THE
SIX
H
FORM
Art – Painting, & Printmaking Art – 3D Biology Business Studies CoPE Chemistry Classical
Civilisation Critical Thinking Dance Drama and Theatre Studies Economics Engineering
English Literature English Language Extended Project Qualification Food Technology D & T
French General Studies Geography German Government & Politics Graphics Health and Social
Care History Information + Comm.Tech. Latin Mathematics Mathematics Further Maths
Media Studies Music
Philosophy
and
Ethics Photography
Physical Education
Physics
Product
Design Psychology
Sociology Spanish
Applied
Science
Sport BTEC Textiles
Art – Painting, &
Printmaking
Art
– 3D
Biology
Business
Studies
CoPE
Chemistry
Classical Civilisation
Critical
Thinking
Dance
Drama
and
Theatre
Studies Economics
Engineering
English Literature
English
Language
Extended Project
Qualification Food
Technology D & T
AT
GEORGE ABBOT
SCHOOL
2016-2017
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HOME
The Sixth Form
at George Abbot School
Contents
Headteacher
D J Cooper, B.Ed (Hons), NPQH
Director of Sixth Form Studies
K T O’Sullivan, B.Sc. (Hons)
Telephone:
Welcome to the Sixth Form at
George Abbot___________________ 2
The Curriculum__________________ 3
Advanced Graduation Certificate_______ 4
01483 888000
The Recruitment Process____________ 6
Facsimile:
Enrichment Studies Programme________ 8
01483 888001
Web:
Careers Education and Guidance_______ 9
http://www.georgeabbot.surrey.sch.uk
Email:
USIC - Information Centre___________ 9
Welcome to The Sixth Form at George Abbot
The Director of Sixth Form Studies
Chemistry, Physics, English Literature,
We are the largest school Sixth Form in
English Language, Art and Design, Business
Guildford and with over 450 students we
Studies, Economics, History, Sociology and
are able to offer a broad and challenging
Psychology. These subjects will follow the
curriculum. This allows us to offer a wide
new specifications from September 2016;
choice of over 30+ subjects at A Level, or
Latin, Dance, Theatre Arts, Geography,
equivalent, and combined with the excellent
French, German, Spanish, Music, Physical
pastoral care and numerous enrichment
Education and Philosophy and Ethics. The
opportunities available we believe this makes
other A Level subjects will retain the modular
George Abbot a great place to be a Sixth
structure with AS contributing to the final A2
Former.
qualification.
The Sixth Form at George Abbot has an excellent record of
As a Sixth Form Student at George Abbot you will still
achievement at Advanced Level and in October 2006 Ofsted
receive daily support from a tutor. This will form the basis of
graded the Sixth Form as outstanding, and following excellent
our system for monitoring your progress throughout your
results this year we are confident that we remain so. We have
Sixth Form Studies and allow for the provision of advice
seen the smooth introduction of the new A2 level specifications
and guidance on your future. We will work with you to set
and an exceptional number of our students achieved the A*
challenging personal targets and provide the support and
grade this year. We now have students studying the Extended
guidance necessary to help you achieve them. We would also
Project Qualification, and Open University Degree units
like you to be fully involved within the life of the Sixth Form
alongside their A Level subjects and we are now offering greater
and wider school community and will promote opportunities
BTEC provision with the introduction of new subjects at Level
for you to do this.
3. In addition to studying your chosen A Level subjects you will
We enjoy the excellent facilities of our purpose built Sixth
also follow our graduation programme that allows students
Form centre designed to provide you with the learning
to develop their wider academic knowledge and acquire
environment that will allow you to strive to achieve your
transferable skills essential to both employment and further
best through working in partnership with your teachers,
academic study. Thus you will leave the Sixth Form at George
tutors, and parents. We expect you to be motivated and
Abbot fully equipped to commence your chosen future.
driven to succeed in your studies, but we also want you to
There have been changes to the A Level qualification that you
enjoy yourself during the two years you spend with us. We
should be aware of. The Department for Education began a
believe that we can offer you some of the best teaching,
reform of the A Level qualifications, decoupling the AS from
the best environment, and best opportunities available to
the A2; thus making the A Level a linear qualification. The AS
Sixth Form Students. We look forward to working with you
qualification still exists but it is stand alone and does not count
in the future to help you achieve your potential and realise
towards the final A Level. These new A Levels are being phased
your aspirations for the adult life ahead of you. We hope that
in with the first of these being taught from September 2015. The
George Abbot Sixth Form will be the place you come to make
subjects now following the new specifications are; Biology,
this happen. Kevin O’Sullivan
Director of Sixth Form Studies
& Assistant Headteacher
Why Study at George Abbot?_________ 10
[email protected]
The Headteacher
At George Abbot School we pride ourselves on educating our students for the challenges of the
future.
We aim to realise the full potential of each and every student, whatever their abilities in a
demanding, but caring community.
The young people who leave our Sixth Form do so well equipped to tackle all the challenges and
excitements ahead of them. Our Sixth Form has acquired a national reputation for developing
students and enabling them to achieve outstanding examination success.
We hope that you will carefully investigate all the possibilities that we offer and come to the
Mrs D Cooper
2016 - 2017
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conclusion that your further educational interests and success are best served by attending our
Sixth Form, beginning in September 2016.
Headteacher
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Facts about George Abbot
Sixth Form from 2014-2015
The Curriculum
99% pass rate (2015)
13% A* grades at A2 (2015)
33% A*- A grades at A2 (2015)
Although academic success is one of our main aims at George
Abbot, we also value those skills and qualities which cannot
Also our average overall UCAS point score per student
Entry Requirement: The absolute minimum entry requirement for 3 or more A Levels is 5 grades A* - C
at GCSE. For specific subject entry requirements please refer to the subject prospectus. Please note
that all offers made to a student at George Abbot Sixth Form are conditional to the required grades
being met for each chosen subject.
be measured. Ofsted deemed the Sixth Form, in October 2006,
Academic Element
School or Community Service
to be ‘outstanding’. In order to maintain and build on this
I ndividual
Achievement
3 or 4 A2 Levels or BTEC National
Activities chosen from a variety of
This is to be individually
standard we have set ourselves three main priorities:
Award plus General Studies/Critical
possibilities including Senior Prefect /Prefect
negotiated with the Sixth Form
Thinking/EPQ/ CSLA.
to paired reading, Duke of Edinburgh
Team but is linked to a personal
Award, Sports Leadership or school /
goal set by the student.
remains the equivalent to 1A* and 2 A grades.
•• To maintain and build upon our reputation for quality at
Average of 13 students per
teaching group
Advanced Graduation Certificate
community service.
A Level by ensuring that we protect the ‘gold standard’ of
three A Level or BTEC Level 3 passes.
This ensures that classes are personal and you receive the
•• To offer all our students a broad, balanced and challenging
individual support you need to succeed.
curriculum by rewarding all achievements during a
Challenging targets set
student’s Sixth Form career.
We will set you ambitious targets in the first half term of Year
•• To aim for equality of opportunity across the curriculum
12 and track your progress closely through your studies and
by recognising a student’s individual strengths and by
work with you to try and achieve your full potential.
developing respect for the individuality of others.
Thirty students secured places
at Oxford and Cambridge since
2012.
Achievement of the vInspired V50 or V100
Working With Others
award is accepted.
One week in July in which the student
is encouraged to participate in a work
experience activity related to possible
future employment aspirations.
The achievement of the AQA Baccalaureate available to students selecting to complete the composite parts will
supercede the need to complete the above. See page 6 for more details.
The following Level 3 qualifications are offered:
Art – Painting & Printmaking
Food Science and Nutrition
Media Studies
Biology
Food Technology
Music
Business Studies
French
Performing Arts BTEC (Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma)
Chemistry
General Studies
Philosophy and Ethics
Classical Civilisation
Geography
Photography
Computer Science
German
Physical Education
Critical Thinking (AS only)
Government & Politics
Physics
Dance
Graphic Design
Product Design
Drama and Theatre Studies
Health and Social Care
Psychology
Economics
History
Science/Biology/Physics BTEC (Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma)
The George Abbot Graduation Certificate
For years both employers and admissions tutors have been
keen to recognise not just academic success but other aspects
Including 69% of students going to Times top 30 universities.
We succeed in helping students get into the likes of Oxford,
that form such a key part of the student’s preparation for life in
Cambridge, Imperial College and the LSE. Overall over 80% of
the world beyond education and we agree with them.
our students will proceed to higher education.
The challenge we extend to all our students is to achieve
Amongst the top 10% best
providers of Post-16 education
graduation from George Abbot. The Certificate of Graduation
is made up of distinct aspects of the student’s experience in
the Sixth Form. Whilst the most important element will be the
According to the latest independent value added analysis
George Abbot Sixth Form is amongst the top 10% providers
successful completion of ‘A’ level courses, we will also accredit
of post 16 education (ALPS.)
other aspects of the student’s programme including their work
One of the Top 20 Academy
Sixth Forms
with others and the contribution they make to the school or
Quoted in the Oxford Analytics 2013 Report.
to potential employers or admission tutors.
Engineering
Latin
Sociology
Purpose built specialist
accommodation
The George Abbot Graduation Award is now in its thirteenth
English Language
Law
Spanish
English Literature
Mathematics with Mechanics
Sport (BTEC National Subsidiary Diploma)
We have a fantastic Sixth Form Centre with a comfortable
automatically graduates. The grid overleaf shows the key
Extended Project Qualification
Mathematics Further Maths
Sports Performance and Excellence
Mathematics with Stats
Textiles
wider community. This will lead to the graduation portfolio as
a record of student achievement and which can be presented
year and we have incorporated the AQA Baccalaureate into
our award scheme. Thus a recipient of the AQA Baccalaureate
catered common room, supervised and silent study spaces,
aspects of the certificate. We hold a graduation ceremony in
specialist Sixth Form teaching rooms and over 50 work
September for all those who meet the requirements of the
stations available for private study use.
BTEC Children’s Play, Learning & Development
Graduate Certificate.
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Students’ comments
George Abbot Sixth Form
Advanced Graduation Certificate (Continued)
The process by which students enter the Sixth Form at
George Abbot consists of the following stages:
Working With Others
All students have the opportunity to successfully complete
a work placement in July in Year 12. This is dependent upon
students finding their own placement but we provide
extensive support in enabling this to happen. Students
are given a week off timetable in which to complete work
experience and we expect all our Sixth Form students to
participate. There may be a small administrative charge
dependent upon the placement.
“
“
The Recruitment Process
The Graduation scheme promotes volunteering
which helps develop character and improves
social opportunities.
”
1
I know many who have gone elsewhere and are only
focussed on socialising. Here we also socialise but still
keep the determination.
”
Citizenship
We are committed to providing a sound basis for future
citizenship in a world of increasing complexity and diversity.
As a key part of our policy which encourages breadth of
experience, students will have the opportunity to choose
from a number of activities including: Prefect duties, paired
reading (with Year 7 students), Young Enterprise, Duke
of Edinburgh Award, Peer Mentoring, House Captains
or Venture Scouts/Guides, Sports Leadership or school/
community service.
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Tuesday 3 November parents
of current Year 11 students
Friday 6 November, the Sixth
are invited to an information
Form Prospectus is available
evening. The Director of Sixth
online.
Form Studies explains the
whole application process.
3
4
Thursday 26 November
students and parents attend
a Subject Evening. Subject
Student Support
Friday 27 November.
teachers deliver a short
Students in the Sixth Form at George Abbot are entitled
to curriculum and pastoral support throughout their Sixth
Form career and beyond. Through the Personal Tutor and
Senior Sixth Form Tutors we aim to provide you with a range
of services designed to help you stay on course through
your education at post 16 level.
Application forms issued
presentation on each of the
30+ Advanced Level and
Post 16 courses.
The Personal Tutor
Your time in the Sixth Form is precious and you need to
make the most of it. You will be assigned a personal tutor
who will help to steer you in your chosen direction. Whether
it be monitoring your progress, helping you to set targets,
advice on matters relating to Sixth Form life or on your next
step ahead, your tutor is your first point of contact.
“
“
Careers Education and Guidance
Careers education and guidance whether it be for higher
education or employment is available throughout your time
at George Abbot. We run a detailed series of tutorials and
feature lectures on preparing you for your next step ahead
including, higher education, the world of work, GAP years
and managing on a budget.
The teachers are very friendly and it is easy to approach
them with any concerns.
”
We monitor student progress continually but report
formally 4 -5 times a year. The academic review days are
scheduled in line with the rest of the school. We also use
two A Level Information Systems (L3VA & ALIS) to check
your progress in comparison with similar students nationally
and use these to establish your Target Aspirational Grade
(TAG). These are grades that your teachers believe you have
the capacity to achieve if you work consistently at your best.
“
”
to be returned by Friday 4
During January/February
every applicant who wishes
to enter the Sixth Form
(The information is then
attends an interview with a
entered on a database, and is
senior member of the Sixth
used by timetable staff to aid
Form Team to discuss their
planning for the subsequent
plans.
year’s courses.)
The Sixth Form at George Abbot is unlike any other! It
has fantastic opportunities such as trips and is a very
welcoming place.
”
”
There is such a great atmosphere and I’m really enjoying it.
“
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6
Completed application forms
December.
Sixth Form at George Abbot has already been fantastic
and I look forward to school every day without fail! My
lessons are brilliant and the opportunities open to us are
endless. You will not regret choosing George Abbot.
“
Progress Monitoring
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The atmosphere is always positive much more laid back
and a better experience than school.
”
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8
On Tuesday 28 June there is
an induction morning where
students experience lessons
Courses commence
September 2016.
and receive advice on how
to prepare for commencing
their chosen courses in
September.
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Enrichment Studies Programme
Information for applicants coming from other schools
We always welcome a good number of students into the
Entry Requirements
Sixth Form from outside. They settle in well. Prospective
5 A*-C grades at GCSE are the absolute minimum number
students and their parents are invited to an Information
required for entry onto advanced level study. Some subjects
Evening on Tuesday 20 October this is followed by a Subject
may require higher grades in that particular area of study
Evening on Thursday 26 November. The Subject Evening
In addition to their chosen A Level and BTEC subject options
You will choose an enrichment subject when you make your
we expect each student in George Abbot Sixth Form to
application but you will be directed towards the path that
participate in an enrichment subject. These will run through
will best suit your ideal volume of study during the interview
the entirety of Year 12 and some options may require some
process. Final decisions on this will be made following GCSE
time in Year 13 to complete them. They have been selected
results in August and sometimes the timetable can limit
and these are shown in the subject information booklet
for the range of extra skills, qualifications, knowledge and
choices. Those wishing to participate on the CSLA will need
provides students with a chance to consult members of
which will be issued in November. These grades are set
experiences they can offer students that we believe will
to apply directly to the PE team in September (limited places
because research and experience has shown those who do
enhance any university application or CV by:
available).
staff about subject choices. It would also be advisable to
•• Knowledge of current cultural, social political, scientific
The AQA Baccalaureate
see the school in operation. Therefore, we would ask those
not reach this level at GCSE are unlikely to cope with the
interested to visit our website to view the dates for school
demands of that particular subject at A Level. Any offer of a
tours and to make an appointment to look round. If you
place on a course is conditional to the entry requirements
are unable to come to the meeting in November we will do
being met. If a student believes they have a good case for
our best to ensure you are able to get the advice you need
being accepted on a course of study without the minimum
combined with your tour.
requirements it should be brought to the attention of the
and economic issues
At George Abbot Sixth Form it is possible to study for the
•• Analytical and critical reasoning
AQA Baccalaureate award. This is an overarching award that
•• Teamwork
encompasses a range of qualifications and achievements
•• Planning, research, and evaluation skills
that a successful student may complete in their time in Sixth
•• The ability to engage in debate and discussion
Form. It is based around 3 A Levels but it also requires AS
Level General Studies or Critical Thinking and the Extended
There a number of choices available in this enrichment
Project Qualification. The Baccalaureate also recognises and
block. We would like students to look closely at the choices
rewards student achievement in community work, personal
available and identify their preferred option. All students are
skill acquisition and work related learning. It is awarded at
expected to study one of these choices.
distinction, pass, and merit level and has been favourably
an application form, and your choices will be entered onto
We do ask all students and their parents to make a firm
They should be selected from the following:
received by many leading universities and employers. The
our database. We will obtain a student profile from your
commitment to taking up a place in the Sixth Form at
•• Community Sports Leader Award
current school to ascertain your suitability for Sixth Form
George Abbot once it is offered, dependent on their
•• Critical Thinking
level study.
GCSE performance.
•• EPQ Dissertation
Director of Sixth Form Studies.
If you decide that George Abbot is for you, you will be given
diagram below gives an over view of the award.
•• EPQ Creative Option
•• General Studies
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Careers Education &
Guidance in the Sixth
Form
USIC - Upper School
Information Centre
Careers Education and Guidance is a partnership between
students, their parents and the school. CEG aims to support
students as they prepare for further and higher education,
apprenticeships, training or employment.
The ability to retrieve and use information intelligently is a
fundamental life skill. USIC acts as a facilitator guiding students
to access and use information effectively. It offers students the
opportunities to develop their information literacy and the
social and mental skills necessary for the technological age.
Every effort is made to ensure guidance provided meets the needs
of the student(s) concerned and, therefore, aspects of CEG may
vary from year to year. Traditionally, however, CEG includes:
The support and guidance you
receive here is phenomenal. So
much effort is put into your two
years learning.
”
We use the schools learning platform, Frog to direct students
to information sources. After login students should choose
Classroom, Information Centres, USIC, on-line resources.:
Research Higher Education and Further Education courses
Attend open days and specialist courses (day and residential)
Work related learning
Parents’ evening and students’ day on applying for HE/FE
courses and HE Convention at the University of Surrey
The University (UCAS) and Art School application process in
detail
Individual careers guidance interviews
Investigate GAP year opportunities
Visit to a University
Opportunities to participate in careers events
“
”
The teaching quality is great!
How to use the Information
Year 13 (September onwards)
•• Applications to HE/FE establishments (course searches and
personal statements)
•• Specialists Admissions Tests
•• Plan GAP year
•• Attend interviews/open days etc.
•• Apply for grants, sponsorship etc.
•• Individual careers guidance interviews
•• Apply for employment/training vacancies
•• Reassess/reapply as necessary
REMEMBER
USIC staff are available for individual help and consultation for
students and parents.
I have really enjoyed The
Sixth Form.
“
There are good
opportunities provided
by the Sixth Form to
build up a great CV and
university application.
When can you use the Centre?
This is available from Mr Williamson for students applying to
Oxford and Cambridge and for courses such as Primary School
Teaching, Nursing and Social Work.
The Centre is open from 8.00am - 5pm.
As sixth formers you may borrow up to eight items. Most are
available for a three-week loan period, while those in heavy
demand are on restricted loan. Textbooks will also be issued
using the library issue system.
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”
“
“
The school is great.
“
George Abbot has
welcomed me into
the sixth Form with
open arms, and I have
thoroughly enjoyed my
last years of education
here.
teaching is more personal.
”
“
“
Gives you a sense of pride going
through the lower school and then
into the Sixth Form.
”
“
I know many who have gone
elsewhere and are only focused
on socialising. Here we also
socialise but we still keep the
determination.
”
”
“
”
There is such a great atmosphere
and I’m really enjoying it.
”
I like the atmosphere
in classes as we are
talked to more like
adults.
The school subscribes to this service and all students have their
own logins. This online learning tool has practice papers for
seven A Level subjects.
Specialist Support
”
The teachers are
friendly and it is easy
to approach them
with any concerns.
“
The classes are smaller, the
SAM Learning
Please keep Mr Williamson informed of your plans and ideas,
however often they may change, so that relevant literature,
invitations, vacancies, etc. can be sent on to you directly.
”
best Sixth Forms around.
”
Students may borrow a library card for the University from USIC.
The university’s catalogue is available online.
•• Decide on the key questions you need to answer.
•• It will help to read general information about the broad
topic you are studying before narrowing your focus to a
specific area.
•• Find the information sources
•• Take notes focusing on your key questions.
•• Present your information looking for patterns and themes
and analysing what you have discovered.
•• Do not forget to cite any sources you have referred to using
www.bibme.org or other similar web tools
•• Remember knowledge and understanding, not data and
information are central to your research.
•• Information Centre staff are always pleased to help students
with finding and using information. They have an up to
date knowledge of Internet learning tools which can help
students organise and manage their learning.
“
Excellent past results. One of the
”
The school subscribes to a number of excellent reference tools
•• Literary Reference Centre
•• Science Reference Centre
•• History Study Centre
•• Philip Allan Magazines
•• The Day
•• Essential Articles
Online reference services are also available through Surrey
Libraries, although students will need a current Surrey Library
Card to be able to access these tools. A full list is available
through www.surreycc.gov.uk/libraries
“
Since joining the Sixth
Form I have become
more independent.
“
How to access the information
Year 12 (Spring and Summer term)
••
••
••
••
“
Books to support the curriculum – fiction books, newspapers,
careers information and advice, internet services, online
databases, quiet study area, computers and online resources.
Our Higher Education advisor is Mr Williamson and can be
contacted on 01483 888000
email: [email protected]
••
By current students in their own words.
What the Centre has to offer
•• Interviews by appointment with external career guidance
consultants - and or ‘drop in’ sessions with USIC staff.
•• Work experience, work related learning, work shadowing and
careers visits
•• Use of the Careers Library resources - literature, prospectuses,
FROG careers pages and websites.
•• Regular Feature Lectures from visiting speakers covering
relevant topics.
••
••
••
••
Why study at George Abbot Sixth Form?
“
”
The Sixth Form is a
sociable, friendly and
exciting environment
with teachers who
care about the welfare
and achievements of
the students.
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”
“
Sixth Form at George Abbot has already
been fantastic. My lessons are brilliant
and the opportunities open to us are
endless. You will not regret choosing
George Abbot.
”
HOME
Community Sports Leader Award (CSLA)
Critical Thinking
Sixth Form
General Studies
Sixth Form
AS Level
Course Code
Contact: How much is assessed through coursework?
All - You must complete 7 units. In addition you must take
Ms W Nightingale
part in 10 hours of demonstration of leadership within the
community. You will also need to gain a first aid qualification
Length of Course
on the course.
Three terms
What happens when you finish?
Entry requirements
Many students who complete the CSLA use it to help them
An interest in sport and coaching. You will need to submit a
develop an application for Sports Studies, Coaching, Teaching
letter in support of your application
and other related courses.
Why study the Community Sports Leader Award?
The Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership is a
Career Information
indirect supervision.
Particularly suitable for those wanting to go into the field of
The qualification teaches generic leadership skills such
sport, coaching or teaching. This course also allows you to
as organisation, planning, communication and teamwork
develop and demonstrate leadership skills.
through the medium of sport. It is a fun and practical
“
qualification with no entrance requirements or final
examinations to sit.
What will you be learning?
Lots of sport involved with
insight into positioning and
teaching to others.
•• The Community Sports Leader Award – a nationally
recognised Level 2 (GCSE level) leadership award
•• Working with youngsters from neighbouring schools on a
range of sporting activities.
••
What other learning can you do
alongside your CSLA award.
candidates to lead groups of people in sport/activity, under
Good inter-personal and organisational skills.
•• You will gain a first aid qualification from this course
AS Level
OCR AS Level 500
Mrs C Wilson
Course code
Contact ”
Entry requirements
Length of course Three terms
You would be studying four other AS subjects and we
would expect your GCSEs to be mostly at Grade A. The
course is intended for the more able student who wishes to
strengthen their academic competencies.
Entry Requirements Five A-C GCSEs
Why study General Studies?
General Studies is designed to encourage students to study
a broad range of subject material and provide them with the
This one-year course aims to develop a set of transferable
skills which will enable you to construct and analyse
arguments and evidence at speed, and to communicate
your responses precisely and effectively. It aims to introduce
concepts, terms and techniques that will enable students
to reflect more constructively on their own and others’
reasoning. Students will learn how information can be
presented in different formats, to judge the reliability of
evidence and what is safe or unsafe to infer the data.
opportunity to think widely and become aware of the key
What knowledge or skills should I bring to the course?
•• select and integrate information, data and opinions
issues in contemporary society. It is designed to:
•• develop a greater awareness of human knowledge,
understanding and behaviour
•• appreciate that there are various ways of interpreting
information
•• communicate clearly
•• marshal evidence and draw conclusions
You should have a real interest in current affairs and enjoy
the idea of hearing different points of view. You have the
ability to justify a point of view and present a coherent
argument to support it. You are likely to read a broadsheet
newspaper; The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph or
The Independent (or acquire a desire to do so!) and watch
documentary/news and current affairs programmes such
as Panorama, Horizon, World in Action, Question Time,
Newsnight, etc…
What will you be learning?
Thinking and analytical skills. Looking at issues related to
culture, science and society.
There are two units in this course.
Unit One: Culture and Society explores the challenges facing
society, whether they are scientific, technological or moral.
Unit Two: Science and Society - looks at the individual in society
Assessment:
OCR Paper One 1½ hours – 50% of AS Level.
and asks what influences behaviour and where values and
A general introduction to critical thinking skills, the structure
of arguments and appreciation of credibility.
opinions come from.
Developing your own arguments.
Two – 1½ papers.
Assessment
OCR Paper Two 1½ hours – 50% of AS Level.
How much is assessed through coursework?
This unit focuses on analyzing arguments and common
None
flaws in arguments. Developing your own arguments.
What happens when you finish?
What happens when you finish?
General Studies is part of the Sixth Form Graduation
Critical Thinking is part of the Sixth Form graduation
programme and forms part of the graduation portfolio. If
combined with the EPQ, three A Levels, and the required
citizenship hours.
programme and forms part of the Graduation portfolio. If
combined with the EPQ, three A Levels, and the required
citizenship hours. It may qualify you to be awarded the AQA
What our students go on to do:
Baccalaureate Award
Whilst not directly using the result gained by a student
in this subject as part of their offer, universities recognise
the rigour of this course and often use it as an additional
discriminator when screening the most able applicants.
What other learning can you do
The topics in these units will enrich all the other subjects in the Sixth
Form. Many students do use their points gained through General
Studies to gain access on to points based university courses.
Critical Thinking exercises are central to the Medical and Law
Schools Admissions Tests set by some universities.
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AQA GENA
Mr K O’Sullivan
Length of Course Three terms
Why study Critical Thinking?
You may wish to continue to develop your sporting interest
nationally recognised qualification that enables successful
Course Code
Contact: Sixth Form
Career Information Suitable for all careers.
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Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Sixth Form
Course Code
Contact: You submit a final piece of work that can take many formats
Edexcel EPQ
Mrs C Wilson
from an essay or report to a performance or piece of art. You
are assessed on your final piece but also the process you go
Length of Course: One Year or spanning Year 12/13
through to complete it. The skills detailed below are those
assessed and their weightings shown;
Entry requirements
This course suits those with a high points score at GCSE who
Managing your project: 20%
want to develop their independent learning and research skills
Using resources to research your project: 20%
and challenge their learning through personal research of a
Developing and realising your project: 40%
topic of interest.
Reviewing your work: 20%
What happens when you finish?
Why study the Extended Project Qualification?
The benefits to the participants are significant. Students should
The aim of the Project is to encourage intellectual curiosity and
become more critical, reflective learners who can develop
to realise academic outcomes from this. Students can choose
and apply decision making and problem solving skills as
either to develop further a topic they have already studied at
well as enjoying the challenge of synthesising, analysing and
A Level or to pursue a personal interest in a structured and
presenting the evidence of their research. It will equip you well
academic way. The EPQ will develop the independent learning
to cope with the demands of university and Higher Education
skills that Universities wish to see future students equipped
Study.
with ready to commence undergraduate study. It attracts UCAS
What our students go on to do:
points and is the equivalent of an AS Level and it also allows
As this course complements all subjects they can go on to
you to produce a detailed piece of work that can be taken to
literally do anything.
or sent to a top ranking university as part of your application if
work is requested. It will also allow you to develop thoroughly a
Special points of consideration:
personal passion in a particular subject area or field.
THE
SIX
Art – Painting, & Printmaking Art – 3D Biology Business Studies CoPE Chemistry Classical
Civilisation Critical Thinking Dance Drama and Theatre Studies Economics Engineering
English Literature English Language Extended Project Qualification Food Technology D & T
French General Studies Geography German Government & Politics Graphics Health and Social
Care History Information + Comm.Tech. Latin Mathematics Mathematics Further Maths
Media Studies Music
Philosophy
and
Ethics Photography
Physical Education
Physics
Product
Design Psychology
Sociology Spanish
Applied
Science
Sport BTEC Textiles
Art – Painting, &
Printmaking
Art
– 3D
Biology
Business
Studies
CoPE
Chemistry
Classical Civilisation
Critical
Thinking
Dance
Drama
and
Theatre
Studies Economics
Engineering
English Literature
English
Language
Extended Project
Qualification Food
Technology D & T
H
FORM
Currently, the school offers two EPQ courses:
What knowledge or skills should I bring to the
course?
Dissertation EPQ – Usually completed following the Critical
Participating students should be able to work independently,
term following AS examinations and throughout the Autumn
Thinking AS. The EPQ taught content is delivered in the summer
although they will be guided and monitored closely.
and Spring term of Year 13. Students submit their EPQ in
Participants need to demonstrate initiative and enterprise and
February of Year 13.
to be well organised. An interest in a particular field that you are
The Dissertation EPQ will usually be taken by more able
keen to study independently and in great depth. An ability to
students that have the capacity and commitment to take on
motivate yourself to study independently.
additional work having dropped an A Level subject at the end
Assessment
of Year 12.
Creative EPQ – This is for students who wish to produce an
EPQ that encompasses a work of art or performance piece. E.g.
A piece of music, a sculpture, a film, or a dance. This will be
completed by May in Year 12 or November in Year 13 .
GEORGE ABBOT
14
SCHOOL
2016-2017
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