities in this sector. Coursework is flexible Working in Health and Social Care
and gives choice to the student on areas of the subject they are Psychological perspectives
most interested in.

Sophie Chadwick studied Health and Social
Care and gained an A grade. She added this to
A grades in Geography and Psychology and is
now studying Geography at Durham
University. Past students have also gone on to
study Primary Education, Social Care, Speech
Therapy and Nursing.

Exam Board: Eduqas | Assessment: 25% exam 75% coursework | When?: 50% Year 12 50% Year 13

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Course entry requirements: Grade 6 in History.

The study of History provides students with the ability to analyse Civil Rights in the USA
complex concepts and problems, to make judgements on cause African Americans
and consequence and to learn the skills of accurate and effective Trade Unions
communication. History is a challenging academic subject that Women
opens doors to many future career paths. As a facilitating subject, Native Americans
History is a desirable option for anyone considering studying at a Early Tudor England
Russell Group University. It is also useful for those who wish to Henry VII
pursue a career in Law, Journalism, management, accounting, Henry VIII
teaching and many other professional areas. Democracy & Dictatorship in
Germany
John Hatton is now a solicitor and works for The Role of Hitler
Capsticks in Birmingham. His specialises in Extended essay writing
employment law, litigation and healthcare. He
has previously spent time working for the NHS
and is a fully qualified barrister.

Exam Board: OCR | Assessment: 80% exam 20% coursework | When?: 100% Year 13

Course entry requirements: Distinction in ECDL or Grade 5 in English.

ICT provides a great foundation for studying ICT or a related area Information Technology systems
in Higher Education. It also provides students with a wealth of Creating systems to manage
skills and knowledge for direct entry into apprenticeships and information
employment. Former students have gone on to study a wide Using social media in business
range of subjects at university from Games Design and Computer Data modelling
Forensics to Journalism and Sports Business Management. Website development

Salwa Berkia achieved a Grade A in A Level ICT.
She is studying Computer Forensics & Security
at Liverpool University. She says, “It has
opened the door to many opportunities within
the computing world for me already. I have
already had the opportunity to meet with well
known Forensic and Security companies.”

Exam Board: Pearson | Assessment: 50% external 50% internal When?: 50% Year 12 50% Year 13

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Course entry requirements: Grade 7 in GCSE Maths.

Mathematics involves specific focus on the core elements of

Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and calculus combined with

application to statistical and mechanical problems. Studying Lots of Algebra
Mathematics helps us to find structure in our lives, helps us to put Coordinate Geometry
a price on things, create graphics, build websites, design Sequences and Series
skyscrapers and generally understand how things work. You will Trigonometry
also learn to create models to analyse and solve complex Calculus
problems, process, interpret and evaluate data and construct Numerical Methods
mathematical arguments and proof. Vectors

Sampling, presentation and

Kayleigh Brown studied Biology, Chemistry and interpretation of data.
Mathematics at A level. Kayleigh went on to Statistical Distributions
study Pharmacy (MPharm Hons) at University Probability
of Central Lancashire where she graduated and Hypothesis testing
she is now working as a hospital pharmacist in Kinematics
Forces and Newton’s Laws
Salford Royal hospital.

Exam Board: AQA | Assessment: 100% exam | When?: 100% Year 13

Course entry requirements: Grade 7 in GCSE Maths.
Students must also study Maths A Level.

Further Maths is excellent preparation for any degree course with Mathematical Modelling
a mathematical bias such as Natural Sciences, Engineering or Advanced Algebra
Finance and Accountancy. It is highly recommended if you are Matrices
thinking of a Maths Degree or applying to a prestigious university. Advanced Calculus
Further Maths allows you to study all three applied maths Advanced Trigonometry
modules - Statistics, Mechanics and Decision. The Decision Maths Hyperbolic Functions
modules introduce many of the algorithms used as the basis of Complex Numbers
computer coding for a wide variety of real life applications. Polar Coordinates
Differential equations
Sian French graduated from The University of
the West of England, Bristol in Physiotherapy.
Sian started off as a junior physiotherapist in
the NHS, and is now a specialist
physiotherapist in the NHS and at a local
private practice.

Exam Board: AQA | Assessment: 100% exam | When?: 100% Year 13
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Course entry requirements: Grade 5 in GCSE Maths.

Core Maths aims to prepare students for higher education and
work involving a distinct mathematical element, but where A-level
Maths is not a requirement. The course will appeal to students Analysis of data
who still want to have a higher maths qualification. This will be Maths for personal finance
assessed at the end of Year 12. The course appeals to those who Estimation
want to develop and apply their knowledge and understanding of Critical analysis of given data and
the purposes of accounting and accounting problems. In Year 13 models (including spreadsheets
you will study for a Level 3 qualification in Accountancy, and will and tabular data)
be awarded UCAS points equivalent to the new AS level structure. The normal distribution

Probabilities and estimation
Correlation and regression
Michael Hodson, currently studying the course,
said that, “It is useful because it is relevant to the
real world. It will help towards getting an
apprenticeship or university course.”

Exam Board: AQA | Assessment: 100% exam | When?: Core Year 12; Accounting Year 13

Course entry requirements: It is desirable that you have studied GCSE and
attained a Grade 6, but not essential. Performance standard of at least Grade 4
accredited by ABRSM or Trinity.

Music is a worthwhile, satisfying course which broadens Performance techniques
experience as a performer, as an informed member of an Composition techniques
audience and a composer. It also develops imagination, fosters Areas of study:
creativity and promotes personal and social development. This Western Classical Tradition
course can also be tailored to meet the demands of our learners. One from Rock & Pop

Musical Theatre

Jazz

Callum went on to study BA Music at the One from Into 20th Century
Into 21st Century
University of Leeds. Over his first two years he

studied Music History, Theory, Technology and

Composition. He’s enjoying enhancing his

knowledge being exposed to new styles of

music, e.g. Musique Concrete, and new studies

in the field of music e.g. Music Programming.

Exam Board: Eduqas | Assessment: 60% coursework 40% exam | When?: 100% Year 13

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Course entry requirements: Grade 6 in English.

Philosophy asks and explores the most important questions Epistemology
there are. It studies the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality Direct/Indirect realism
and existence and draws students into dialogue with the most Idealism
searching, creative and influential thinkers of the last three Empiricism
millennia. Philosophy develops skills in reasoning, argument and Metaphysics of God
analysis. Students learn how to debate logically and express Arguments for God
themselves fluently. Studying Philosophy demands rigour and Moral Philosophy
imagination, and encourages deep, clear and independent Utilitarianism
thinking in order to create razor-sharp, informed arguments. Virtue ethics
Metaphysics of Mind
Jess Colston is currently at St John’s College, Philosophical zombies
Oxford, studying Politics, Philosophy and Dualism/materialism
Economics. She has chosen the
modules ‘Development Economics’ and ‘The
Politics of Sub-Saharan Africa’ alongside her
core courses.

Exam Board: AQA | Assessment: 100% exam | When?: 100% Year 13

Course entry requirements: Grade 6 in PE. Good level of attainment in Biology
and English will help greatly.

Since the UK hosted events such as the 2012 London Olympic and

Paralympic Games and the 2015 Rugby World Cup, there has been
significant growth in employment areas such as coaching, fitness Anatomy and Physiology including
and event management. Sport now accounts for 2.3% of the UK Skeletal, Muscular, Respiratory,
Energy and Cardiovascular System
workforce. This course could lead to careers such as teaching,
Fitness Training and Programming
coaching, physiotherapy and sports nutrition.
for Health

Sport and Wellbeing

Professional Development in the

Chloe studied Sport & Physical Education Sports Industry
when it was an A level. She went on to study Sports Psychology, including
Physical Education at Chester University and Personality, Motivation, Arousal,
has just been successful in applying for a Attentional Focus, Leadership,
School Direct training year at The Bishops’ Group Dynamics and Self-
High School to become a qualified PE teacher. Confidence

Exam Board: Edexcel | Assessment: 50% exam 50% coursework | When?: 50% Year 12 50% Year 13
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Course entry requirements: Grade 6 in two GCSE sciences. Grade 6 in Maths.

Physics is a key part of science and technology, and is used to solve

many problems ranging from health, environmental concerns and

technological advances. Students gain valuable analytical skills Measurements and their errors

which are transferable to a wide range of other subjects or
careers. A real passion for Mathematics is rewarded when studying Particles and radiation
Physics, as it is literally ‘the language of the subject’. There will be Waves
numerous opportunities to challenge yourself, and your thinking, Mechanics and materials
Electricity
during this exciting course.
Further mechanics and thermal

physics

Fields and their consequences

Michael Harrop is currently training with Nuclear physics

EasyJet as an airline pilot. Astrophysics

He previously worked in the school’s Physics

department and has found his experiences

during Sixth Form prepared him for his career.

Exam Board: AQA | Assessment: 100% exam | When?: 100% Year 13

Course entry requirements: Grade 6 in Resistant Materials.

Product Design allows you to put theory into practice by designing Materials & Components
and making prototypes that solve real world problems. It also Processes
develops intellectual curiosity about the design and manufacture Design Classics
of products and systems, and their impact on daily life within this Ergonomics
modern world. Anthropometrics
Students will develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding Material Testing & Problem Solving
of materials, components and processes, including how a product Fabrication
can be developed through the stages of prototyping, realisation Computer Control
and commercial manufacture. Manufacturing Processes
Market Influences
Robin Miller-Stott gained an A grade. He Product Life Cycles
worked for the Policy Development Team at Manufacturing Systems
High Speed Two (HS2) and is now a Senior
Strategy Officer for Transport for the North.

Exam Board: Edexcel | Assessment: 50% exam 50% coursework | When?: 100% Year 13
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Course entry requirements: Grade 6 in Science and Grade 6 in English.

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and

behaviour and you will learn to appreciate that there are often

multiple explanations for why people behave the way they do. Social Influence
Psychology appeals to a cross-section of students, regardless of Memory
whether they have studied the subject before. It builds on skills Attachment
developed in the sciences and humanities. Students have the Psychopathology
opportunity to learn how to analyse arguments and evidence, test Approaches in Psychology
hypotheses and make informed judgements. Biopsychology

Research Methods

Hayley Bee left Bishops’ with an A* in Issues and Debates
Psychology and is in her third year at Cognition and Development
Loughborough University. She says of Schizophrenia
Psychology, “Through the study of psychology Aggression

we can understand why people behave in

certain ways and it allows us the opportunity

to change, help and mould the future.”

Exam Board: AQA | Assessment: 100% exam | When?: 100% Year 13

Course entry requirements: Grade 6 in Drama and/or Grade 6 in English
Language.

Students will study in an academic setting. They will interrogate

this art form, applying their knowledge and understanding to the
process of creating and developing drama and theatre, as well as The craft of making, performing
in their own performance work. Students will explore a number of and interpreting
different plays and styles of theatre as well as devise an original Approaches to theatre
piece of theatre. The creative and reflective nature of the course 20th century theatre practices
allows students to develop skills to take into various professions Creating theatre
such as acting, design, media, creative writing and social work. Published works

Theatre-making skills

Darcy Gresley left Bishops’ with a B in Theatre Safe working practices
Studies and is studying Theatre on the South Skills of evaluation and analysis
Bank in London. She was part of our National The history of theatre
Theatre Connections project which was chosen Theatre practitioners

out of 450 schools and Youth Theatres to

perform at the National Theatre in London.

Exam Board: OCR | Assessment: 60% coursework 40% exam | When?: 100% Year 13
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@Bishops6thForm
Vaughans Lane, Great Boughton, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 5XF

01244 313806
www.bishopschester.co.uk
Head of Sixth Form: [email protected]

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