Subjects

Awarding body: OCR

Specification number: H600

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE grades 9-5 with a grade 6 or above in GCSE Art and Design.  Students must also have a genuine interest in visual arts and other cultures, enthusiasm, determination, initiative and an ability to work independently.

Students who have a GCSE grade 5 or above in Design and Technology will have an additional advantage.

Course content:
Students are required to complete two units of coursework over the two-year period. Students are taught to understand the fundamentals of Art: developing concepts, planning formats, compositions, exploring techniques, experimenting with media and realising intentions.

Unit 1: (60% of A-Level), students develop work based on an idea, issue, concept or theme leading to a finished outcome. Practical elements will make connections with some aspect of contemporary or past practice of artist(s), designer(s), photographers or craftspeople and include written work of no less than 1000 and no more than 3000 words which support the practical work.

Unit 2: (40% of A-Level) students respond to a stimulus, provided by OCR, to produce work which provides evidence of their ability to work independently within specified time constraints, developing a personal and meaningful response which addresses all the assessment objectives and leads to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes which will be created in a 15 hour exam.

Assessment:
Regular assessment is provided in both written and verbal form through teacher, self and peer feedback which informs progress and ensures that pupils know how to achieve the highest standard. The entire A-Level course consists of two units, unit 1 being 60% and unit 2 being 40% of the final assessment. Each unit requires the submission of a sketchbook and A1 portfolio which will contain evidence of primary research and analysis, exploration of media, sustained idea development and visual and written annotation.  During the completion of unit 1, students are expected to provide a 1000-3000 word written response.  At the end of unit 2, students create a final response during a 15 hour examination period. 

The work is internally marked and externally moderated.

• Unit 1: ‘Personal Investigation’ = 60% of A-Level
• Unit 2: ‘Externally Set Assignment’ + 15 hour exam = 40% of A-Level

Why Art at Samuel Ryder Academy? 
The Art department at Samuel Ryder Academy is well equipped with three large art studios, two full-time specialist teachers and a dedicated art technician and an impressive central atrium area for showcasing student work all year round. We annually run our end-of-year GCSE/A-Level Art Exhibition.

Expectations of students:
Students are expected to work continuously and independently on their artwork, at home and in the classroom, during free periods, lunchtimes and after school.  A minimum of 3 hours independent study is expected per week. Students should also independently visit galleries, museums and exhibitions to stay up to date with critical studies. Access libraries, television programmes and current affairs to develop a general understanding of art related issues.

Career paths:
Graphic design, web design, animation, architecture, interior design, museum/gallery work, product design, teaching, art therapy, game design. 

Awarding body: Edexcel

Specification number: 9BI0

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE Grades including Mathematics and English. In addition, it is essential that students achieve a grade 6 or higher in Combined Science or Biology GCSE. They should also have achieved a grade 6 or higher in Maths at GCSE and have a good positive attitude to study Biology. 

Course content:

1. Biological Molecules
2. Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of living things
3. Classification and Biodiversity
4. Exchange and Transport
5. Energy for Biological Processes
6. Microbiology and Pathogens
7. Modern Genetics
8. Origins of Genetic Variation

Assessment:
The assessment comprises of 3 exams and a practical endorsement pass or fail.

1. Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics: 1 hr 45 min paper making up 30% of the grade
2. Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology: 1 hr 45 min paper making up 30% of the grade
3. General and Practical Principles in Biology: 2 hr 30 min paper making up 40% of the grade

All exams will be sat at the end of Year 13 as we will be following the full A-Level route in Science.

Why Biology at Samuel Ryder Academy? 
The Edexcel A-Level Biology course is designed to encourage candidates to further develop enthusiasm for Biology improving their depth of understanding of many concepts learnt at GCSE.  There will be opportunities to advance practical skills and also learn new ones, all backed up with scientific understanding and application.  Students will appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society. Biology at A-Level will help them develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Works. 

The subject is taught by two specialist Biology teachers who are deeply enthusiastic about the course. Due to the change in curriculum the school has also bought in new equipment that will aid in the development of practical skills to fully support everyone passing the practical competency. 

Expectations of students:
Students wanting to follow this course should enjoy science in general and be interested in developing an understanding of how science works around us.  Students are expected to be punctual to lessons and engaged at all times.  They will need to increase the number of hours spent at home embedding concepts taught in lesson. Students need to have the realisation that the course consists of many fundamental abstract concepts that need to be covered before going onto the more specific biological processes.  Enthusiasm for learning and an enquiring mind will help students make a success of their A-Level Biology studies.
 
Career paths:
Biology is an important qualification for entry into careers with a life sciences background. A-Level Biology may be the start of a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, environmental science, research, pharmacology, genetics, marine biology, botany, sports science, physiotherapy and many more

This course is equivalent to two A-Levels.

Awarding body: Pearson

Specification number: 601/7157/1 5

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE grades (9-5 grades including English language).

Course content:
The course consists of 8 units.  6 units are mandatory and 3 units are external.

Course modules:

1. Exploring business 
2. Developing a marketing campaign 
3. Personal and business finance 
4. Managing an event 
5. International business 
6. Principles of management 
7. Business decision making

Assessment:
8 units of which 6 are mandatory and 3 are external. Mandatory content (83%) External assessment (45%).

Why Business Studies at Samuel Ryder? 
Studying Business Studies at Samuel Ryder will provide you with the support to fully develop your knowledge and expertise in the subject. Students will have access to fantastic IT facilities - which along with a dedicated teaching team - will give you the opportunity to reach your potential.
 
Expectations of students:
Students will need to be organised; be able to work independently to meet deadlines; work collaboratively and be able to problem solve.  Also, they will need to complete research tasks and homework on a regular basis in order to build up knowledge and confidence in business.

Career paths:

• Students can progress from this qualification to higher education courses such as business management, business administration, accountancy and finance, human resource management, marketing, retail management, tourism management and international business 
• A wide range of careers ranging from banking, sales, product management and general management to working in public sector organisations or charities
   

Awarding body: Edexcel

Specification number:  9BS0

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE grade 9-5 including Mathematics and English.

Course content:

 Theme 1: Marketing and People 

• Customer needs
• The market
• Marketing mix and strategy
• Managing people
• Entrepreneurs and leaders

Theme 2: Managing Business Activities 

• Raising finance
• Financial planning
• Managing finance
• Resource management
• External influences

Theme 3: Business Decisions and Strategy

• Business objectives and strategy
• Business growth
• Decision-making techniques
• Influences on business decisions
• Assessing competitiveness
• Managing change

Theme 4: Global Business

• Globalisation
• Global markets and business expansion
• Global marketing
• Global industries and companies (multinational corporations)

Assessment:
Paper 1: Marketing, people and global businesses themes 1 and 4 (35%)
Paper 2: Business activities, decisions and strategy themes 2 & 3 (35%)
Paper 3: Investigating business in a competitive environment, all themes (30%)

Why Business Studies at Samuel Ryder? 
Studying Business Studies at Samuel Ryder will provide you with the support to fully develop your knowledge and expertise in the subject. Students will have access to fantastic IT facilities - which along with a dedicated teaching team - will give you the opportunity to reach your potential.
 
Expectations of students:
Students will need to be organised; be able to work independently to meet deadlines; work collaboratively and be able to problem solve.  Also, they will need to complete research tasks and homework on a regular basis in order to build up knowledge and confidence in business.

Career paths:

• Students can progress from this qualification to higher education courses such as business management, business administration, accountancy and finance, human resource management, marketing, retail management, tourism management and international business 
• A wide range of careers ranging from banking, sales, product management and general management to working in public sector organisations or charities
   

Awarding body: Edexcel

Specification number: 9CH0

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE Grades 9–5 including Mathematics and English.  It is essential that students achieve a grade 6 or higher in Combined Science or Chemistry GCSE. They should also have achieved a grade 6 or higher in Maths at GCSE and have a good positive attitude to study Chemistry. 

Course content:
Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table, Bonding and Structure, Redox, Inorganic Chemistry and the Periodic Table, Formulae, Equations and Amounts of Substance, Organic Chemistry, Modern Analytical Techniques, Energetics, Kinetics, Equilibrium, Transition Metals.

Assessment:
The assessment comprises of 3 exams and a practical endorsement pass or fail.

1. Advanced Inorganic and Physical Chemistry: 1 hr 45 mins paper making up 30% of the grade
2. Advanced Organic and Physical Chemistry: 1 hr 45 mins paper making up 30% of the grade
3. General and Practical Principles in Chemistry: 2 hr 30 mins exam making up 40% of the grade

All exams will be sat at the end of Year 13 as we will be following the full A-Level route in Science.

Why Science at Samuel Ryder Academy? 
The Edexcel A-Level Chemistry course is designed to encourage candidates to develop an enthusiasm for Chemistry, whilst learning and improving practical skills which can be backed up with scientific understanding and application.

Chemistry is the study of materials, their reactions and the laws that govern them. This course has been developed for students who wish to continue with a study of chemistry after GCSE. This A-Level will prepare students to progress into further education, to follow courses in chemistry, one of the other sciences or related subjects, or to enter employment where a knowledge of chemistry would be useful. Chemistry is essential for studying medicine and veterinary science as well as chemistry courses. It is highly recommended for biological sciences.

The subject is taught by two specialist chemistry teachers who are deeply enthusiastic about the course. Due to the change in curriculum the school has also bought in new equipment that will aid in the development of practical skills which should have a positive impact on the number of students passing the practical competency. 

Expectations of students:
Students wanting to follow this course should enjoy science in general and be interested in developing an understanding of how science works around us.  Students are expected to be punctual to lessons and engaged at all times.  They are also expected to increase the number of hours spent at home embedding concepts taught in lesson. Students also need to have the realisation that the course consists of many fundamental abstract concepts that need to be covered before going onto the more specific chemical detail.

Career paths:
This qualification will be respected by all employers and is directly relevant to many jobs in industry and medicine.  Chemistry A-Level provides useful background knowledge for all science degrees but is essential if students wish to study chemistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, chemical engineering, biochemistry and other similar courses.

Awarding body: OCR

Specification number:  H446 

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE grades 9-5 including and English plus a minimum of grade 6 in GCSE Computer Science and mathematics.

Course content: 
Paper 1

• The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices
• Software and software development
• Exchanging data
• Data types, data structures and algorithms
• Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues

Paper 2 

• Elements of computational thinking
• Problem solving and programming
• Algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms

Programming Project
The student will choose a computing problem to work through according to the guidance in the specification.

• Analysis of the problem
• Design of the solution
• Developing the solution
• Evaluation

Assessment:

Exam 1 computer systems	2hr 30mins written paper 40%	140 marks
Exam 2 Algorithms and Programming	2 hr 30 mins written paper 40%	140 marks
Programming Project		20%

 

Why Computer Science at Samuel Ryder Academy? 
Studying Computer Science at Samuel Ryder Academy will provide students with the support to fully develop their knowledge and expertise in the subject. Students will have access to fantastic IT facilities - which along with a dedicated teaching team - will give them the opportunity to reach their potential.

Expectations of students:
Students will need to be organised; be able to work independently to meet deadlines; work collaboratively and be able to problem solve.  Also, they will need to complete research tasks and homework on a regular basis in order to build up knowledge and confidence in computing.

Career paths:
This qualification provides an opportunity to progress to higher education to study a degree in a computing discipline or a degree where computing-related skills and knowledge may be advantageous, such as business studies.  Potential jobs include: 

• Computer programmer
• Mobile app developer 
• Software developer
• Cyber-security analyst 
• Game developer
• Computer hardware engineer 
• Website developer
• Computer system architect 

Studying core mathematics helps to develop strong quantitative and problem-solving skills, and improves confidence with mathematical content of other level 3 courses.

A broad range of A level and vocational courses require the maths skills that Core Maths helps to develop, including:

• Biology, Chemistry
• Business and Economics
• Geography
• Product Design
• Psychology
• Sociology
• PE

This course is equivalent to three A-Levels.

Awarding body: Edexcel

Specification number: 601/7469/9

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE grades 9-5 including a 5 in English Language
If Drama not taken at GCSE; GCSE English Language or English Literature, grade 6 or above.

Course content: 
The course consists of 13 units of which 7 are mandatory and 4 are external. Mandatory content (66%). External assessment (41%).

Compulsory modules:

• Media Representations
• Specialist Subject Investigation 
• Working in the Creative Media Industry
• Media Campaigns 
• Digital Media Skills
• Responding to a Commission
• Pre-Production Portfolio     

Optional modules:
There is a broad choice of optional modules to choose, for example; storyboarding for digital media, film production (fiction), digital magazine production, advert production, website production. Modules are chosen based on teacher expertise, facilities and the interest of the students. 

From these students will gain knowledge of the creative media sector, its professional practises and gain an understanding that media is diverse and impacts on local, national and global organisations. They will gain knowledge of job roles and employment opportunities in the media sector and become multi-skilled through training and professional development. Students will also learn how to make magazines look professional; learn about how meaning is made in film and TV.

Assessment: 
There are 7 mandatory units and 4 externally moderated modules which cover a wide spectrum of the media whilst at the same time allowing for the pursuit of personal interests. 

Why Creative Media Production BTEC at Samuel Ryder Academy? 
Samuel Ryder Academy has a Media Suite with industry standard equipment, including a film studio.   Creative Media Production BTEC is a very well-established subject at the Academy. Our results have been consistently high and we achieve highly compared to the national average which reflects the excellence of the teachers involved. Several of our student’s work has been retained by the exam board as exemplars for training examiners.

Expectations of students:  
This course is demanding in terms of:

• Research 
• Planning and organisation 
• Intellectual and practical skills 
• Independent thinking 
• Homework: encompasses a range of tasks including practical work such as filming and taking photographs. Research and planning may include visiting venues and reconnoitring. Essay writing and note making is also expected

Career paths:
The media is one of the fastest growing areas of the economy and Media Studies combines well with a number of other courses at universities.  As well as subject specific skills, students may also develop leadership skills, organisational skills, cooperative working practices, vision and innovation, taking concept to product and ICT skills.

Awarding body: AQA

Specification number: 7237

Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs at grade 9-5, including GCSE Dance (grade 6 or above) or BTEC Dance (Merit or above).

Course content: 
A-Level dance is an exciting and diverse course, accessible for all. It encourages students to develop their creative and intellectual capacity, alongside transferable skills such as team working, communication and problem solving. 
This course reflects both historical and current dance practices, making it more relevant, and inspires a lifelong passion and appreciation of dance. 

Students will be able to study a range of dance styles, and perform and choreograph in a style of their choice, providing it meets the assessment criteria. 

Assessment:    
Component 1: Performance and Choreography.  Practical exam 50% 

• Solo performance linked to a specified practitioner within an area of study
• Performance in a quartet
• Group choreography 

Component 2: Critical Engagement.  Written exam 50%

• Knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of two set works
• One compulsory set work within the compulsory area of study
• One optional set work within the corresponding area of study, from a choice of four

Why Dance A-Level at Samuel Ryder Academy? 
With its own purpose-built dance studio with a sprung floor and mirrors, Dance at Samuel Ryder Academy offers high quality teaching from an experienced teacher ensuring the students are challenged and reach their full potential. Students will have the opportunity to work with visiting professional dance artists and attend workshops with outside agencies to aid their knowledge and understanding of dance, along with trips to theatre to watch and engage with dance works. 

Expectations of students:
Students should be passionate about dance and embrace the course wholeheartedly. They should attend dance classes outside of school and have a keen interest in historical and current dance practice. They should be able to apply themselves fully to any style studied and embrace any task given. 

Career paths:
A-Level Dance is a perfect foundation to anyone wanting to pursue dance as a career through further study at diploma or degree level, or for any course requiring good communication and group work skills. Career paths include professional dancer, teacher, dance photographer, costume designer, lighting and stage manager, Pilates instructor, youth worker, and many more.

Awarding body: WJEC

Specification number: 1603QS 

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE grades 9-5 including a minimum of grade 6 at GCSE Product Design.

Course content:
Students design, make and apply technical and practical expertise, showing innovation and enterprise whilst considering their role as responsible designers and citizens. They develop intellectual curiosity about the design and manufacture of products and systems, and their impact on daily life and the wider world. Students work collaboratively to develop and refine their ideas, responding to feedback. They will gain an insight into the creative, engineering and/or manufacturing industries and develop the capacity to think creatively, innovatively and critically through focused research and the exploration of design opportunities arising from the needs, wants and values of users and clients.

In addition, students will develop knowledge and experience of real-world contexts for design and technological activity, an in-depth knowledge and understanding of materials, components and processes associated with the creation of products that can be tested and evaluated in use. This will enable them to make informed design decisions through an in-depth understanding of the management and development of taking a design through to a prototype/product. They will be required to develop a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas, including mathematics and science, to inform decisions in design and the application or development of technology. In addition, be able to work safely and skilfully to produce high-quality prototypes, have a critical understanding of the wider influences on design and technology, including cultural, economic, environmental, historical and social factors.

Assessment:

Year 12
Unit 1: Written paper 1         
Written examination: 2 hours  20% of qualification  80 marks 
The examination includes a mix of structured and extended writing questions assessing student's knowledge and understanding of: 

• Technical principles 
• Designing and making principles along with their ability to:
  • Analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology. 

Unit 2: Design and make task     
Non-exam assessment: approximately 40 hours  20% of qualification  80 marks 
A design and make task, based on a brief developed by the student, assessing the student’s ability to: 

• Identify, investigate and outline design possibilities 
• Design and make prototypes 
  • Analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology. 

The design and make task will be based within the same endorsed area as the written examination.

Year 13
Unit 3: Written paper 2 
Written examination: 2 hr 30 mins  30% of qualification  100 marks 
Students take a single examination in one of the following endorsed areas.  The examination includes a mix of structured and extended writing questions assessing students' knowledge and understanding of: 

• Technical principles 
• Designing and making principles along with their ability to: 
  • Analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology

Unit 4: Design and make project 
Non-exam assessment: approximately 60 hours  30% of qualification  100 marks
A sustained design and make project, based on a brief developed by the candidate, assessing the student’s ability to: 

• Identify, investigate and outline design possibilities 
• Design and make prototypes 
• Analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology

The design and make project will be based within the same endorsed area as the written examination.

Expectations of students:
To complete the content students will be required to work outside of the lesson time.  Students will need to be keen to promote their designing skills, but also be prepared to study more of the knowledge side of the subject for the exams.

Career paths:
Popular careers to name a few for people with design and technology qualifications include: fashion designer, tailor, product designer, architect, software engineer, civil engineer, carpenter and furniture designer.

How to apply:
Speak to Mr Roe about the course and content and show potential student’s prior Design and Technology work.

Awarding body:  Edexcel (Pearson)

Specification number: 9DR0

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE grades 9-5 and grade 6 in GCSE Drama.

Qualification aims and objectives:

• Develop and apply an informed, analytical framework for making, performing, interpreting and understanding drama and theatre
• Understand the place of relevant theoretical research in informing the processes and practices involved in creating theatre and the place of practical exploration in informing
• Theoretical knowledge of drama and theatre
• Develop an understanding and appreciation of how the social, cultural and historical contexts of performance texts have influenced the development of drama and theatre
• Understand the practices used in 21st-century theatre making
• Experience a range of opportunities to create theatre, both published text-based and devised work
• Participate as a theatre maker and as an audience member in live theatre
• Understand and experience the collaborative relationship between various roles within the theatre
• Develop and demonstrate a range of theatre-making skills
• Develop the creativity and independence to become effective theatre makers
• Adopt safe working practices as a theatre maker
• Analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others

Core skills:

• The ability to recognise and understand the interrelationship between performer, designer and director
• The understanding that texts and extracts studied may represent a range of social, historical and cultural contexts
• The ability to analyse and evaluate their work and the work of others
• The ability to understand how performance texts can be interpreted and performed

Performer and designer routes:
Students may complete Component 1 and Component 2 as a performer or designer or combine these roles.

Course content:

Component 1: 

• Devise an original performance piece
• Use one key extract from a performance text and a theatre practitioner as stimuli
• Centre choice of text and practitioner
• Performer or designer routes available

Component 2: 

• A group performance/design realisation of one key extract from a performance text
• A monologue or duologue performance/design realisation from one key extract from a different performance text
• Centre choice of performance texts

Component 3: 

• Live theatre evaluation – choice of performance
• Practical exploration and study of a complete performance text – focusing on how this can be realised for performance
• Practical exploration and interpretation of another complete performance text, in light of a chosen theatre practitioner – focusing on how this text could be reimagined for a contemporary audience
• Centre choice of 15 performance texts from two lists 
• Choice of eight practitioners

Assessment:
Component 1: Devising (Component Code: 9DR0/01)
Non-examination assessment  40% of the qualification  80 marks

• Internally assessed and externally moderated
• There are two parts to the assessment:

1. A portfolio (60 marks). The portfolio submission recommendations are:
   • Can be handwritten/typed evidence between 2500–3000 words or recorded/verbal evidence between 12–14 minutes or
   • Can be a combination of handwritten/typed evidence (between 1250–1500 words) and recorded/verbal evidence (between 6–7 minutes)
   • The devised performance/design realisation (20 marks)

Component 2: Text in Performance (Component Code: 9DR0/02)
Non-examination assessment  20% of the qualification  60 marks

• AO2 is assessed
• Externally assessed by a visiting examiner
• Group performance/design realisation: worth 36 marks
• Monologue or duologue/design realisation: worth 24 marks

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice (Paper Code: 9DR0/03)
Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes  40% of the qualification  80 marks
Section A: Live Theatre Evaluation (20 marks)

• Students answer one extended response question from a choice of two requiring them to analyse and evaluate a live theatre performance they have seen in light of a given statement
• Students are allowed to bring in theatre evaluation notes of up to a maximum of 500 words

Section B: Page to Stage: Realising a Performance Text (36 marks)

• Students answer two extended response questions based on an unseen extract from the performance text they have studied
• Students will demonstrate how they, as theatre makers, intend to realise the extract in performance
• Students answer from the perspective of a performer and a designer
• Performance texts for this section are not allowed in the examination as the extracts will be provided

Section C: Interpreting a Performance Text (24 marks)

• Students will answer one extended response question from a choice of two based on an unseen named section from their chosen performance text
• Students will demonstrate how their re-imagined production concept will communicate ideas to a contemporary audience
• Students will also need to outline how the work of their chosen theatre practitioner has influenced their overall production concept and demonstrate an awareness of the performance text in its original performance conditions
• Students must take in clean copies of their performance texts for this section, but no other printed materials

Expectations of students:

• 6 in Drama GCSE
• Willing to ‘go the extra mile’ and attend rehearsals outside lesson time

Why Drama at Samuel Ryder Academy?
Drama at Samuel Ryder Academy is taught by two highly qualified A-Level Drama teachers who have extensive experience of examining both practical and written work. During the course, we will go on exciting and interesting cutting-edge theatre trips and will have the opportunity to attend professional workshops and master classes by contemporary practitioners. 

Career paths:
An A-Level in Drama provides students with confidence, public speaking skills and the ability to work in a team.  Previous students of A-Level Drama have gone on to become:

• Teachers
• Marketing managers
• Arts administrators
• Lecturers
• Performers
• Sales managers
• Recruitment consultants
• Broadcasters
• Theatre managers
• Office managers
• Journalists
• Cinematographer 
• Copy Writer
• Drama Therapist
• Theatre Designer
• Writer
• Lawyers
• Barrister
• Customer Service
• Disc Jockey
• Speech & Language Therapist
• Youth & Community Worker
   

Awarding body: AQA

Specification number:  601/4846/9

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE grades including Mathematics, a 6 in GCSE English Language and 5 in GCSE English Literature.
 
Course content:
At A-Level, students will explore the fundamental structures, genres, audiences and purposes of writing, speech and multimodal texts and how language functions in different contexts. The course gives them the ability to apply a range of language levels to a wide variety of texts from both the past and the present.  They will learn linguistic concepts and theories that underpin all language study. Students will also be required to use their knowledge and interest in language studies to carry out a linguistic investigation showing understanding and analysis of data collection and investigation methodologies. The A-Level course also continues to develop their own writing and requires them to create texts and to reflect critically on their own processes of production, while analysing the texts produced by others.

Assessment:
The A-Level course is assessed through two written examination papers and a coursework folder.

Paper 1: examination asks students to analyse and compare how two texts, linked by topic or theme, use language to create meanings and representations.  The texts will be very varied, written or spoken, and could include multimodal texts. Then, having studied how children develop their language and learn how to understand and express themselves, they will be asked to answer one question from a choice of two, with data provided, which will focus on written, spoken or multi-modal language.

Paper 2: examination draws on students’ study of language diversity and change over time.  They will study:

• The key concepts of audience, purpose, genre, mode
• Language in its wider social, geographical and temporal contexts
• The processes of language change
• Social attitudes and debates about language diversity and change.

Over the course of the two years, students will complete various timed essays and mock examinations in order for them to get a sense of what their final A-Level exam will be like and for them to be able to track their own progress and learn to perfect their written style. 

The title of the coursework unit is ‘Language in Action’ because it puts the emphasis on students becoming an active researcher, organising their time and deciding their direction.   This unit is designed to give students opportunities to show they can work independently, research, investigate and make judgements about what their investigation reveals alongside the opportunity to be creative and craft their language to meet the needs of a given audience, purpose and genre.

There are two types of work in the coursework folder:

• Language Investigation – 2,000 words excluding data
• Original Writing and commentary – 1,500 words in total

Why English Language at Samuel Ryder Academy? 
We have an outstanding track record in this subject and consistently ensure students achieve their full potential.  In addition to this, we have a highly trained team of excellent subject specialists. The teachers’ interest in this area is shown through their ability to link the components of the course with relevant modern examples in the media and beyond. 

Expectations of students:
All students must attend all lessons, hand in all work on time and show that they are engaged in lessons and making good progress. As this is a linear course studied over two years, students must show rigour with their note-taking and home-study, which will allow them to get excellent grades at the end of Year 13. 

Career paths:
Publishing, journalism, careers in media and advertising and teaching are to name but a few careers that English Language students go in to. This course is ultimately about the study of words so will therefore be applicable to a range of careers. 

Awarding body: AQA

Specification number: 7712/4.1

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE grades 9-5 and grade 6 in GCSE English Language and English Literature.

Course content:
This course enables students to study a range of literature following the theme of 'Love Through The Ages'. They will be studying Shakespeare's tragic Othello. As well as the more modern tragedy of A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams, which reveals the plight of a pitiful woman who loses her grip on reality when faced with the harsh consequences of life. Students will also study F. Scott Fitzgerald's twentieth century classic The Great Gatsby. We will also study more modern works, such as The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Attwood and a collection of poems by Carol Ann Duffy. In addition to this, students will study a range of unseen prose and poetry in accordance with the 'Love Through The Ages' theme. Students gain a chance to pursue their own interests through the completion of an independent critical study based on two novels of their choice.

Assessment:
This course has two exams: 

• Paper 1: Love Through the ages
• Paper 2: Texts in shared contexts

Students are also assessed through an independent critical study.  They will sit both exams at the end of Year 13. Over the course of the two years students will complete various timed essays and mocks in order for them to get a sense of what their final A-Level exam will be like and for them to be able to track their own progress and learn to perfect their written style. 

Why English Literature at Samuel Ryder Academy? 
Samuel Ryder Academy has a consistently good track record with A-Level results.  Over the last few years, 100% of the A2 cohort has gained an A-C grade.  In addition, the English staff have selected this course because of their personal interest in the authors and texts that it allows them to teach. 

Expectations of students:
All students must attend all lessons, hand in all work on time and show that they are engaged in lessons and making good progress.  Reading around the subject is vital to success.  As this is a linear course studied over two years, students must show rigour with their note-taking and home-study, which will allow them to get excellent grades at the end of Year 13. 

Career paths:
Publishing, journalism and teaching are to name but a few careers that English literature students go in to. However, this is an academic course that requires depth and breadth of study, thus all universities look favourably on students who have English Literature as one of their A-Levels. 

Awarding body: AQA

Specification number: 7652

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE grades 9-5 including a minimum of grade 6 at GCSE French

Course content:
French A-Level is an opportunity to develop students language skills while discovering Francophone culture and debating exciting and diverse topics such as politics, culture and social issues. In addition to aspects of French-speaking society, artistic culture, and politics, they will also study two cultural works during the course.  These could include modern or classic literature and/or a film.

Finally, in the second year, students will conduct individual research on a subject of personal interest, relating to France or the Francophonie.  During the speaking exam, they will give a two-minute presentation followed by 10 minutes of discussion of their research topic. The topic could be a political figure, a writer, an artist, a movement, an issue (e.g. animal rights) or a comparison between an aspect of French and British society (e.g. school system).

Assessment:

Unit 1 Listening, Reading and Writing	2hrs and 30 mins	40% of final grade
Unit 2 Writing (essays on cultural works)	2 hr	30% of final grade
Unit 3 Speaking	22 mins	30% of final grade

 

Why do French at Samuel Ryder Academy?
Studying a language at A-Level at Samuel Ryder Academy will not only support students in getting the skills to be able to converse in a foreign language, it will also broaden their horizons, their knowledge of foreign cultures and develop their critical thinking skills on a range of topics.

Holding a higher-level qualification in languages is an important asset in the employment market and will make students stand out in a society where not many people speak a second language.  They will have the opportunity to study exciting topics in a supportive and a friendly environment while being intellectually challenged through the use of authentic material and discussions of current affairs.

Expectations of students:
Independent study is a crucial element of the A-Level course.  Students will be expected to read independently - in both French and English - about the key themes and cultural works.  Their independent research project will account for a large part of their speaking exam, which represents 30% of their final grade.  In order to be successful, students will need to be passionate about French language and culture, and be prepared to complete a significant amount of home learning.

Career paths:
Having a language at A-Level is an excellent way to stand out when applying to top universities or searching for jobs in an increasingly competitive environment. Students with French A2 go on to study a wide variety of subjects.  As well as pure Language degrees, French can be combined with almost any subject at degree level and is a particularly popular option with subjects such as law, history and business. 
 

Awarding body: AQA

Specification number: 7037

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE grades 9-5 including a minimum of grade 6 at GCSE Geography; GCSE English or English Language grade 6.  If Geography not taken at GCSE; GCSE English or English Language grade 6, GCSE Mathematics grade 6.

Course content:
This specification for the discipline of Geography encourages students to gain enjoyment, satisfaction and a sense of achievement as they develop their knowledge and understanding of the subject.  This A-Level course will enable students to be inspired by their geographical understanding, to engage critically with real world issues and places, and to apply their geographical knowledge, theory and skills to the world around them. Students will grow as independent thinkers and as informed and engaged citizens, who understand the role and importance of geography as one of the key disciplines relevant to understanding the world’s changing peoples, places and environments.

The two-year course covers content in Physical and Human Geography. The Physical Geography covers a systems approach to examine concepts and processes developing knowledge of places and environments. In Human Geography, students learn about how the world has become increasingly connected through globalisation and the implications of this approach, develop a sense of place and the importance of resource security, amongst other things. The final aspect is a piece of Non-Examination Assessment which is similar to a piece of coursework. Students are required to independently investigate an issue of their choice, carry out fieldwork and research then ultimately evaluate the idea drawing on wider knowledge and understanding from across the course.

Fieldwork is compulsory and vital to the Geography A-Level. Students will participate in a 4-day compulsory residential to Dorset, and visit North London to see the regeneration at Kings Cross and Granary Square as well as gaining a sense of place in Camden. We are looking into organising an overseas enrichment trip too.

Assessment:
The course has 2 exams and 1 piece of coursework which is called the Non-Examination Assessment.

Exam: Paper 1: Physical Geography
Duration: 2h 30mins  40% of the qualification  120 marks
Topic overview

• Section A: Water and Carbon Cycle
• Section B: Coastal Systems and Landscapes
• Section C: Hazards

Exam: Paper 2: Human Geography 
Duration: 2h 30mins  40% of the qualification  120 marks
Topic overview

• Section A: Global Systems and Global Governance
• Section B: Changing Places
• Section C: Population and the Environment

Geographical fieldwork investigation 
Non-Examination Assessment  20% of the qualification  60 marks

Why Geography A-Level at Samuel Ryder Academy? 
Geography is a highly sort after subject. Here are just some of the reasons why students should study A-Level Geography at Samuel Ryder Academy.

• We have 2 large classes in our A-Level at Year 12 and Year 13. 
• We have a team of highly experienced specialist teachers with numerous years teaching this specification. 
• We are predicting excellent results from our current cohort and hope to obtain results which are better than the national average.
• We currently have students applying for Geography at university and many looking into post Sixth Form opportunities related to Geography.
• The subject allows you to develop your problem solving and critical thinking skills, and ability to analyse data thoroughly. These are all skills which all career pathways require in the current climate.
• A-Level Geography links to all other A-Level and BTEC subjects on offer at Samuel Ryder, whether it be knowledge and understanding or ability to use data on computer programmes or analysing resources effectively.
• Fieldwork opportunities are numerous in Geography A-Level. We also run a group called ‘Geog your Memory’ which helps to develop those skills which all will use post A-Level. 

Expectations of students:
All students must attend all lessons, hand in all work on time and show that they are engaged in lessons. This is a linear course studied over two years, students must show rigour with their note-taking and home-study, which will allow them to get excellent grades at the end of Year 13. Students need to develop their ability to be independent learners and able to read around the topics and subject in their own time. Students need to show evidence of making good progress.

Career paths:
Geography students and graduates are the most employable post study. All avenues of employment are open for Geography students. Many find work in business, finance and human resources and many journey into marketing, public relations and sales. More geographers are now venturing into education, engineering and building. Other sectors include town planners, architects, journalism and working with charities, to name a few. Due to the Geographer’s ability to problem solve and critically think, we are a highly sort after subject. 

‘Geography inspires pupils to become global citizens by exploring their own place in the world, their values and responsibilities to other people, to the environment and to the sustainability of the planet. There has never been a better or more important time to study geography. With growing interest in issues such as climate change, migration, environmental degradation and social cohesion, geography is one of the most relevant courses you could choose to study. Geographers are also highly employable. Whatever your passion for the world - fascination with landscapes or concerns about inequality - geography will provide you with knowledge and transferable skills that will reward you personally and advance you professionally.’
Dr Rita Gardner, Director of the Royal Geographical Society 1996-2018
 

Mathematics

Awarding body: Edexcel

Specification number: 9MA0
                                       
Entry requirements:  5 GCSE grades 9-5 including English. Mathematics grade 6 (minimum) but a grade 7 is strongly recommended. To study Further Mathematics a grade 8 is required.

Course content:
Pure Mathematics: Topic 1: Proof, Topic 2 – Algebra and functions, Topic 3 – Coordinate geometry in the (x, y) plane, Topic 4 – Sequences and series, Topic 5 – Trigonometry, Topic 6 – Exponentials and logarithms, Topic 7 – Differentiation, Topic 8 – Integration, Topic 9 – Numerical methods, Topic 10 – Vectors

Statistics and Mechanics
Section A: Statistics Topic 1 – Statistical sampling, Topic 2 – Data presentation and interpretation, Topic 3 – Probability, Topic 4 – Statistical distributions, Topic 5 – Statistical hypothesis testing 
Section B: Mechanics Topic 6 – Quantities and units in mechanics, Topic 7 – Kinematics, Topic 8 – Forces and Newton’s laws, Topic 9 – Moments

Assessment:
Each paper is 100 marks assessed over 2 hours weighted at 33.33% of the qualification 

• Paper 1 and Paper 2: all of the Pure content above is assessed. Students must answer all questions. Calculators can be used in the assessment.
• Paper 3: The assessment comprises two sections: Section A – Statistics and Section B – Mechanics. Students must answer all questions. Calculators can be used in the assessment.

Students are required to purchase an A-Level Mathematics appropriate calculator in order to access this course.

Further Mathematics

Awarding body: Edexcel

Specification number:   9FM0
                
Entry requirements:  A minimum of a grade 8 at GCSE Mathematics. Due to the challenging nature of the course, students will also be required to demonstrate a strong commitment to the course through engagement with enrichment and extra-curricular mathematics opportunities.

Course content:   

• Paper 1: Core Pure Mathematics: Proof, Complex numbers, Matrices, Further algebra and functions, Further calculus, Further vectors, Polar coordinates, Hyperbolic functions, Differential equations
• Paper 2: Core Pure Mathematics: Proof, Complex numbers, Matrices, Further algebra and functions, Further calculus, Further vectors, Polar coordinates, Hyperbolic functions, Differential equations
• Paper 3: Further Mathematics Options Students will choose one of the following 4 options:
  • 3A: Further Pure Mathematics 1
  • 3B: Further Statistics 1
  • 3C: Further Mechanics 1
  • 3D: Decision Mathematics 1
• Paper 4: Further Mathematics Options Students will choose one of the following 7 options:
  • 4A: Further Pure Mathematics 2
  • 4B: Further Statistics 1
  • 4C: Further Mechanics 1
  • 4D: Decision Mathematics 1
  • 4E: Further Statistics 2
  • 4F: Further Mechanics 2
  • 4G: Decision Mathematics 2

Assessment: 
Each paper is 75 marks assessed over 1 hr 30 mins weighted at 25% of the qualification.      

• Paper 1: Students must answer all questions. Calculators can be used in the assessment. Content from any part of the Pure mathematics specification may be included.
• Paper 2: Students must answer all questions. Calculators can be used in the assessment. Content from any part of the Pure mathematics specification may be included
• Paper 3: Students must answer all questions. Calculators can be used in the assessment.
• Paper 4: Students must answer all questions. Calculators can be used in the assessment.

Students are required to purchase an A-Level mathematics appropriate calculator in order to access this course.

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Why Mathematics and Further Mathematics at Samuel Ryder Academy?
At Samuel Ryder Academy, there are mathematics teachers with excellent subject knowledge and a real passion for their subject.  Students will be taught in small class sizes that allow them more time to seek guidance and support.  

A-Level mathematics tends to be an entry requirement for any university course in the fields of science, engineering and economics. Even if students are not planning to follow such a course, an A-Level in mathematics is very well regarded by universities and employers as the skills that are developed through studying the subject are highly valued and sought after.

Mathematical training disciplines the mind, develops logical and critical reasoning and develops analytical and problem-solving skills. The skills acquired by studying mathematics will also be of benefit to other A-Level subjects; the rigour and clarity of thought which is developed are skills much in demand amongst employers.

Expectations of students:
Mathematics is a challenging subject and for this reason, it should be noted that A-Level mathematics is a step up from the GCSE course.  Students are expected to keep up to date with all work, attend the weekly A-Level Maths Clinic to clear up any misconceptions they may have or clarify any areas of difficulty and they are expected to put in the hours at home.  The expectation is for students to independently invest approximately 10 hours each week revising, extending and assessing their knowledge.

Career paths:
An A-Level in mathematics will impress both prospective employers and university admission tutors. It shows students can think logically, accurately process information, and skilfully manipulate numbers.

Some degree-level subjects like physics and engineering require a Mathematics A-Level in order to undertake further study. Other subjects such as medicine and architecture don’t make it a necessity, but they still have a considerable amount of mathematical content. With an A-Level in mathematics, students will find the university courses significantly easier.

The modern world needs mathematicians. Mathematics and science are required for the continued development of our increasingly technological lives. The UK needs more mathematical skills for the financial, communication and transportation sectors.

Students might be close to finishing their secondary education, but there are thousands of 11-year-olds commencing their secondary-level education each year. They need someone to teach them mathematics, and it could be one of our students. After completing a mathematics degree, students can undertake a teacher-training scheme and with substantial government-backed financial incentives, mathematics teachers are generally well remunerated.

Nevertheless, it is not just mathematics teachers that earn more – a mathematics degree is a great investment, whichever career is chosen. Careers ranging from urban planning and architecture to air traffic control and stock market trading are all available to mathematicians. On average, a graduate of any degree can expect to earn around £129,000 more in their lifetime compared to a person leaving education with two A-Levels. For mathematics and computing university graduates this figure rises to over £220,000!

Employers look for hard-working, self-motivated, and intelligent people to join their staff. Obtaining a Mathematics A-Level shows that students have what it takes. They may not use algebra or probability in their job every day, but the transferable skills of analysis, logic, and problem solving will always come in handy.
 

Awarding body: Eduqas

Specification number: 7572

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE grades 9-5 including English Language at grade 6 and an interest in the media and the technologies that create the products. GCSE Media studies grade 6. If Media was not taken at GCSE English Language or Literature grade 6.

Course content: 
Media Studies is both an academic and a practical subject; students will be able to further develop their written skills to a high level. Students will view, evaluate and analyse a variety of media products, and develop practical skills spanning a range of media forms. Covering contemporary, diverse topics and varied and engaging content, they will develop research, problem-solving skills as well as creativity. In addition, they will refine their debating skills through the discussion of contemporary issues from a range of perspectives. Students will also extend their practical skills in their chosen medium, building their capacity for independent research, and gaining a deeper appreciation and understanding of the role media plays in day-to-day life. The skills gained on the course will enable them to progress to higher education and beyond.

Assessment:    

Component 1: 
Questions will focus on set texts provided by the exam board ranging from 1950’s advertising to contemporary film marketing. Students will be expected to utilise the theoretical frameworks of media as well as a number of named media theorists in their studies. 

Written exam: 
2 hr and 15 mins  90 marks  35% of A-Level Questions 

• Section A – Media Language and Representation
• Section B – Industries and Audience 
• Historical, economic, social and cultural contexts and their impact on production and consumption of the media
• Stepped questioning including a 30-mark extended writing answer  

Component 2: 
Questions will focus on the analysis of media products, through the lens of the theoretical framework. Students will be expected to refer to the Close Study Products (CSPs) provided by Eduqas. The 6 products will be drawn from the Online Media, television and magazine sectors. Students will be expected to study these texts in detail utilising all the theoretical frameworks. 

Written exam: 
2h and 30 mins  90 marks  35% of A-Level Questions 

• Section A – Television (30 marks)
• Section B – Online media (30 marks)
• Section C – Magazines (30 marks)
• All sections will feature two split mark questions or a 30 mark extended writing question. 

Non-exam assessment: 
No exam  60 marks  30% of A-Level. Assessed by teachers. Moderated by Eduqas

• Creating a media product 
• Application of knowledge and understanding of the theoretical framework
• Practical skills relating to the media format of their choice
• A choice of topics related to the over-arching (annually changing) theme, cross-media products made for an intended audience

Why Media at Samuel Ryder Academy? 
Media Studies is a very well-established subject at Samuel Ryder Academy and we offer a range of courses including A-Level, GCSE and Creative Media Production BTEC Extended Diploma.

Our examination results are consistently high, and we achieve highly compared to the national average which reflects the excellence of the teachers involved. Several of our student’s work has been retained by the exam board as exemplars for training examiners.

Through media studies, students can expect to develop both academic and practical subject knowledge. Whilst developing written skills to a high level, students will also develop some excellent computer skills and explore the potential of new technologies such as an iPhone. They will learn how to make magazines look professional; create a website, film and TV for a band or artiste they create. All of which will provide them with a number of exciting opportunities that will help equip them for life in a new media world. Past students have gained employment in the world of media, working for renowned institutions such as Madam Tussauds and The Guardian.

Expectations of students:
This course is demanding in terms of: independence, wider readings cultural and social awareness and written competency. 

Career paths:
The media is one of the fastest growing areas of the economy and Media Studies combines well with a number of other courses at universities.  In addition to subject specific skills, students may also develop leadership skills, organisational skills, cooperative working practices, vision and innovation, taking concept to product and ICT skills. 

Awarding body: AQA

Specification number: 7272

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE grades 9-5 including Mathematics and English. It is essential that students achieve a grade 5 or higher in GCSE Music and can perform to Grade V standard on an instrument/singing. 

Course content:
Component 1: Appraising music (40%)
Exam paper with listening and written questions using excerpts of music from 3 areas of study:
1.    Western classical tradition 1650–1910 
2.    Pop music 

And a choice of: 
3.    Music for media or
4.    Music for theatre 

Component 2: Performance (35%)
Solo and/or ensemble performing as an instrumentalist, or vocalist and/or music production (via technology)

Component 3: Composition (25%) 
2 composition pieces, one free choice and one to a brief

Assessment:
Component 1: Appraising music (40%)
Section A: Listening (56 marks) 
Section B: Analysis (34 marks) 
Section C: Essay (30 marks) 

Component 2: Performance (35%)
A ten minute performance on a student’s chosen instrument/singing is required. This component is 35% of A-Level marks (50 marks)

Component 3: Composition (25%) 
Composition 1: Composition to a brief (25 marks) 
Composition 2: Free composition (25 marks)
A minimum of four and a half minutes of music in total is required across the two pieces

Why Music at Samuel Ryder Academy? 

• A-Level Music will provide an accessible and creative education in Music with an integrated approach to the three main elements – performing, composing and appraising. 
• Students are encouraged to be creative and to broaden their musical horizons and understanding with Areas of Study that inspire and challenge. 
• This specification will enable students to explore performance and composition in greater detail. 
• Through the various genres, styles and eras contained in the Areas of Study they will explore musical context, musical language and performance and composition skills. 
• A-Level Music has options and pathways designed to appeal to, and cater for, a wide range of interests, instruments, personalities and directions.
• Samuel Ryder Academy has excellent facilities, including a number of practice rooms for individual use for performance work as well as iMac computers running the latest version of Logic to facilitate composition work.  
• Due to the fact that performance is an integral part of the A-Level course we offer free tuition on a chosen instrument/singing. 

Expectations of students:

• Students need to be open minded and have a keen interest in a range of musical styles.
• Students need to be organised and committed to be able to meet assignment deadlines and be prepared to spend a significant amount of time practising their instrument.   
• As a music student at Samuel Ryder Academy, students are expected to also take part in, and sometimes lead, extra-curricular ensembles. 

Skills and career paths 
Studying music offers students the opportunity to develop a huge number of skills and qualities which employers look for in many jobs and career pathways, including: 

• Communication
• Memory and concentration
• Teamwork
• The ability to perform under pressure 
• Self-discipline
• Critical thinking
• IT skills 
• Planning and organisation

Music can also offer a variety of career paths into the world of work, some of which could include:

• Private music teacher
• Music therapist
• Secondary school teacher
• Media production assistant
• Media programme researcher
• Arts administrator
• Editorial/marketing assistant  
   

Awarding body: OCR

Specification number: H573

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE grades 9-5 including a grade 6 in Religious Studies. 

Course content:
The course is split into three main components:

Philosophy of Religion:

• Ancient philosophical influences
• Arguments about the existence or nonexistence of God
• The nature and impact of religious experience
• The challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil
• The nature of the soul, mind and body
• Ideas about the nature of God
• Issues in religious language

Religion and Ethics:

• Normative ethical theories 
• The application of ethical theory to two contemporary issues of importance
• Ethical language and thought
• Debates surrounding the significant ideas of conscience
• Sexual ethics and the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs

Developments in Religious Thought:

• Religious beliefs, values and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world
• Sources of religious wisdom and authority
• Practices which shape and express religious identity, and how these vary within a tradition
• Significant social and historical developments in theology and religious thought
• Key themes related to the relationship between religion and society

Assessment:
There are three written exams at A-Level, with each paper taking 2 hours. Each paper is weighed at 33.3% of the total grade. The papers are: Philosophy of Religion, Religion and Ethics, and Developments in Religious Thought. Each paper totals 120 marks and students will answer three questions from a choice of five.

Why Philosophy and Ethics at Samuel Ryder Academy? 
Philosophy and Ethics at A-Level is one of the most exciting, inspiring and challenging subjects available. No other subject covers such varied thoughts, ideas and theories from so many inspiring people throughout history. At Samuel Ryder Academy, we want to inspire students to engage in topical issues and acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of major issues that are relevant to students in the 21st century. There will never be a dull moment in lessons as new ideas and theories are presented, explored, debated and developed. 

Expectations of students:
There is an expectation that students will be committed to the course, interested in the subject matter and willing to work hard. As the subject is an essay based subject, students should possess a love for writing and critically examining theories as well as developing their own personal opinion. 

Students will be expected to be reliable, motivated independent learners who will always be looking to go above and beyond with their work. There is a required reading list for the course, and so a love for engaging with written texts and using key sources in essays will be essential. 

Lessons will consist of discussing, debating and ensuring understanding of key theories and so an ability to work quickly individually and in groups is important, as well as being able to understand different points of view.

Career paths:
There are a variety of career paths for students who choose Philosophy and Ethics at A-Level. The Russell Group of top universities has made it clear that Religious Studies A-Level provides ‘suitable preparation for University generally’. As the subject explores different theories and builds up skills in critically examining and applying them, there is a wealth of jobs where this would be important. Just a few of the jobs that students who have studied the subject move on to, include: journalism, lawyers, social workers, teachers, politicians, fashion designers and photography.

Awarding body: OCR

Specification number: H555 

Entry Requirements: Five GCSEs at grade 9-5, including a GCSE in English, Mathematics, Science and PE (grade 6 or higher).

Course Content and Assessment:    
OCR’s A-Level in Physical Education will equip students with both a depth and breadth of knowledge, understanding and skills relating to scientific, socio-cultural and practical aspects of physical education. 

This requires them to:

• Develop theoretical knowledge and understanding of the factors that underpin physical activity and sport and use this knowledge to improve performance
• Understand how physiological and psychological states affect performance
• Understand the key socio-cultural factors that influence people’s involvement in physical activity and sport.
• Understand the role of technology in physical activity and sport
• Refine their ability to perform effectively in physical activity and sport by developing skills and techniques and selecting and using tactics, strategies and/or compositional ideas
• Develop their ability to analyse and evaluate to improve performance understand the contribution which physical activity makes to health and fitness
• Improve as effective and independent students and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds

Course Content: 
Over the 2 year term of the course a range from the following topics will be studied:

• Applied anatomy and physiology
• Exercise physiology
• Biomechanics
• Skill acquisition
• Sports psychology
• Sport and society
• Contemporary issues in physical activity and sport
• Performance or coaching

Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI):
Assessment for the course is broken down into the following:

• Physiological factors affecting performance (01)
  • 2 hour written paper     30% of total A-Level    90 marks
• Psychological factors affecting performance (02)
  • 1 hour written paper     20% of total A-Level     60 marks
• Socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport (03)
  • 1 hour written paper     20% of total A-Level    60 marks
• Performance in physical education (04)
  • Non-exam assessment     30% of total A-Level    60 marks

Why Physical Education A-Level at Samuel Ryder Academy? 
Studying A-Level Physical Education at Samuel Ryder Academy will enable students to utilise a range of first-class sports facilities to prepare them for the next chapter in their sports career. An experienced teaching team will deliver high quality lessons to ensure that each student achieves their full potential. With a range of outside agencies, guest speakers, trips and workshops available as part of the wider curriculum, A-Level learning goes beyond the traditional classroom, making Samuel Ryder Academy a unique place to continue your studies.

Expectations of students:
Students are expected to commit wholeheartedly to the course. A passion for sport and a willingness to go above and beyond will ensure they are successful. Sport very much underpins much of school life at Samuel Ryder Academy; Sixth Form students will be expected to contribute towards this throughout the duration of their course. In addition, non-contact opportunities will also be offered and the expectation is that students fully attend. Be that coaching qualifications, or to off site visits to gain a greater knowledge of the world of sport. 

Career paths:
The A-Level in Physical Education provides a natural route into higher education for courses such as Foundation Degrees and Honours Degrees in sport science related disciplines or physiotherapy related careers. The skills learnt on the course can also be transferred for other careers such as the uniformed services, teaching, physiotherapy, sports development, media analyst, reporter, osteopathy, sports management, personal training and many more.
 

Awarding body: Edexcel

Specification number: 9PH0

Entry requirements: It is essential that students achieve a grade 6 or higher in Combined Science or Physics GCSE. They should also have achieved a grade 6 or higher in Maths at GCSE. It is useful although not essential if they also take Maths to A-Level but they definitely need a good positive attitude to study.  

Course content:
Mechanics, waves, quantum physics, electricity and magnetism, matter and molecules, nuclear and particle physics and working as a physicist.

Assessment:
The assessment comprises of 3 exams and a practical endorsement pass or fail.

• Advanced Physics I – covering mechanics, electricity and magnetism and nuclear and particle physics
  • 1 hr 45 min paper making up 30% of the grade
• Advanced Physics II – covering waves, quantum physics, matter and molecules
  • 1 hr 45 min paper making up 30% of the grade
• General and Practical Principles in Physics – covering all topics
  • 2 hr 30 min exam making up 40% of the grade

All exams will be sat at the end of Year 13 as we will be following the full A-Level route in Science.

Why Physics at Samuel Ryder Academy? 
Physics is a fundamental science subject and the key to understanding the world around us and the world beyond us. Physics is the study of matter, energy, force and motion, which can challenge our imagination and lead to world-changing discoveries such as lasers and computers. 

The Edexcel course has been developed for students who wish to continue with the study of Physics after GCSE. The course content is interesting and up-to-date, including aspects of the subject more relevant for progression, such as optics. Topics taught in the early part of the course cover fundamental areas of physics, such as forces, waves and electricity; and later topics build on what has come before to give students a broad knowledge base for assessment, and for progression to further study and the workplace.

The subject is taught by an experienced specialist physics teacher with 100% of students achieving A*-B grades in recent years. The physics department has an excellent range of specialist equipment allowing students to develop their practical skills to a high level.

Expectations of students:
Students are expected to practise the problem-solving techniques covered in class as part of their private study.   They will also need to read around topics and be able to work independently.

Career paths:
Physics A-Level will prepare students to progress into further education, to follow courses in physics, engineering, one of the other sciences or related subjects, or to enter employment where a knowledge of physics would be useful; all types of engineering and applied science carers, teaching, many non-scientific careers which require skills in analysis, logic, data handling, numeracy presentation, IT, precision and practical techniques.

Politics A-Level

Awarding body: Edexcel

Specification number: 9PL0

Entry requirements: Minimum entry requirements and English Language at grade 6. 

Grade 5 and above in a humanities subject such as History, Geography or Religious Studies would be helpful. 

Course content:

• Component 1: UK Politics  
• Component 2: UK Government
• Component 3: Comparative Politics: US Government and Politics

Assessment:

• Paper 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas (1 x 2hr exam, 1 sources essay question, two essay questions, 33% of the A-Level)
• Paper 2: UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas (1 x 2hr exam, 1 source question, 2 essay questions, 33% of the A-Level) 
• Paper 3: Comparative Politics - USA (1 x 2hr exam, 2 short essay questions and 2 longer essay questions, 33% of the A-Level)

Why Politics at Samuel Ryder Academy? 

Politics is a widely respected A-Level choice with a variety of transferable skills that prepare students effectively for further study at university or for entering a range of jobs. Politics is a subject rooted in extended written work, essay writing and extensive reading which will excel and develop student’s skillset for a successful future in work or higher education. Politics A-Level is a popular and interesting A-Level where students will study the systems in place that govern their lives and shape their worlds. Studying both the UK and the USA will give students the opportunity to compare and contrast different political systems that are both rooted in democracy but demonstrate this in different ways. The aim of the Politics course is to explore political concepts central to an understanding of a modern world, developing an in-depth understanding of both the UK and the US political and governing systems. Students will partake in in-class discussions developing their critical thinking and oracy skills. Politics A-Level is an excellent opportunity for students to mature their skills and prepare themselves for their futures, becoming global citizens and solidifying their understanding of British values. As former French President Charles de Gaulle once said “politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians”.  

Expectations of students: 

Students must be able to meet deadlines for essays. Students will be expected to read quality newspapers and watch TV programmes with current affairs content. Reading around the subject is crucial. Students will be expected to develop their discussion skills, their listening skills and their writing skills. Keeping up to date with current affairs is crucial as “a week is a long time in politics” – Former US President Harold Wilson. 

Career paths:Journalism, law, education, civil service, publishing, archiving and heritage, business, politics, marketing and advertising.

Awarding body:  AQA

Specification number:  7182

Entry requirements:  At least five GCSEs grades 9–5, including a minimum of grade 6 for English Language and grade 6 for Mathematics is required. A positive attitude to learning and willingness to try new things are essential to meet the demands of this challenging subject.

Course content:
Throughout the course students will study numerous different topics that introduce psychology. The majority of topics are the same for all candidates and are shown below.

1. Social Influence
2. Memory
3. Attachment
4. Psychopathology
5. Approaches in Psychology
6. Biopsychology
7. Research methods
8. Issues and debates

Additionally, students will study three options that will be decided in Year 12. The current students are studying schizophrenia, aggression and relationships.

Assessment: 
This course is assessed through written examinations only. There are three 2-hour examinations at the end of Year 13, all of which make up 33.3% of the final grade.

• Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology (topics 1 – 4 above)
• Paper 2: Psychology in Context (topics 5 – 7 above)
• Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology (topic 8 and the three options)

Why Psychology at Samuel Ryder Academy? 
The course allows students to gain an understanding of behaviour and investigate questions such as ‘Why might a child be aggressive?’ Students who engage with the subject develop an understanding of themselves and other people. The lessons are designed to encourage them to take part in activities that allow them to develop their writing, communication and presentation skills.

Expectations of students:    
For most, this is a new subject and students must be prepared to learn difficult and abstract concepts from the very beginning.  Engaging in wider reading and completing homework are essential to meeting the challenges of the subject.  Students will be expected to ask questions, make positive contributions, express opinions and complete work to the highest standard. 

Career paths:    
Psychology is one of the faster growing subjects at university and has a diverse range of applications. There are numerous opportunities that would be available and it is a widely accepted subject for university entry, including by some universities for courses such as midwifery.  

Beyond university students could find themselves in a career such as a:

• Clinical psychologist
• Forensic psychologist
• Educational psychologist
• Human resources and personnel
   

Awarding body: AQA

Specification number: 7692

Entry requirements: 5 GCSE grades 9-5 including a minimum of grade 6 at GCSE Spanish

Course content:
Spanish A-Level is an opportunity to develop student’s language skills while discovering Hispanic culture and debating exciting and diverse topics such as politics, culture and social issues. In addition to aspects of Spanish-speaking society, artistic culture, and politics, they will also study two cultural works during the course.  These could include modern or classic literature and/or a film.

Finally, in the second year, students will conduct individual research on a subject of personal interest, relating to Spain or the Hispanic world.  During the speaking exam, they will give a two-min presentation followed by 10 minutes of discussion of their research topic. The topic could be a political figure, a writer, an artist, a movement, an issue (e.g. animal rights) or a comparison between an aspect of Spanish and British society (e.g. school system).

Assessment:
Unit 1: Listening, Reading and Writing   2hrs and 30 mins   40% of final grade
Unit 2: Writing (essays on cultural works)  2 hours  30% of final grade
Unit 3: Speaking  22 mins  30% of final grade

Why do Spanish at Samuel Ryder Academy?
Studying a language at A-Level at Samuel Ryder Academy will not only support students in getting the skills to be able to converse in a foreign language, it will also broaden their horizons, their knowledge of foreign cultures and develop their critical thinking skills on a range of topics.

Holding a higher-level qualification in languages is an important asset in the employment market and will make students stand out in a society where not many people speak a second language.  They will have the opportunity to study exciting topics in a supportive and a friendly environment while being intellectually challenged through the use of authentic material and discussions of current affairs.

Expectations of students:
Independent study is a crucial element of the A-Level course.  Students will be expected to read independently - in both Spanish and English - about the key themes and cultural works.  Their independent research project will account for a large part of their speaking exam, which represents 30% of their final grade.  In order to be successful, students will need to be passionate about Spanish language and culture, and be prepared to complete a significant amount of home learning.

Career paths:
Having a language at A-Level is an excellent way to stand out when applying to top universities or searching for jobs in an increasingly competitive environment. Students with Spanish A2 go on to study a wide variety of subjects.  As well as pure Language degrees, Spanish can be combined with almost any subject at degree level and is a particularly popular option with subjects such as law, history and business.  
 

Awarding body: AQA

Specification number: 7192

Entry Requirements: 5 GCSE grades 9-5 with a grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language or Literature.

Course content:

Sociology is the study of the development and structure of society. It is a fascinating subject, taking in topics such as whether the police are racist, whether childhood is ‘toxic’ and damaging to British children, and how the media influences our views on people from different backgrounds to us. You will answer questions about the ever-changing society we live in, such as:

• Why is marriage declining?

• Why do girls outperform boys at GCSE?

• What is the best way to deal with criminal behaviour?

Assessment:

Paper 1: Written Exam 2 Hrs (33%) - Education and Research Methods

Paper 2: Written Exam 2 Hrs (33%) - Families and Households, and The Media

Paper 3: Written Exam 2 Hrs (33%) - Crime and Deviance, and Sociological Theory

NB: There is no course work - assessment is entirely by examination.

There are 3 modules which will be taught across the two years of the course.

Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods

• Education

• Research Methods in Context

• Theories in Sociology

Paper 2 – Topics in Sociology

• Families and Households

• The Media

Paper 3 – Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

• Crime and Deviance

• Sociological Theory

• Research Methods

Expectations of students:

Students wanting to follow this course should enjoy and have an interest in:

• How society affects individuals

• Current issues in the news that affect our society

• Like to learn about how different sections of society work

• Can see contentious issues from different viewpoints

Career paths:

A Level Sociology develops social awareness and critical thinking, it will combine well with most other related A Level courses. A Level Sociology is universally accepted as an entry qualification for higher education courses and is an asset in a large number of employment areas where social understanding and analytical skills are important.