A LEVEL OPTIONS BOOKLET 2018 · Required practicals are completed over the A Level course....

1

2020-2021

LIME HOUSE SCHOOL

A LEVEL OPTIONS BOOKLET

2018

2

Contents Options ..................................................................................... 3

My Options ................................................................................ 4

Accounting ................................................................................. 5

Biology ...................................................................................... 7

Business .................................................................................... 9

Chemistry ................................................................................ 10

Computer Science ..................................................................... 12

EAL Department ...................................................................... 14

Cambridge IELTS ..................................................................... 15

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language ........................ 17

Cambridge Preliminary (PET) .................................................... 18

Cambridge A2 Key (KET)........................................................... 18

Economics ............................................................................... 19

English Literature ..................................................................... 21

Fine Art ................................................................................... 23

Food Science and Nutrition ......................................................... 24

History .................................................................................... 25

ICT ......................................................................................... 26

Mathematics ............................................................................ 27

Further Mathematics ................................................................. 28

Music...................................................................................... 29

Psychology .............................................................................. 30

Physics ................................................................................... 32

Sport ....................................................................................... 33

3

Options A warm welcome to Year 12, and beyond.

As you move into Year 12, you need to make option choices

regarding the subjects you wish to study in Sixth Form.

At Lime House School (LHS), pupils entering the Sixth Form

and wishing to study a subject to A Level should have

attained at least a Level 4 at GCSE in that subject. In

exceptional circumstances a pupil may be admitted on to an

A Level course without this if there are satisfactory reasons.

Any pupils not gaining five GCSE passes at Level 4 or above must continue

with the necessary number of GCSE courses until they have achieved five

passes. All pupils (excluding overseas students) must gain at least a Level 4

in Mathematics and English.

Sixth Form at LHS is very exciting, with organised University Open days and

one to one support with your UCAS application with 95% of university

applicants gaining places in their first-choice universities.

This is a very important stage in your academic career and our expert staff

are on hand to guide you with your choices and courses.

Mrs M Robertson-Barnett MA (Oxon) PGCE

Headteacher

4

My Options Pupils may select one choice from each of the option blocks below,

concentrating their choices on the three subjects they feel it most likely they

will study for the full two years of the linear A Level course and which will

support their future university choices and career plans. The fourth option

may be selected as an enrichment opportunity.

The option for Mathematics is for those wishing to complete A Level

Mathematics over two years. The option for Further Mathematics is for those

of significant mathematical ability who will complete the A Level

Mathematics and also the Further Mathematics A Level syllabus over two

years.

Option Blocks are for guidance only and may be subject to change at short

notice.

Block 1 • Business Studies

• History

• Mathematics

• Music

Block 2 • Sport

• Physics

• English Literature

• Accountancy

Block 3 • ICT

• Chemistry

• Art

• Economics

Block 4 • Biology

• Further Mathematics

• Psychology

• Computer Science

• Food Science and Nutrition

5

Accounting Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

Money makes the world go round…Even the best business ideas get

nowhere without sound financial management. So whether you want to work

for big business, be the next visionary entrepreneur, or have your own small

business, a knowledge of financial management is vital. This accounting

course equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to

assess the performance of all types of business organisations. It will enable

you to analyse and evaluate financial data effectively so that you can make

judgements, decisions and recommendations about how businesses can

manage their financial affairs.

If you are focused on further study or a career in accounting, finance,

business or banking this course is a great choice.

Even if you plan on becoming a professional musician or technical wizard,

it’s good to know about accounting. That way you’ll be able to control your

own finances and understand the implications of business propositions.

Examinations and Coursework

There are two written examinations at the end of the two year course. Each

paper is 3 hours in length and worth 50% of the marks.

Modules you will study

Year 12

An introduction to the role of the accountant in business

Types of business organization

Double entry bookkeeping

Verification of accounting records

6

Accounting concepts

Preparation of financial statements of sole traders

Limited company accounts

Ratio analysis

Budgeting

Marginal costing

Year 13

Standard costing and variance analysis

Absorption and activity based costing

Capital investment appraisal

Incomplete records

Partnership accounts

Accounting for limited companies

Interpretation, analysis and communication of accounting information

The impact of ethical considerations

7

Biology Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

A Level Biology combines well with Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics and

is extremely useful (essential in some cases) in preparing for medical, dental

and veterinary courses or degrees in the pure or applied sciences.

Pupils opting for Biology should also consider taking Chemistry as virtually

all degree courses which contain Biology in their course title require an A

Level in Chemistry.

Core content covers the following:

1. Biological molecules

2. Cells

3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment

4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

5. Energy transfer in and between organisms

6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external

environments

7. Genetics, populations, evolutions and ecosystems

8. The control of gene expression


There are twelve required practicals which are completed over the A Level

course. Questions based on the practical work are integrated into the

examinations.

There are three written papers for the final linear A Level qualification each

of 2 hours.

Paper 1: topics 1-4 (35% of A Level)

8



9

Business Exam Board

OCR

Overview of Subject

The CTEC qualifications in this specification are QCF Level 3 qualifications

designed to provide highly specialist, work related qualifications in a range

of vocational sectors. They give learners the knowledge, understanding and

skills that they need to prepare for employment. Learners can focus on their

career aspirations, or work area within the specification in which there are

six specialist pathways consisting of Finance, Management, Marketing, Law,

Administration and Human Resources.


Lessons will be a combination of taught theory and coursework production to

agreed deadlines with specific feedback to ensure the highest personal

attainment.


Students have to complete 6 units.

• Four core units which give learners an introduction to and

understanding of the business environment, management of resources,

marketing and communication

• Further two units must be completed in a area of specialist of their own

interest. Examples include Accounting, Business, Law, Retailing,

Human Resources, General Business or related issues.

10

Chemistry Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

Chemistry is an important component of many university degrees and an A

Level in Chemistry will be required for many courses. Studying Chemistry

also gives analytical and problem solving skills which prospective

employers value and is a useful addition to any curriculum vitae.

The two year course covers Physical, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry.


Required practicals are completed over the A Level course. Questions

based on the practical work are integrated into the examinations.

There are three written papers at the end of the two year course.

Paper 1: Physical and Inorganic Chemistry and practical skills

Paper 2: Physical and Organic Chemistry and practical skills

Paper 3: Any content and any practical skills from the core content list below


Core content covers the following:

Physical chemistry:

Atomic structure

Amount of substance

Bonding

Energetics

Kinetics

Chemical equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc

Oxidation, reduction and redox equations

Thermodynamics

Rate equations

11

Equilibrium constant Kc for homogeneous systems

Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells

Acids and bases

Inorganic Chemistry:

Periodicity

Group 2, the alkaline and earth metals

Group 7, the halogens

Properties of Period 3 elements and their oxides

Transition metals

Reactions of ions in aqueous solution

Organic chemistry:

Introduction to organic chemistry

Alkanes

Halogenoalkanes

Alkenes

Alcohols

Organic analysis

Optical isomerism

Aldehydes and keytones

Carboxylic acids and derivatives

Aromatic chemistry

Amines

Polymers

Amino acids, proteins and DNA

Organic synthesis

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Chromatography

12

Computer Science Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

This course teaches pupils an understanding of the main principles of

Computer Science. Pupils learn to develop a sound understanding of the

internal structure of computers, how they operate, and their use in solving

problems. They acquire the programming skills necessary to apply this

understanding to developing computer-based solutions to problems.

The course has three main areas of study:

Computer programming

Computer systems

Databases


The course is assessed through two components:

Component 1: two question papers of duration 2 hours 30 minutes, each

worth 40% of the final grade

Component 2: a practical programming project which gives pupils an

opportunity to implement their skills and develop a sophisticated system of

their own choice, worth 20% of the final grade.


Computer programming:

Knowledge and experience of programming complex data structures, use of

Object Oriented Programming methods, investigation into Computer

Science algorithms and the Theory of Computational Thinking.

13

Computer systems:

An in-depth look at data representation, computer hardware and

architecture, computer networking and how the internet operates and the

consequences of using advanced technology in today’s world

Databases:

Designing and implementing complex data systems and using SQL query

language of the rise of ‘Big Data’ and how it is analysed.

14

EAL Department The EAL team works hard to ensure that every pupil at Lime House School

follows a course that is appropriate to them. Each new pupil is given a

placement test to ensure that they are placed in the correct class. Pupils’

progress is monitored through regular formal and informal assessment.

Lime House School offers the following Cambridge ESOL examinations:

• Cambridge IELTS

• Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language

• Cambridge B1 Preliminary (formerly known as PET)

• Cambridge A2 Key (formerly known as KET)

15

Cambridge IELTS The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s

most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and

global migration.

More than 10,000 organisations globally accept IELTS test scores including

educational institutions, employers, governments and professional bodies. It

is accepted by as a measure of English language competence by UK and US

universities and most universities in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Lime House School offers preparation for the IELTS Academic examination

for those pupils who are planning to attend university.

Band scores accepted vary from university to university and because of this

we encourage pupils to research the entrance requirements of their chosen

universities. IELTS exams are generally taken at Newcastle College or the

University of Cumbria in Lancaster.


• Reading – 1 hour

• Writing – 1 hour

• Listening – 30 minutes

• Speaking – 11-14 minutes

16

Band Scores Skill Level Descriptors

Scores for each of the four skills are equally weighted. The overall band

scores are calculated by taking the mean result for each part of the test and

are calculated to the nearest whole or half band.

Band

9

Expert user You have a full operational command of the language. Your use

of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and you show

complete understanding

Band

8

Very good

user

You have a fully operational command of the language with

only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate

usage. You may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar

situations. You handle complex detailed argumentation well

Band

7

Good user You have an operational command of the language, though

with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate use and

misunderstandings in some situations. Generally, you handle

complex language well and understand detailed reasoning

Band

6

Competent

user

Generally, you have an effective command of the language

despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and

misunderstandings. You can use and understand fairly complex

language, particularly in familiar situations

Band

5

Modest user You have a partial command of the language, and cope with

overall meaning in most situations, although you are likely to

make many mistakes. You should be able to handle basic

communication in your own field

Band

4

Limited user Your basic competence is limited to familiar situations. You

frequently show problems in understanding and expression.

You are not able to use complex language

Band

3

Extremely

limited user

You convey and understand only general meaning in very

familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in

communication

Band

2

Intermittent

user

You have great difficulty understanding spoken and written

English

Band Non-user You have no ability to use the language except a few isolated

17

1 words

Band

0

Did not

attempt test.

You did not answer the questions

Cambridge IGCSE English as a

Second Language The aim of this qualification is for students to achieve a level of practical

communication which they can also use as a basis for further language study

in order to progress in their education. Apart from being one of the most

popular international qualifications for 14 – 16-year olds, it is also recognised

by a number of leading universities and employers.

Throughout the syllabus, students will improve their ability to understand

and use English in a range of situations and for a range of purposes.

Coursework is covered with a class textbook, student work book and the

Cambridge International online syllabus. The final examination includes two

papers, one for reading and writing skills, the other for listening skills as

well as a separate speaking component.


• Reading and Writing – 2 hours, 60% of marks

• Listening - 50 minutes, 20% of marks

• Speaking - 10-15 minutes, 20% of marks

18

Cambridge Preliminary (PET) Cambridge Preliminary is targeted at Level B1, which is Intermediate on the

CEFR scale. At this level users can understand factual information and show

awareness of opinions, attitudes and mood in both spoken and written

English. It can be used as proof of a candidate’s ability to use English to

communicate with native speakers for everyday purposes.

The Cambridge English Preliminary certificate is recognised around the

world as proof of intermediate level English skills for industrial,

administrative and service-based employment. It is also accepted by a wide

range of educational institutions for study purposes.


• Reading and Writing – 1 hour 30 minutes, 50% of marks

• Listening – 36 minutes (including 6 minutes transfer time), 25% of

marks

• Speaking – 10-12 minutes per pair of candidates, 25% of marks

Cambridge A2 Key (KET) Cambridge Preliminary is targeted at Level A2, which is Basic or pre-

intermediate on the CEFR scale.

An A2 Key qualification is proof of ability to use English to communicate in

simple situations. The exam tests all four English language skills – reading,

writing, listening and speaking. It should give pupils the confidence to go on

and study for higher-level exams such as B1 Preliminary and B2 First.


• Reading and Writing – 1 hour 10 minutes, 50% of marks

• Listening – 30 minutes (including 8 minutes transfer time), 25% of

marks

• Speaking – 8-10 minutes per pair of candidates, 25% of marks

• Culture and Identity

19

Economics Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

You will learn to apply economic theory to support analysis of current

economic problems and issues, and to appreciate the interrelationship

between microeconomics and macroeconomics, as a result you will be able

to relate your learning to the world around you - locally, nationally and

globally.


There are three two hour written examinations each worth one third of the

total marks

Paper 1- Markets and market failure (microeconomics)

Paper 2- National and international economy (macroeconomics)

Paper 3- Economic principles and issues (synoptic)


Part 1: the operation of markets and how they might fail

• 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

Part 2: the national economy

• The measurement of macroeconomic performance

• How the macro economy works – the circular flow of income

• Economic performance

• Macroeconomic policy

Part 3: individuals, firms, markets and market failure

• Individual economic decision making

20

• Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly

• The labour market

• The distribution of income and wealth – poverty and inequality

Part 4: the national and international economy

• Financial markets and monetary policy

• Fiscal policy and supply-side policy

• The international economy

21

English Literature Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

This course is designed to broaden literary horizons, deepen literary

understanding and develop literary tastes. An interest in reading literature

and a willingness to study independently are prerequisites for success at this

level.

Pupils will complete 2 examination papers for this subject along with a non-

examined assessment (NEA).

In Paper 1, pupils will study three texts; one poetry and one prose text, of

which one must be written pre-1900, and one Shakespeare play. The

examination will include two unseen poems.

In Paper 2, pupils will study three texts, one prose, one poetry and one

drama of which one must be written post 2000.


Paper 1- Written exam (40%) 3 hours

Paper 2- Written Exam (40%) 2 hours 30 minutes

Non-Examination Assessment- Assessed by Teacher (20%)


Paper 1

• Section A- Shakespeare

• Section B- Unseen Poetry

• Section C- Comparing Texts

Paper 2

• Section A- Set Texts, one essay question on set text

• Section B- Contextual Linking

22

Non-Examination Assessment

• Comparative Critical Study of two texts

• One extended essay (2500 words) and a bibliography

23

Fine Art Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

Art and design is about using your creative and analytical skills to explore

the world around you, working across a range of media to start developing

your practical expertise. Whether you want to pursue a career in the creative

industries or complement your other subjects, A-level Art and Design has a

lot to offer.

This is not an easy course. You need to be well-motivated, ambitious and

prepared to work hard. You will need to take responsibility for your own

learning and be organised as most of the course is assessed through your

portfolio. You will be expected to spend a significant amount of your spare

time doing portfolio work and undertake independent research and

development of skills.


At A-level for Component 1 you will develop work for a personal

investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme supported by written

material. This will count for 60% of your total A-level marks.

In Component 2 you will produce personal work in response to one of eight

exciting starting points which will count for 40% of your total A-level marks.

15-hour supervised time (examination) over three days.


You will learn how to paint, draw and make, as well as learn how to develop

your own ideas. You will learn about the history of art, issues in art and how

these connect with historical and contemporary events. You will visit

museums, galleries and exhibitions. You will have the opportunity to meet

artists and visit working studios. You will be given guidance in applying for

suitable courses and support in creating your university application portfolio

24

Food Science and Nutrition Exam Board

WJEC

Overview of Subject

This is a Level 3 Diploma is Food Science and Nutrition and is made up four

units.


Units 1 and 2 are mandatory; students then study unit 3 or unit 4

Unit 1 will enable the student to demonstrate an understanding of the science

of food safety, nutrition and nutritional needs in a wide range of contexts, and

through on-going practical sessions, to gain practical skills to produce

quality food items to meet the needs of individuals.

Unit 2 allows students to develop their understanding of the science of food

safety and hygiene and the food industry. Studying one of the two optional

units will allow students the opportunity to students subject of particular

interest or relevance to them, building on previous learning and

experiences.


Unit 1- Meeting the nutritional needs of specific groups

Unit 2- Ensuring food is safe to eat

Unit 3- Experiment to solve food production

Unit 4- Current issues in food science and nutrition

25

History Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

History is a great A Level for progression into social science and humanities

courses at university such as History, English, Law and Economics. It is,

however, by no means restricted to being useful for these courses alone.

Indeed many leading universities also respect science students taking

History as the analytical and writing skills gained from it are invaluable in

any field. Its depth, variety and challenging nature means that the skills you

learn from History A Level will remain no matter what subject is studied at a

higher level.


Paper 1: Written Exam (40% A Level) 2 hours 30 minutes

Paper 2: Written Exam (40% A Level) 2 hours 30 minutes

NEA: Extended Piece of Writing (20% A level)


Unit 1: Breadth Study- Tsarist and Communist Russia 1855-1964

Unit 2: Depth Study- Protest and Reform: The Transformation of Britain 1800-

1867

Unit 3: Historical Investigation

26

ICT Exam Board

OCR

Overview of Subject

The Cambridge Technical Level 3 introductory diploma qualification is worth

the direct equivalent to one A Level. Pupils follow two mandatory units and

five others detailed below.


There are no written examinations however students are required to

complete 7 units in total which will be internally and externally assessed.


Mandatory Units:

• Unit 1- Communicating in the IT Industry

• Unit 2- Working in the IT Industry

Five Units

• Customizing Software

• IT Security

• Mobile Communication Technology

• Multimedia Design

• Developing computer games

27

Mathematics Exam Board

Edexcel

Overview of Subject

This course covers pure mathematics including trigonometry as well as

differential and integral calculus and applications of mathematics which

includes both statistics and mechanics


There are three papers which will be taken in the summer of Year 13. Two

papers cover pure mathematics while the third paper covers applications of

mathematics and contains a section devoted to statistics and a second section

on mechanics.


The pure mathematics covers: proof, algebra and functions, coordinate

geometry in the (x,y) plane, sequences and series, trigonometry including

solving trigonometric equations, exponentials and logarithms,

differentiation, integration, numerical methods and vectors.

The applications of mathematics content includes:

Statistics: statistical sampling, data presentation and interpretation,

probability, statistical distributions and statistical hypothesis testing

Mechanics: quantities and units in mechanic, kinematics, forces and

Newton’s laws, and moments.

28

Further Mathematics Exam Board

Edexcel

Overview of Subject

Candidates who choose Further Mathematics also take A Level Mathematics.

This is not just more mathematics, it builds on the content of the A Level

Mathematics and takes the ideas further. It is best thought of as a fourth A

Level for ambitious pupils intending to study Mathematics, Physics or

Engineering at top universities. The course consists of a core pure

mathematics section and two options which are determined each year.

Core pure content: proof, complex numbers, matrices, further algebra and

functions, further calculus, further vectors, polar co-ordinates, hyperbolic

functions, differential equations.


There are four papers taken in June of Year 13 with two of these being pure

papers and the remaining two for the options.

29

Music Exam Board

BTEC

Overview of Subject

Students are responsible for keeping a portfolio of work most of which is

electronically sorted. In the case of Music, much of the evidence is collected

in the form of their performances. This is recorded at special music events, at

charity events and even on special occasions such as the school Carol

service and Midsummer Medley.


There are no written final examinations for this subject but students must

create a portfolio of all of their work.


1- Music Performance Techniques 2- Music Project 3- Singing Techniques and Performance 4- Solo Music Performance Skills 5- Composing Music 6- Work and Developing as a Music Ensemble

30

Psychology Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

Psychology can be defined as the scientific study of human behaviour and

experience. This stimulating subject combines fascinating content with a

rigorous and scientific approach to investigation. It has recently

experienced a huge growth in popularity, both as a choice for A Level and as

an undergraduate subject.

The course aims to develop both an academic understanding of the subject

and an appreciation of its impact on people’s daily lives. It provides a broad

introduction to the scope and nature of psychology as a science and

encourages pupils to explore how science works by looking at practical

investigations that are applicable to real life.

A Level Psychology develops your ability to formulate an argument by

presenting and evaluating research evidence critically. Accurate and

concise writing is important in answering short structure questions and

longer essay style questions. There is a compulsory mathematics element.

This fascinating subject combines very well with other science subjects and

also with other written subjects as the final examinations draw heavily on

essay writing skills.

The course gives pupils a better understanding of how human behaviour

from infancy to adulthood can have an effect on the society in which they

live. Pupils gain knowledge in areas such as: how memory works; what

happens when young children have their attachment to a mother figure

disrupted; how our behaviour changes with our social situation. The course

also explores current areas of research such as biopsychology where we

look at language; how disorders function in the brain and how they are

measured by PET and MRI scans.

31


There are three written examinations each one being 2 hours in length.

Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology

Paper 2: Psychology in context

Paper 3: Issues and options in Psychology

There is no coursework, but an important element of the course is practical:

the designing and carrying out of research, reporting findings and analysing

data.


Over the two years the following topics will be covered.

Year 12:

• Social influence

• Memory

• Attachment

• Approaches in psychology

• Psychopathology

• Research methods

•

Year 13:

• Social influence

• Memory

• Attachment

• Psychopathology

• Approaches in psychology

• Biopsychology

• Research methods

• Issues and debates in psychology

32

Physics Exam Board

AQA

Overview of Subject

This is a demanding A level subject. It requires a genuine interest in Physics

and how the world around us works. A strong mathematical ability and a

good grasp of English are both essential. These abilities and a willingness to

really think about the subject, as well as good study skills and motivation,

will make the course more enjoyable and, ultimately, successful. Ideally,

students should have attained a good grade (not less than C) in (I)GCSE

Physics and Mathematics


This is a linear, two year course. At the end of the second year, students will

sit three papers which will provide for terminal assessment

Paper 1: structured answers, covers Y12 work, 34% of the total marks.

Paper 2: structured answers, covers Y13 work, 34% of the total marks.

Paper 3: structured answers, part A assesses practical skills, part B covers

the option topic, 32% of total

marks.


Year 12: Measurement; Mechanics and energy; Electricity; Waves; Particles

and radiation

Year 13: Further mechanics and thermal physics; Fields (gravitational,

electric and magnetic); Nuclear.

Optional topics (students will study one of these only): Astrophysics; Medical

physics; Engineering physics; Turning points in physics or Electronics.

33

Sport Exam Board

OCR

Overview of Subject

This qualification allows students to sample the wide range of activities and

professions that are available in sport. There are some practical elements to

the course and students are required to be involved in a sport whilst

studying to help with their studies.


This is a coursework-based course with no written examinations. It is

assessed by teachers and then by the examination board. It is the equivalent

of one A Level.


Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology

Unit 2: Sports Coaching

Unit 3: Current Issues

Unit 4: Physiology of Fitness

Unit 5: Sports Nutrition

Unit 10: Outdoor Adventurous Activities

Unit 11: Practical Individual Sports

Unit 13: Leadership in Sport

Unit 19: Organising a Sports Event

Unit 26: Work Experience

A LEVEL OPTIONS BOOKLET 2018 · Required practicals are completed over the A Level course....

Documents

Transcript of A LEVEL OPTIONS BOOKLET 2018 · Required practicals are completed over the A Level course....