Teaching and Learning

Fine Art, Photography and/or Ceramics

Exam Board: AQA

View https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/as-and-a-level/art-and-design-7201

There are many careers in art, craft and design. Most of these require further study at an art school, further education college or university, and the AS/A2 is an ideal starting point. The course will give you a good working knowledge of materials, practices and technology within art. You will develop the skills to interpret and convey your ideas and feelings using art, craft and design. You will increase your imaginative and creative powers and your experimental, analytical and documenting skills. You will also develop a specialist vocabulary and the knowledge and understanding of the place of art, craft and design in history and contemporary society.

AS Level

Coursework Portfolio

Candidates produce a portfolio of work from starting points, topics or themes determined by the teacher. The focus is on including work that shows exploration, research, acquisition of techniques and skills.

Controlled Assignment

Candidates select one starting point from an early release question paper. You will be given a minimum of 3 weeks in which to plan and prepare. You are then given 5 hours of controlled time to work on developing the idea into a realisation/outcome.

A2 Level

Personal Investigation

Candidates submit one major project which has a personal significance. The investigation includes a related personal study that must be between 1000 – 3000 words.

Controlled Assignment

Candidates select one starting point from an early release question paper. They must be given a minimum of 3 weeks in which to plan and prepare. In 15 hours of controlled time, candidates work to plan and then realise ideas into a final outcome.

Exam Board: AQA

Biology is the science devoted to the study of living organisms and how they interact with the environment. We study life from the molecular level right through to entire ecosystems. Biology is not only fascinating, but it is the first step towards a wide variety of careers including medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.

The biology course consists of the following units:

1. Biological molecules – a study of the molecules that make up living organisms and their importance, eg Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids, ATP, inorganic ions and Water

2. Cells – studying the structure and function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, developing microscope skills and studying cell transport and recognition leading to an understanding of the immune system.

3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment – looking at how organisms absorb the nutrients they need to survive from their environment by studying gas exchange systems, digestion and absorption, and mass transport in both animals and plants.

4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms – we study the genetic material in cells, protein synthesis, mutations that happen in cell division and how this leads to genetic diversity and adaptations. This then leads to the study of species and biodiversity.
The AS course is assessed by 2 written papers each of 1.5 hours, whilst the full A level is assessed by 3, 2 hour papers.

5. Energy transfers in and between organisms (A Level only) – a study of how organisms use the energy from the sun in photosynthesis and how biomass is then used in respiration before analysing the transfer of energy between organisms and how nutrients are recycled.

6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (A Level only) – looking at how organisms respond to their environment via the nervous system and endocrine system, looking in-depth at the muscular skeletal system, blood sugar and osmotic balance.

7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems (A Level only) – a further look at genetics and the frequency of alleles past on looking at speciation and evolution.

8. The control of gene expression (A Level only) – we study the amazing developments of the human genome, the effect of epi-genetics on gene expression and the application of DNA technology in diagnosing and treating human diseases.

Assessment
The AS course is assessed by two written papers each of 1.5 hours, whilst the full A Level is assessed by three, 2 hour papers.

Investigative and Practical Skills
Throughout the course pupils are given numerous opportunities to develop investigative and practical laboratory skills. The activities chosen allow pupils to use their knowledge and understanding of Biology in planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating their work.

GCSE Grade 6 in Biology or Additional Science (higher tier) and maths grade 5 is the recommended minimum requirement to start the course.

Exam Board: AQA

Chemistry aims to answer the big question “what is the world made of?” To answer such a question we have to understand what matter is, how it behaves and why it behaves in the way that it does. The study of chemistry gives you intriguing insights into the nature of matter and provides many opportunities to tackle challenging ideas and experience the satisfaction of solving problems. Chemistry is an essential A level for a diverse range of careers, from medicine to geologist, dentist to environmental scientist. It is also a sound academic qualification for other subjects such as law, engineering or astronomy.

A wide range of chemical topics will be studied, split into the three broad branches of chemistry:

Physical chemistry: atomic structure, bonding, amounts of substance, kinetics and equilibrium. Inorganic chemistry: periodicity, transition metals and the reactions of ions in aqueous solutions.
Organic chemistry: functional groups and their reactions eg. alkanes, alcohols and carboxylic acids. Other topics include; aromatic (Benzene) compounds, amino acids and their polymerisation to proteins and DNA, as well as modern instrumental techniques, such as mass and NMR spectroscopy.

Chemistry is very much a practical based subject, and the course offers the opportunity to use a range of chemicals in a practical context. These include: measuring the energy changes in a chemical reaction, to more advanced forms of chromatography.

There are three exams at the end of the A Level, all of which are two hours long. At least 15% of the marks are based on what is learned from practical procedures. However, the practical work itself does not contribute to the overall A Level grade. A pupil’s ability to conduct practical procedures is given as a pass or fail dependent on their ability to work safely, and with accuracy and precision.

Chemistry is an academically challenging course and it is recommended that in addition to the requirement of GCSE Grade 6 in Chemistry or Combined Science, pupils need to be competent in GCSE mathematics (grade 6—higher tier), as at least 20% of exam marks include a mathematical element.Hence, if you enjoy an academic challenge and are fascinated by the world around you, then chemistry is for you.

Exam Board: OCR

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/computer-science-h046-h446-from-2015/

“At its heart lies the notion of computational thinking: a mode of thought that goes well beyond software and hardware, and that provides a framework within which to reason about systems and problems.”
(CAS-Computer Science a Curriculum for Schools).

Computer Science is a practical subject where learners can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems. It is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a digital prism.

A Level Computer Science will value computational thinking, helping learners to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. Learners will develop an ability to analyse, critically evaluate and make decisions.

The project approach is a vital component of ‘post-school’ life and is of particular relevance to Further Education, Higher Education and the workplace. Each learner is able to tailor their project to fit their individual needs, choices and aspirations.

The aims of this qualification are to enable learners to develop:
an understanding of and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science including; abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation,
the ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems including writing programs to do so,
the capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically,
the capacity to see relationships between different aspects of computer science, mathematical skills, the ability to articulate the individual (moral), social (ethical), legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology.

Assessment for the A level is divided into three components:
1. Computer Systems. Worth 140 or 40% of the total A level. This is a 2 hour 30 minute exam
2. Algorithms and Programming. Worth 140 Marks or 40% of the total A level. This is a 2 hour 30 minute exam.
3. Programming project, worth 70 marks or 20% of the total A level.

Assessment for the AS level is divided into two components:
1. Computing Principles. Worth 70 marks or 50% of the AS level with an hour and a quarter exam.
2. Algorithms and programming, worth 70 marks or 50% of the AS level with a hour and a quarter exam.

Creative and Performing Arts

Exam Board: RSL (Rock School London)

www.rslawards.com/vocational/creative-performing-arts/

In year 12 and 13 pupils study for the Creative and Performing Arts Level 3 qualification. There are options to complete a Diploma (equivalent to 1 ½ A levels) or Subsidiary Diploma (equivalent to 1 A level) over the two years. The course is split into modules with pupils completing controlled assessment, written and practical for each. There are two core units and a choice of optional units to complete.

Core Units

Live Performance
Plan, rehearse and perform an extended piece of dramatic performance. Regular rehearsals individually and as a group are compulsory in this module and you will not be able to pass the course without them. A love of the theatre is also recommended as we will need to see at least two performances in a professional theatre.
Planning for a Career
A chance to explore the creative industry and future career roles within it. You will interview people working in the industry, explore job roles available to you and how to get them. Finally, you will write your own CV and interview for a role in a fictional company.

Optional Units

There are a huge range of optional units which you could try out, this list gives an idea of the options available to you:
Acting for the Camera: understand the film industry, prepare to film a short scene and create your own short film
Theatre Spaces and Audiences: how does the theatre alter your performance? Where should theatre take place and where did it start? Learn the history of theatrical performance in this module, culminating in a performance of one script in two theatre spaces.
Approaches to Acting: learn how to build a character in four different acting styles. Perform in one chosen style for a live audience.
Acting Workshop: lead a group of pupils from year 7-9 in a workshop that you plan, prepare and deliver.

Economics

Exam Board: AQA

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/economics/as-and-a-level/economics-7135-7136

AS Level and A Level economics are split into two main sections, the first covers microeconomic issues and the second section covers mainly macroeconomic issues. However, students should appreciate that microeconomics and macroeconomics are not entirely distinct areas of study. Assessment will be by three written exam papers.

A Level economics will consider;

Individuals, firms, markets and market failure;

The national and international economy;

Exam Board: AQA

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/as-and-a-level/english-literature-a-7711-7712

Pupils choose English Literature at AS and A2 for a variety of reasons. Some are keen independent readers who want to experience new and challenging texts. Some enjoy the opportunity to discuss characters and psychology. Some are interested in philosophy, the ideas a writer may be exploring. Some relish the chance to be critics, analysing texts and arguing their own opinions with conviction. Others simply want to write.

Whatever motivates pupils of English, and whatever skills they bring to the subject, we hope that the literature will open doors into other cultures, other times and other people’s lives. Pupils will learn to think for themselves and will develop greater self-awareness.

There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ pupil of English Literature. A traditional combination of English with, say, Modern Foreign Languages and History is still popular. Increasingly, though, universities and employers are encouraging a ‘broader’ base at AS level. English can, therefore, be studied alongside the Sciences to demonstrate a candidate’s flexibility.

Students will be exposed to a wide range of texts from a variety of time periods, and they will include Shakespeare, poetry and prose. The aim of the course is to extend the students’ experience and appreciation of literature as well as to encourage them to read critically and undertake independent research, both of which are valuable skills for further study and future employment.

We consider English Literature to be a two year A Level course. In our experience, students mature in their approach to literature over time, and their written responses therefore strengthen considerably during the course. It is possible, however, to take an AS exam at the end of the first or second year.

At Fyling Hall we follow the Edexcel English Literature specification. This involves the study of 8 texts: a range of prose, poetry and drama. We work towards three examinations at the end of the course: one on Shakespeare and other drama; the second on a comparison of two novels; the third on poetry. All of these are ‘open book’ exams, meaning that you take the texts into the exam room with you. One piece of coursework is also undertaken, in which students prepare a comparative study of two texts of their choice.

Exam Board: Pearson

Exam Board Course Booklet

The Equine Management qualification offers an engaging programme with a comprehensive and practical approach to learning, perfect for students passionate about horses and interested in a career or further study in the equine industry. This qualification is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in various roles within the sector, from stable management to equine health and welfare.  It will also be a useful addition to A Levels for those considering related fields such as veterinary science. The qualification is designed to support progression to employment and can lead to apprenticeships, employment or higher education. It carries UCAS points equivalent to one A Level.

Course Structure

The course is modular and consists of 5 modules. To gain the qualification students will engage with sector employers as part of their course. This includes 75 hours of evidenced work experience with an employer in the sector, where opportunities will be given to develop practical skills in preparation for employment.

Modules

Equine Structure, Form and Function

Work Experience in the Equine Sector 

Horse Tack, Equipment and Rugs

Equine Health and Husbandry.

Riding Horses in the Open.

About BTEC

“BTECs embody a fundamentally learner-centred approach to the curriculum, with a flexible, unit-based structure and knowledge applied in project-based assessments. They focus on the holistic development of the practical, interpersonal and thinking skills required to be able to succeed in employment and higher education.”

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/projects/project-qualifications/EPQ-7993/introduction

An EPQ is an A-Level standard, standalone qualification. It is designed to develop and extend your abilities beyond A Level and to prepare you for University and a career.

Most students at Fyling Hall School take the EPQ, which sits alongside their A-Levels, it provides additional UCAS points and supports your University application.

An EPQ develops research and study skills and is valued by highly valued by universities and employers.

Students lead their own projects on a subject of their choice for their EPQ. It can be based on interests from within their existing study programme or from something personal and unrelated.

FILM STUDIES -AS LEVEL

Exam Board: WJEC Eduqas

ttps://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/film-studies-as-a-level/#tab_keydocuments

Many consider film to be the main cultural innovation of the 20th century and a major art form of the last hundred years. Those who study it characteristically bring with them a high degree of enthusiasm and excitement for what is a powerful and culturally significant medium, inspiring a range of responses from the emotional to the reflective. Film Studies, offers the opportunity to investigate how film works both as a powerful medium of representation and as an aesthetic medium.

The course is designed to introduce learners to a wide variety of films in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of film and the range of responses films can generate. It offers opportunities to study mainstream and independent American and British films from the past and the present as well as more recent non-English language European films.

Production work is a crucial part of this specification and is integral to learners’ study of film. Studying a diverse range of films from several different contexts is designed to give learners the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of how films are constructed to their own filmmaking and screenwriting. This is intended to enable learners to create high quality film and screenplay work as well as provide an informed filmmaker’s perspective on their own study of film.

The AS Level Film Studies aims to enable learners to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• a diverse range of film,
• the significance of film and film practice in national, global and historical contexts,
• film and its key contexts (including social, cultural, political, historical and technological contexts), how films generate meanings and responses,
• film as an aesthetic medium and
• the different ways in which spectators respond to film.

It also aims to enable learners to apply critical approaches to film and to apply knowledge and understanding of film through either filmmaking or screenwriting.

Exam Board: AQA

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/as-and-a-level/geography-7037

Geography is the study of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere, the human responses to them, and increasingly, the human effects upon them. The study of Geography will give you an insight into issues which affect your everyday life, ranging from physical aspects like coastal systems, hot desert environments and ecosystems, to human geography, covering topics such as global systems, population and urban environments.

Geography is often seen as a bridging subject linking the sciences and the arts. It can be easily combined with other A level subjects and helps pupils to keep their future options open. The A level course studies concepts with contrasting themes of contemporary or environmental impact, management and sustainability. The topics are designed to give students the opportunity to exercise and develop geographical skills including observation, measurement and geospatial mapping skills, together with data manipulation and statistical skills. As there is a coursework component, this may entail fieldwork that requires students to visit other parts of the UK or even go abroad and there will, naturally, be a cost to this.

An A level course in Geography can be studied by anyone who is interested in the subject although a grade B or above at GCSE level is preferable as it is an academically challenging subject.

Pupils studying Geography at this level may go on to a wide range of further courses, including Geography at degree level. Whatever lies beyond the Sixth Form the skills acquired through the study of Geography will prove to be of use in the future.

Component 1: Physical geography Section A: Water and carbon cycles

Section B: Either hot desert environments and their margins or coastal systems and landscapes

Section C: Either hazards or ecosystems under stress or cold environments

Component 2: Human geography

Section A: Global systems and global governance Section B: Changing places

Section C: Either contemporary urban environments or population and the environment or resource security

Component 3: Geographical investigation

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. It will be 3,000–4,000 words long.

Exam Board: OCR

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/history-a-h105-h505-from-2015/

History is the analytical study of mankind in the past. It is an excellent discipline for developing reasoning skills and for forming arguments supported by evidence. It also provides a basis for understanding the origins of many of the world’s current problems and is an ideal preparation for many careers including Law, Politics and Social Work.

The A2 course focuses on the 16th Century, and mostly on England. These are turbulent years of change as the Tudors seize the throne, Henry VIII breaks the thousand year link with Rome and destroys the monasteries, England seesaws between Catholicism and Protestantism. In Europe Charles V becomes Holy Roman Emperor at 19 and struggles at home to hold a Germany divided by religion together whilst, at the same time fighting the French and Ottoman Turks abroad.It is in these years, the age of the Renaissance and the Reformation, that much of the foundations of modern Europe and the world are created.

The Advanced GCE is made up of 4 mandatory units. These units offer both breadth and depth and the opportunity for students, to pursue an investigation into an area of their own interest, within the topic covered.

• England ,the later Tudors (1547-1603).
• The reign of Charles V and the German Reformation (1517- 1559). Historical Investigations and Interpretations: Elizabeth 1.
• Historical Themes: The Renaissance.

The unit Historical Interpretations and Investigations is internally assessed and externally moderated.

Note that although the knowledge of topics taught at GCSE is not a prerequisite for studying History, skills developed by the GCSE History course will be developed further by A level, and therefore a good GCSE grade should normally be held by any pupil wishing to study History in Year 12. However, in some cases it is acceptable for pupils to undertake A Level History without having first studied GCSE.

Exam Board: Edexcel

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/mathematics-2017.html

When you study Mathematics, you will not only learn new skills, but will apply them to solving problems. You will see how real life situations can be simplified so that mathematical techniques can be used to achieve solutions. As well as being worth studying in its own right, mathematics also provides a useful support for many other subjects and is a sought after qualification for entry to a wide range of careers and courses in Higher Education.

Pupils who are considering studying Mathematics at A level need to achieve at least a grade 6 at GCSE (minimum grade 7 for Further Maths), having followed the Higher Level GCSE course. Mathematics at this level does require hard work and commitment. Pupils who are well organised, give sufficient time to their studies and meet deadlines are the most successful.

In Year 12, pupils will study three modules needed for the AS level. These will be Pure Maths , Statistics and Mechanics. These are assessed by formal examination at the end of the study period with Pure Maths accounting for 100 marks. Statistics and Mechanics are assessed together with 30 marks available for each subject area. Year 13 is a continuation of the three modules covering more Pure Maths,Statistics and Mechanics. Again assessment is by formal written examination, but this time with two Pure Maths papers of 100 marks each and one combined Statistics and Mechanics paper with a total of 100 marks shared equally between the two subjects. In both Years 12 and 13, the mechanics module has close links to physics and engineering, whilst statistics is very useful in subjects such as biology, geography and economics.

Pupils who enjoy the challenge of solving mathematical problems may wish to study AS or A Level Further Maths in addition to the A level. They will need to be fluent and confident in algebra in order to provide a firm foundation for the mathematical concepts involved. Although it is predominantly the same subject, it does count as a separate A level and does take Mathematics to the next level. Students who wish to take just the AS in Further Maths would study this alongside the AS Maths in Year 12, studying Further Mechanics and Further Statistics in addition, dropping down to just the three A Level modules in Year 13. The AS Further Maths exams could be taken at the end of Year 12. Those who choose to do the full Further Maths course will be assessed in Core Pure Maths, Further Statistics and Further Mechanics at the end of Year 13. The Further Mathematics course is an excellent pathway to mathematical or engineering studies at university.

French / German

Exam Board: AQA

German AQA https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/as-and-a-level/german-7662

French AQA https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/languages/as-and-a-level/french-7652

Recent studies have found that companies in Britain are increasingly looking for people with language skills, and with fierce competition for university places it really pays to have a language qualification up your sleeve. Studying a foreign language at A level allows you to develop your communication skills and even if you are not going to continue with languages at university, research has shown that using more than two languages regularly can reduce your chances of developing Dementia as it can improve memory and mental agility. Language study can improve your critical thinking skills and help you to see the world through a different cultural perspective, as well as leading onto a wide range of careers in many areas such as business, travel and tourism and education.

The A level is academically demanding and you should be prepared to spend time working independently on vocabulary and grammar, as well as investigating cultural topics on French/German speaking countries, and read two novels in target language. There are 3 papers which test listening and reading comprehension, writing including translation and grammar, and finally a speaking test. You are examined in your ability to converse about a number of topics and also understand and convey your understanding of foreign language texts and recordings. You must also be able to show that you can use the target language in a longer piece of continuous writing

Ideally students starting an AS/A level course in a language should have a Grade 7 or above at GCSE and have attempted Higher level papers.

AS/A Level Content

Social issues and trends in French/German speaking society

• The changing nature of the family.
• The ‘cyber-society’
• The place of voluntary work

Artistic culture in the French/German speaking world

• A culture proud of its heritage
• Contemporary music
• Cinema: the 7th art form Individual research topic

Grammar

Works: Literary texts and films (French/German authors and directors).

Extended Certificate in the Creative Music Industry

Exam Board: RSL (Rock School London)

UCAS Points: Up to 84 for a Distinction * (equivalent to 1 A-Level) Syllabus/Code: Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma

https://www.rslawards.com/vocational/music-practitioners/

This is one of the exciting vocational qualifications that are offered at A level in Fyling Hall. RSL is a popular exam board in the UK with over 350 schools & colleges offering this popular course. Its aim is to prepare students for the music industry or further education. This course no longer requires a sit-down written exam, which is hugely beneficial for pupils who struggle under exam pressure.

The range of available units allows you to specialise in a specific area of study or undertake units in a range of disciplines to broaden your skillset. There are 2 core units together with 5 optional units from within the chosen pathway.

Students apply a range of skills, knowledge and understanding in preparation for employment/ further study. Units provide learners with knowledge and understanding of advanced concepts such as the style and context of performance genres, audition techniques, planning, repertoire, rehearsal schedules, the reviewing/analysis of performances and a solid grounding of practical/ technical skills that will prepare them for employment or be developed in further studies.

Examples of units available are: Listening to Music, Music Stage Management, Composing for Adverts & TV, Session Musician, Live Music Performance, Auditioning for Music and many more.

Each unit requires the students to evidence what they have achieved, prepared and produced for assessment. This can be achieved through a combination of audio recordings, video recordings and detailed write ups, as well as peer and tutor verbal/written feedback.

Career Pathways/Key Skills Developed

Students completing this course will have the skills to progress straight into the music industry. The course is divided into specific pathways offering the opportunity to undertake specialist learning that can be accurately matched to specific career sectors in the creative and performing arts industries. Occupational areas this qualification can lead to include:

• Session Musician
• Recording Artist
• Musical Theatre Career
• Composer
• Professional Performer

Learners can also progress into higher education courses such as degrees in a Conservatoire or university study in Music, Music Technology, Musical Theatre, Music for Film, Television and many more.

Why choose this course?

This is a fantastic course on par with A Levels that gives pupils the opportunity to specialise the course to their specific industry, occupation or music related degree. It equips pupils with the specialist knowledge and skills required to enter employment in the music industry or progress onto a higher education course.

RSL offers students the flexibility to be independent learners and removes the pressure of sit-down examinations. It is designed for a more practical learner who enjoys participating in performance, composition, production and so much more.

Physics

Exam Board: AQA

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/physics-7407-7408

Do you find yourself asking the BIG questions? What is the Universe? How does everything in it work? Then an A level in physics is for you.

Course description

We will be following the new AQA Physics A conceptual specification, a modular course comprising 6 units. The first AS unit consists of the nucleus, quantum phenomena and electricity. The second unit examines mechanics, properties of materials and waves. The third is designed to assess your ability to carry out practical work and will require you to maintain a portfolio of your experimental work in the lead up to a practical investigation research project. At A2, the first unit consists of further mechanics and fields, whilst the second unit is covered in two options of your choice. The third unit is designed to assess your ability to carry out practical work. Your individual progress and attainment will dictate the path you take – the familiar AS to A2 route or the new 2 year linear route.

Pupils are strongly advised to have attained at least a 6 grade in GCSE Science (ideally triple award Physics). GCSE Maths at 6 grade or above is now considered essential. It is also recommended that you take A level mathematics as an accompaniment to this course.

Potential careers

Physics is a well-respected and intellectually challenging subject. Physics graduates go onto a wide variety of careers from banking and finance to industry to teaching and research. An A Level in Physics will be looked upon favourably by many university admissions tutors across a breadth of courses but is usually a prerequisite for engineering courses, and single or joint honours Physics degrees

Exam Board: OCR

 https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/physical-education-h155-h555-from-2016/

What factors influence an individual’s performance? How can that performance be improved? These and other questions will be investigated, and you will have the opportunity to participate in a range of sports and physical activities

At AS level there are two modules of study and at A2 there are three modules.

AS Level—Physiological Factors Affecting Performance

Anatomy and Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics

Pupils will develop their knowledge and understanding of the changes within these body systems prior to exercise, during exercise of differing intensities, and during recovery.

Application of this theoretical knowledge will enable pupils to understand how changes in physiological states can influence performance in physical activities and sport.

Skill Acquisition, Sports Psychology and Sport and Society.

This component focuses on the psychological factors affecting physical activities and sports, including: models and theories that affect learning and performance in physical activities; how different methods of training and feedback work and why their effectiveness differs from person to person; group dynamics and goal setting.

Sociological and contemporary factors that influence and affect physical activity and sport for both the audience and the performer and how sport affects society are covered. It includes the emergence and evolution of modern sport and how social and cultural factors shaped the characteristics of sports and pastimes in pre-industrial and post-industrial Britain.

Acquiring, developing and evaluating practical skills in PE

Pupils will experience activities from across different activity and work towards responding to a live performance in one of their own assessed activities.

A2 Level: Principles and Concepts across different areas of PE

Anatomy and Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics

This component will expand on the topics covered at AS level and focus upon the key systems of the human body involved in movement and physical activity.

Skill Acquisition, Sports Psychology, Socio-cultural and Contemporary Issues, Sport, society and technological influences.

This component focuses on the sociological and contemporary factors that influence and affect physical activity and sport for both the audience and the performer and how sport affects society. The ever-evolving modern technology and its influence on sport performers and spectators will be understood and practical examples will be used by candidates to show the effect of modern technology.

The Improvement of Effective Performance and the critical Evaluation of Practical Activities in PE

Pupils will build upon the skills acquired and developed in one of their chosen activities and work towards responding to a live performance in their own assessed activity. This course will require a pupil to possess skills in writing and an appreciation of aspects of biology and mechanics in terms of their relationship to the cardiovascular and muscular systems of the human body.

What if English is not your first language?

One of the strengths of Fyling Hall is the diverse backgrounds of many of its pupils. Although it is strongly recommended that all pupils entering the sixth form should have a level of English which enables them to access the A level curriculum, it is understood that many students will arrive with differing English requirements. Our CELTA qualified teachers offer a range of courses designed to help students through their A levels and onto higher education if required.

Beginner to Intermediate

Students who are admitted to Fyling Hall with CEFR levels A1-B2 will prepare for the following Cambridge ESOL courses depending on their level of English:

Cambridge Key English Test (A1-A2) Cambridge Preliminary English Test (A2-B1) Cambridge First Certificate (B1-C1)

International GCSE English as a Second Language

Upper-intermediate to Proficient

A combined course leading to a Certificate in Advanced English and/or Certificate in Business English is available as a 4th or 5th option to supplement your 3 or 4 A level/AS choices. These are available to students who have IGCSE English or IGCSE English as a Second Language or Cambridge FCE at grade A. The Certificate of Proficiency in English course may also run for pupils who excel at English. These qualifications are recognised by employers and professional organisations throughout the world. They provide proof that you have the English skills to study courses, including business related courses at universities and colleges.

• The combined course covers the following skills:
• communicating effectively in face-to-face, managerial and professional situations; participating with confidence in workplace meetings and presentations;
• expressing yourself with a high level of fluency and talking about business-related matters; reacting appropriately in different cultural and social situations;
• writing short pieces of business correspondence, emails, reports, proposals, articles, essays, letters and reviews;
• listening to, understanding and contributing to discussions in meetings, interviews, radio broadcasts, presentations, talks and everyday conversations and telephone conversations;
• reading messages, fiction, newspapers, magazines and business publications; interpreting charts;
• Using English grammar and vocabulary confidently.

We are also able to help prepare students for IELTS exams if required by a specific university entry.

Most students at Fyling Hall School are expected to take the EPQ, which sits alongside their A-Levels and provides additional UCAS points. An EPQ develops research and study skills beyond existing A-Levels and is highly valued by universities and employers.

Students lead their own projects on a subject of their choice for their EPQ. It can be based on their interests from within their existing study programme or from something personal and unrelated.  An EPQ is an A-Level standard, standalone qualification. It is designed to develop and extend your abilities beyond A Level and to prepare you for University and a career.