Course Outlines

A level in Business encourages learners to:

Develop an enthusiasm for studying business.
Gain a holistic understanding of business in a range of contexts.
Develop a critical understanding of organisations and their ability to meet society’s needs and wants.
Understand that business behaviour can be studied from a range of perspectives.
Generate enterprising and creative approaches to business opportunities, problems and issues.
Be aware of the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities faced by organisations and Individuals.
Acquire a range of relevant business and generic skills, including decision-making, problem-solving, the challenging of assumptions and critical analysis.
Apply numerical skills in a range of business contexts.

This A level specification introduces learners to the dynamic business environment and the importance of entrepreneurial activity in creating business opportunities and sustaining business growth. Learners will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of essential skills required for higher education and employment.

The focus of the specification is to nurture an enthusiasm for studying business using contemporary contexts, allowing learners to develop an appreciation of the strategic, complex and inter-related nature of business issues from a local to global perspective.

Teacher involved in lesson delivery – Mr D Gillespie

There are no prior learning requirements. Any requirements set for entry to a course following this specification are at the discretion of centres. It is reasonable to assume that many learners will have achieved qualifications equivalent to Level 2 at KS4.

Quantitative skills are specified in the subject criteria and repeated in Appendix A of this specification.

Progression

This specification provides a suitable foundation for the study of business or a related area through a range of higher education courses, progression to the next level of vocational qualifications or employment. In addition, the specification provides a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for learners who do not progress to further study in this subject.

The subject build on the topics covered in GCSE Computer Science. The subject takes a more in depth approach looking at how computers work and how programs are developed.

There are two examined units at AS Computing Principles covering along with Algorithms and Problem Solving. If students carry onto the A level course these units are re-examined.

The A level includes two examined units Computer Systems along with Algorithms and programming. There is also a coursework Programming Project which can be completed in a variety of high level Languages

The topics covered over the two years include

The function and types of processor
Input, output and storage
Operating systems
Applications generation
Introduction to programming
Database
Networks
Web technologies
Data types and structure
Boolean algebra
Computer related legislation with Ethical moral and cultural issues
Thinking abstractly, ahead, procedurally and logically
Programming techniques
Software development
Algorithms.

Computer Studies can lead careers in programming, systems analysis and game design. The principles learnt on the can useful in business and a range of careers.

Teachers involved in lesson delivery

Mr Gumbley
Mrs Hamid

Our approach to Economics is to apply economic theory to support analysis of current economic problems and issues, encouraging students to appreciate the interrelationships between microeconomics and macroeconomics. The course has been closely developed with teachers and universities to develop engaging and up-to-date content that takes into account fundamental advances and changes in economic ideas.

Subject content -: AS

The operation of markets and market failure:

Economic methodology and the economic problem
Price determination in a competitive market
Production, costs and revenue
Competitive and concentrated markets
The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets

The national economy in a global context:

The measurement of macroeconomic performance
How the macro economy works : the circular flow of income, AD/AS analysis, and related concepts
Economic performance
Macroeconomic policy

Subject content - A-level

Individuals, firms, markets and market failure:

Economic methodology and the economic problem
Individual economic decision making
Price determination in a competitive market
Production, costs and revenue
Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly
The labour market
The distribution of income and wealth: poverty and inequality
The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets

The national and international economy:

The measurement of macroeconomic performance
How the macro economy works : the circular flow of income, AD/AS analysis, and related concepts
Economic performance
Financial markets and monetary policy
Fiscal policy and supply-side policies
The international economy

Teacher involved in lesson delivery – Mr J Toland

Progression

This specification provides a suitable foundation for the study of business or economics or a related area through a range of higher education courses, progression to the next level of vocational qualifications or employment.

Specification - AQA Geography A Level
Geography is delivered as a 2 year course with no AS Level exams after the first year.

Unit 1:

Physical Geography (40% of final grade)
Water and Carbon Cycles;
Systems and Landscapes;
Hazards.

Unit 2:

Human Geography (40% of final grade)
Changing Places;
Global Systems and Global Governance;
Contemporary Urban Environments.

Unit 3:

Geographical Fieldwork Investigation (20% of final grade)
Students complete an individual investigation which must include data collected in the field. The individual investigation must be based on a question or issue defined and developed by the student relating to any part of the specification content.

3000 - 4000 words.

Geography is an extremely enjoyable and fulfilling subject. The majority of students who study Geography A Level at CLHS have a very positive experience and leave with a good grade, a set of skills and the knowledge and understanding that equips them for the next step, be it University or Employment. This has always been a result of the hard work and commitment that is encouraged by the Geography Department.

A Level Geography is an extremely enjoyable and fulfilling subject. Taught by Mr Ahern and Mrs Thompson, you will be assisted through the course to provide you with the best opportunity of success in preparation for university or employment. In return, we expect hard work and commitment from all our students and require them to pursue their potential in the subject. The course is delivered through classroom based learning using a variety of methods, and field work, covering aspects the physical and human aspects of the subject.

In conjunction with classroom based learning, the Geography Department pursues activities that allow students to experience the subject away from the classroom. This of course involves field work (as listed above), but also takes advantage of our links with the Geographical Association (Manchester Branch) through our attendance of University style lectures and participation in students conferences. We also encourage our students to represent the Department in as many ways as possible (e.g. Ambassador Schemes), giving others the chance to learn from Student Voice activities.

Universities regard Geography A Level very highly and welcome students who meet the entry criteria onto most courses if they are in possession of a Geography A Level grade. This is because the subject develops skills that can be applied to a range of academic and life situations, such as numeracy, literacy, ICT, team work, problem solving, evaluation, critical thinking, interpretation and organisation. This is in addition to various geographical skills.

We can guarantee that students who study A Level Geography will be given the opportunity to feel enriched, enthused and encouraged throughout the course under the guidance of a supportive and caring Department. We welcome you to join us.

The Geography Department at CLHS has a well established and strong relationship with the History Department through their relationship in the Humanities Faculty. We therefore consider the two subjects to compliment each other well and have had many students in previous years studying both subjects at GCSE and A Level.

As Geography is renowned for its links with other subjects, there are naturally many that compliment this course. Skills that are developed in Geography A Level will also be challenged in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, English Language, ICT, Computing, Business Studies and Health and Social Care. We regularly accept students who are studying one or more of these subjects onto the Geography A Level course.

Universities that offer Single Honour Geography Degree courses will require a good grade in the subject and will also require a high level of attainment in other A Level subjects. However, they do not normally specify pre-requisites in the form of particular subjects aside from Geography.

There are many Joint Honours Degree courses that pair Geography with a host of other subjects (e.g. Archaeology, Economics, Geology, History, Theology and Urban and Regional Planning). Geography and another subject will often be necessary pre-requisites for such a Joint Honours Degree course, so do your research carefully.

Component 1: UK Politics
Content overview

1. Political Participation, students will study: democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media.

2. Core Political Ideas, students will study: conservatism, liberalism, socialism.

Written examination: 2 hours; 33⅓% of the qualification

Component 2: Governing the UK.
Content overview

1. UK Government, students will study: the constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive, relationships between the branches.

2. Non-core political ideas, students will study: one idea from the following: anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism, nationalism.

Written examination: 2 hours; 33⅓% of the qualification

Component 3: Comparative Politics
Content overview

USA, students will study: the US Constitution and federalism, US Congress, US presidency, US Supreme Court and civil rights, democracy and participation, comparative theories.

Written examination: 2 hours; 33⅓% of the qualification

No one is unaffected by politics. By studying politics, students will learn how important decisions about everyday life are made. British politics is more exciting than ever with debates over welfare reform and Brexit. Students will acquire a knowledge and understanding of the UK political system, as well as broadening their horizons across the water to the USA and to more complex ideas of ideology. Students will gain analytical and practical skills. It is extremely enjoyable and enables students to learn about the society they live in, keep up to date with current affairs and develop a voice in how they are governed.

Politics offers invaluable opportunities to acquire and improve on many of the key skills that have been identified by consultation with employers as a priority for Higher Education, such as:

Development of independent thought
Development of analytical skills
Taking responsibly for learning
Working as a team
Excellent communication skills through high levels of literacy and oral presentation
Use of ICT

Consequently, students will work in a variety of ways:

Putting forward ideas and arguments in a concise manner
Gathering, investigating and assessing material
Condensing facts, ideas and arguments
Basing conclusions on independent research and presenting findings
Essay writing
Organising material in a logical and coherent way

The opportunities for Politics students into university and beyond are both diverse and wide ranging. Here are some of the careers:

Lawyer
Journalism
Public Relations
Investment Banker
Writer and Editor
Teacher
University Lecturer
Researcher
Press Relations
Civil Service
Business Management Training Programmes

Health & Social Care has been developed to provide a broad educational basis for further training, further education or for moving into appropriate employment within the Health and Social Care sector. Over the two year course students will study:

Human Lifespan Development (90 minute written exam, set and marked externally)
Working in Health & Social Care (90 minute written exam, set and marked externally)
Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs (Internal assignment)
Optional Unit - Sociological Perspectives (Internal assignment)

A Level History has three components:

Unit 1: The Quest for Political Stability in Germany 1871-1991 (Breadth Study) Students study issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence in this period through the key questions, such as: How was Germany governed and how did political authority change and develop? How effective was opposition? How and with what results did the economy develop and change? What was the extent of social and cultural change? How important was the role of key individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments?

40% of the overall A Level; written examination of 2 hours 30 minutes.

Unit 2: The Making of Modern Britain 1951-2007 (Depth Study) – Students study in depth the key political, economic, social and international changes which helped to mould Britain in the second half of the 20th century. It explores concepts such as government and opposition, class, social division and cultural change.

40% of the overall A Level; written examination of 2 hours 30 minutes.

Unit 3: Historical Investigation. This is a 3000-3500 word essay based on a question in the context of approximately 100 years. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the nature and purpose of history as a discipline and how historians work. It encourages students to undertake research and develop as independent learners and critical and reflective thinkers It accounts for 20% of the A-level.

History is an academic subject that widens students’ experience and develops qualities of perception and judgement. Students will acquire important abilities and qualities of mind that can be transferable to many university degrees, occupations and careers. It is extremely enjoyable and not only enables students to learn about the past but to understand the past and come to a better understanding of the present.

History offers invaluable opportunities to acquire and improve on many of the key skills that have been identified by consultation with employers as a priority for Higher Education, such as:

Development of independent thought
Development of analytical skills
Taking responsibly for learning
Working as a team
Excellent communication skills through high levels of literacy and oral presentation
Use of ICT

Consequently, students will work in a variety of ways:

Putting forward ideas and arguments in a concise manner
Gathering, investigating and assessing material
Condensing facts, ideas and arguments
Basing conclusions on independent research
Essay writing
Organising material in a logical and coherent way
Seminar presentations

The opportunities for History students into university and beyond are both diverse and wide ranging. Here are some of the careers:

Lawyer
Journalism
Public Relations
Investment Banker
Writer and Editor
Teacher
University Lecturer
Researcher
Press Relations
Civil Service
Business Management Training Programmes

This qualification offers understanding by empowering students to work with IT industry, digital media and technologies. This leads to practical and creative skills that transfer into the workplace.

Benefits

Cambridge Technicals are exam-free so suit all learning styles.
There’s no external assessment, so you can choose when to assess your students.
Includes hands-on practical experience based upon real life scenarios.
UCAS points available at Level 3 to support progression to higher education.

OCR Cambridge Technical Digital Media Level 3

Students have the opportunity to study a range of topics from:

Unit 1 – Media products and audiences. Externally assessed
Unit 2 – Pre-production and planning. Externally assessed
Unit 3 – Create a Media Product. Internally assessed
Unit 16 – The creation and use of sound in media. Internally assessed
Unit 20 – Advertising media. Internally assessed

Teachers involved in lesson delivery

Mrs Borrill Subject Leader for IT, Computing, Media, Business and Economics
Mr Gallagher Assistant Subject Leader of IT and Computing
Mr Gumbley

This qualification offers understanding by empowering students to work with media products, production processes and technologies. Students will practically apply their skills and knowledge in preparation for further study, apprenticeship or the workplace. You will develop professional and social skills through interaction with performers, clients and peers; as well as theoretical and technical knowledge and understanding to underpin these skills. This will allow your creativity and flair to be harnessed in the design and production of media products used within the industry. This leads to practical and creative skills that transfer into the workplace. You will also learn how to analyse target audience requirements, research market demand and bring a media concept alive working in line with legal and regulatory requirements. This pathway will allow you to gain employment in roles such as Digital Layout Artists, Digital Graphic Designers, Freelance Reporter, Web-developers/Designers, Animators; Computer Graphics Modellers

Benefits

Includes hands-on practical experience based upon real life scenarios.
UCAS points available at Level 3 to support progression to higher education

There are three components to the music AS and A levels: Performing, Composing and Appraising.

	*AS Level (1 year)*	*A Level (2 years)*
Performing	Minimum 2 pieces as a soloist, ensemble or both (30%) One piece must link to one of the areas of study. Approximately Grade 5. Assessed by a visiting examiner. 6-8 Minutes total	Minimum 3 pieces as a soloist, ensemble or both (35%)1 must be a solo Two pieces must link to different areas of study. Approximately Grade 6. Assessed by a visiting examiner 10-12 Minutes total
Composing	Two compositions, 1 must be in the Western Classical Style other free composition 4 ½ - 7 minutes Worth 30%	§ Two compositions, 1 must be in the Western Classical Style other free composition § 4 - 6 minutes § Worth 25%
Appraising	AoSA: Western Classical Tradition (Haydn’s ‘London’ Symphony, movements 1 and 2) AoSB: Rock and Pop (from 1960 – 1990) AoSC: Musical Theatre AoSD: Jazz (from 1920 – 1950) 1h30m exam (40%)	Same as AS, PLUS either AoSE: Into the Twentieth Century 1895-1935 *Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano, Movement II:* Poulenc. *Three Nocturnes, Number 1, Nuages:* Debussy AoSF: Into the Twenty-First Century (Asyla by Thomas Ades, String Quartet No. 2 by Sally Beamish 2h15m exam (40%)

In order to prepare for classroom learning and the wider practical nature of music, students will be expected to listen to a wide range of music, not only music from the set works; regularly practice and take part in ensemble playing in school and in their own time and undertake independent background research on composers and specific areas of music. Students will be expected to use independent study time to practice and compose.

The Music Department is a very busy, exciting place to study and students will be expected to take part in regular extra-curricular school activities; show Student Leadership in arranging recitals and performances with other students; show a high level of independence. Students will participate in arranged visits to Concert Halls, Theatres and local music events.

As well as composition and performance, Music involves critical analysis, constructing arguments and using research to support arguments. Subjects that develop such skills include English and History of Art. The ability to think logically in order to complete harmony and analysis exercises works well with subjects such as Science and Maths.

Studying Music Technology also furthers your understanding of music, particularly within Area of Study B and F.

Although not specifically listed as a facilitating subject, Music is very much welcomed by all universities (including Russell Group) and demonstrates breadth of study at A Level. In addition, Grade 6 or above on your chosen instrument will also credit you with UCAS points.

Topics of Study

AS Level

Social Influence
Memory
Attachment
Approaches in psychology
Biopsychology
Psychopathology
Research methods

A Level

Compulsory content

Issues and debates in psychology

Optional content

Option one - Relationships, Gender, Cognition & Development
Option two - Schizophrenia, Eating behaviour, Stress
Option three - Aggression, Forensic psychology, Addiction

How will I be assessed?

There are two exams at AS each worth 50% of your AS qualification. Each exam lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and is worth 72 marks. The exams consist of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.

At A-level there are three exams, each account for one third of your A-level. The three exams last 2 hours and are worth 96 marks each. The exams consist of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.

Psychology is an excellent choice at A-Level because it works so well with many different subjects. It is a fascinating course that will really get you to question the world around you and why people behave in the way they do. If you are interested in people, then it is the subject for you. Last year, we had our most successful cohort of results to date making us the highest performing subject at Year 13. It is a great subject for Higher Education and According to bestcourse4me.com, the top seven degree courses taken by students who have an A-level in psychology are:

Psychology
English studies
Sociology
Business studies
Teaching
Sport and exercise science
Law.

Studying psychology at university can give you a whole host of exciting career options, including:

Marketing
Business development
Accountancy
Human resources
Forensic psychology
Occupational therapy
Clinical psychology
Nursing
Teaching.

If you are ambitious, motivated and enthusiastic, come and talk to our department and we will tell you more about it.

Year 1

Philosophy of Religion: Arguments for the Existence of God, Evil and Suffering, Religious Experience.

Religion and Ethics: Virtue ethics, Divine Command Theory, Natural Law and its application to Abortion & Euthanasia. Utilitarianism and its application to animal welfare and nuclear proliferation. Situation Ethics and its application to homosexual and polysexual relationships.

A Study of Christianity: Jesus' Birth, Resurrection, the Nature of God, Trinity, Religious Principles, the Sacraments.

Year 2

Philosophy of Religion: The Challenges of Freud and Jung to Religion, New Atheism including challenges from Dawkins, Miracles, Religious Language.

Religion and Ethics: Ethical Egoism, Meta Ethics, Developments in Natural Law & Proportionalism from Finnis and Hoose, Free Will & Determinism

A Study of Christianity: The Early Christian Church, Study of the Person of Christ (Christology), Feminist Theology, Christianity in the UK, the Challenge of Science, Liberation Theology.

"The unexamined world is not worth living." Socrates

"I'd say to anyone considering RS that it was the one I performed consistently well in due to my interest in the topics I studied. It is really useful for going to Uni despite what some may think and it really is worth considering." Ex-student

Both employers and universities value the specific skills that develop through the study of philosophy.
You will develop the ability to:

Analyse and present well-constructed arguments
Think logically and critically about ideas and issues
Understand complex views; to distinguish subtle differences between views and to explore common ground
Write clearly and persuasively
Think creatively and come up with solutions to problems
Be open to new ways of thinking and ideas

You will also develop other highly sought after skills:

Learn to be flexible, resourceful and develop self-motivational skills
The ability to manage time well and to meet set deadlines
The capacity for independent study and thought
The ability to think imaginatively and creatively
The ability to understand complex thoughts and abstract ideas
Leadership and team-building

Regardless of what you would like to do after Sixth Form, Religious Studies offers a wide ranging array of skills that can be used in many degrees at University as well as other paths in life. For more information, please speak to a current student or Mr Tunnecliff, Mrs Rodriguez or Mrs Lennon who will be pleased to help in any way.

This brand new Sociology A level course has been written to the AQA specification 7192. This course will be examined for the first time in Summer 2017. The Sociology course has been designed so that students can follow two core themes through their study.

The themes are:

Socialisation, culture and identity
Social differentiation, power and stratification

These themes are not discrete topics but will be interpreted through the study of the modules below.

AS Level Topics

Education and Methods in Context
Families and Households

A level Topics

The Media
Crime and Deviance
Research Methods

Sociologists study people in society. It can help us as we try to make sense of our own lives, as well as giving us a sense of our wider responsibility to society and accuracy. Our ‘A’ level course will present you with various sociological theories and ask you to draw on your own experience and background knowledge. The subject content of sociology includes groups like the family, larger ones like a school or working place, large institutions like the whole education system or the political system, and even whole societies like England or the United Kingdom.
Careers in sociology are varied and include such careers as national and local government careers, social work, teaching, nursing, police and social research.

Cardinal Langley RC Sixth Form

Art & Design

Applied Science

Biology

Business Studies

Chemistry

Computer Science

Drama & Theatre Studies

Economics

English Language

English Literature

French

Geography

Government & Politics

Health & Social Care

History

ICT

Mathematics

Multimedia

Music

Photography

Physical Education

Physics

Psychology

Religious Studies

Sociology

Spanish

Sport (Level 3 BTEC)

Textiles

Travel & Tourism (Level 3 BTEC)