Bushey Meads Sixth Form

A Centre Of Excellence

Welcome

• Mrs Ash- Assistant Head teacher in charge of Key Stage 5

• Mr O’Kelly– Head of Sixth Form

AIMS

• How to support your son or daughter

• Key dates and important tips from departments

• How to be successful• Who can help

A-Level is an Iceberg A-Level is a massive

jump in independent learning.

It is closer to University learning than it is GCSE

There is no spoon-feeding going on.

Think of your A Level course as an Iceberg. The lessons are the small but defining part above the surface but the important weight and depth are under the water

The Lessons

Independent Work

What can Parents do to help?

Support your son or daughter:

–Ask them about their courses –encourage them to talk

–Ask them about homework – why aren’t they doing any?

–Provide them with a place to work

–Check the Learning Gateway

–How many hours should they be working outside of lessons?

Voice of experience

What do students need to do to be successful?

A Level reform

Linear courses

As won’t count towards A2 anymore

THIS YEAR:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Psychology, Art & Design, Sociology, Business studies, Economics, Computing

English Lang/Lit – 2 year course, no As

How to be a

successful 6th Form

student - key

messages from

Faculties

If only I’d taken a language!

I just can’t believe I didn’t get into the university I wanted to go to. I

didn’t realise they’d want me to have a languages qualification. Now what am

I going to do??

AS Topics and sub-topics

1. Media

• Television

• Advertising

• Communication

technology

2. Popular Culture

• Cinema

• Music

• Fashion/trends

3. Healthy living / Lifestyle

• Sport/exercise

• Health and well-being

• holidays

4. Family / Relationships

• Relationships within the

family

• Friendships

• Marriage / partnerships

Unit 1 French or Spanish AS Level

• Unit 1 Listening, Reading and Writing

=70% of the total AS marks

Students will be given individual CD players which they control. The 2 hour exam is all on one paper and timing suggestions are given on it.

• Unit 2 Speaking French 35 minutes (20 minutes preparation time)Speaking= 30% of the total AS marks

AS Topics and sub-topics

1. Media

• Television

• Advertising

• Communication

technology

2. Popular Culture

• Cinema

• Music

• Fashion/trends

3. Healthy living / Lifestyle

• Sport/exercise

• Health and well-being

• holidays

4. Family / Relationships

• Relationships within the

family

• Friendships

• Marriage / partnerships

Support for students

• Students are offered one –to one support

with the class teacher as often as they

wish.

• All students see the Foreign Language

Assistant at least once a week from

October until the speaking exam. The

focus is purely oral.

ComputingHow to succeed

Applied ICT AS Level

Computer Science A Level

BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma-equivalent to 1 A level

Our top tips:

Don’t miss a deadline!

Keep up to date with classwork, home learning and independent study.

If you miss a lesson speak to your teacher as soon as you can and catch up with missed work.

Listen to feedback and act upon it!

Our top tips:

Ensure all work is backed up – get a USB external hard drive or use the cloud.

Read the exam specification and examiners reports and check your work against the standards.

Immerse yourself in everything related to computing. Read, watch and listen.

Learn to program and buy the recommended books. There are many online tutorials around, find one that suits your way of working.

HOW ARE THEY GOING TO BE ASSESSED

•WRITTEN

•PHYSICAL

•VERBAL

AS PE THEORETICAL UNITS (60% OVERALL)

•SOCIO-CULTURAL STUDIES

•ACQUIRING MOVEMENT

SKILLS

•ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

• HOW TO HELP ?

1.A LEVEL PE TALK – Watch sport and talk theory (10%)

2.Read Quality Press for sporting articles on contemporary issues (eg drugs, health and fitness, deviance)

3.Encourage students to do wider research for homework tasks

4.Test on KEY TERMS – see glossary

5.Revise thoroughly for Unit tests (excellent guide on progress)

AS PE PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT (30%)

•PERFORMANCE IS

ASSESSED IN 2

SPORTS FROM 2

DIFFERENT ACTIVITY

PROFILES

• HOW TO HELP ?

• ENCOURAGE THE STUDENTS TO CONTINUE

PARTICIPATING IN SPORT !!

• FOCUS ON WEAKER AREAS EG BADMINTON,

TABLE TENNIS

• ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO DEVELOP FITNESS

LEVELS

English A Level Language & Literature

This is a 2 year course

How to be successful: Commitment / consistency / organisation

Working in and beyond the classroom

Reading widely - fiction and non-fiction

e.g. any work by David Crystal, Bill Bryson ‘English, the Mother

Tongue’, quality newspapers etc.

● Linear assessment: no modules available

throughout the year.

○ AS examinations: Summer 2016

○ A Level examinations: Summer 2017

● Mathematical requirement: Between 10% - 40%

mathematical content (dependent on science)

● Practicals: No Controlled Assessment (ISA), but 12

required practicals and an Endorsement

● Mathematical requirement: 10%

of marks in each assessment.

Details can be found on the AQA

website

● Practical requirement: 15% of

each examination will examine

understanding of practical skills.

●

● Mathematical requirement: 20% of marks in

each assessment.

● Practical requirement: 15% of each examination

will examine understanding of practical skills.

● Mathematical requirement: 40%

of marks in each assessment.

● Practical requirement: 15% of

each examination will examine

understanding of practical skills.

Study Skills

(a) Bullet points and practice questions

Instead of rewriting notes word for word (tedious!), you could write out revision bullet points, preferably

from memory. Use the AQA website to print out some practice questions and then use the mark scheme

to assess your work.

(b) Working with others

Another good way to process information is to explain it to others – teachers will tell you that they only

really understood some things when they had to teach them for the first time! If you can find a friend who

will partner you regularly, you can explain topics to each other.

(c) Use manageable chunks

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by a whole unit, module or topic but if you approach it week by week in

smaller chunks, it will feel manageable. But you have to be organised and work regularly to keep up with

the constant flow of new material.

Three units in Year 12

Core 1

Core 2

Statistics 1

Equally weighted

A-80%, B-70%, C-60%

All three exams will be sat

in June 2015

There are no January

exams

Less opportunities for

resit, so change mindset

and ensure best score on

first sitting

Progress tracking and

improvement

C1 PPE

Progress tracking and

improvement

Topic assessments- DIAGNOSE strengths and weakness

- THERAPY given through Maths Surgeries,

independent studies, directed support from

teacher

- TESTING will take place to check if

weaknesses have become strengths

Maths Folder

- Students are expected to maintain

a well organised folder containing:

- Classwork notes

- Homework

- Independent studies

- Exam paper questions

- Problem questions

Support and

Independent Studies

- Maths Surgeries on Tuesday

lunchtimes

- Sixth Form Maths study space in

G6

- Textbook CD

- MyMaths

- www.examsolutions.net

GCSE Maths v AS Maths

GCSE Maths – last

minute? May survive.

AS Maths – last minute?

No chance

The Arts

Drama and Theatre Studies

• Currently working on Unit 1.

• Deadline: End of this term.

• Keep notes on every lesson.

• Every lesson counts towards the final grade.

The Arts

Fine Art / Graphics• Food and Drink

theme final pieces to be completed by mid-November.

• Preparation work complete by mid-October

The Arts

Media Studies• Group films: by October• Research, outline

treatment, detailed treatment, storyboard and shooting script: early November

• Individual films: early December

• Exam preparation ongoing

The Arts

• Look at the grading criteria very carefully.

• 1st Assessment (Unit 23: The Inspirational Performer) due in November

BTEC Music

The Arts

Photography

• Starting with techniques workshops up to November

• Main body of coursework completed by February

The Arts

• Dedication

• Research independently

• Take part

• Be critical

• Experience the Arts

Social Sciences

Faculty

Head of Faculty: Ms Knowles

The Social Sciences Faculty

SubjectsBusiness Studies

Childcare

Economics

G and P

Law

Psychology

Sociology

Key StaffMs Hazell / Mrs Pinkus

Mrs Bowyer

Ms Hazell

Mr Arnold / Miss Bevan-Davies

Ms Knowles

Miss Brewer / Mrs Broome

Miss Brewer / Miss Bevan-Davies

Any concerns?

Contact us

School email is

the most

convenient way

Faculty Expectations

In LessonsAttendance and punctuality

Be fully equipped

lined paper - to include a margin

bring any text books required

current folder - to be organised

homework

Be fully prepared

all homework completed by the

deadline to an excellent standard

for all tests etc

Be active and not passive

Take responsibility for own learning

➢ questioning

➢ responding to feedback

➢ sharing what you find

Faculty Expectations

Independent Study

Directed by departments - on top of homework e.g.

take advantage of opportunity, such as drop-in clinics

further reading

reading a quality newspaper

watching the news or other relevant programme e.g. ‘Question Time’; documentaries

delving into ‘A’ Level Magazines

going back over notes

buddying - helping others

looking back over staff feedback given - acting upon it e.g. re-drafting part of an essay

visits - e.g. to courts, Parliament

Texts and Reading

Each department has a list of recommended texts - including extension texts for

students who wish to take their learning to a higher level

Students are expected to purchase core texts themselves - they have been given

the details of these books by their class teachers via a letter.

For some, it is recommended

that they subscribe to a magazine

Social Sciences Policies

Minimum pass mark for all tests and exams - generally 60% (sometimes higher

for individual students)

Failure to reach this minimum will lead to a compulsory re-sit

Pre-public exam - January - all students expected to pass

Not passing - re-sit opportunity - possible withdrawal from the course

For those not reaching their target grade - re-sit opportunity

To keep you informed

school assessments

test results

concerns

successes

It would be really useful to have

your email address - this saves us

masses of time

Succeeding At Humanities’ A

Levels

• Humanities A levels include Geography, History and R.S. (Philosophy and Ethics)

• Commitment

• Organisation

• Preparation

• Engagement

Remembering

COPE will help

you not just to get

by but also to

succeed

Geography• Exam Technique

• Exam Command

Words

• Extra reading

AS Units

Unit 1 Global Challenge 60% of AS marks

Unit 2 Geographical Investigations 40% of AS marks

Assessment

Unit Title Exam Time Format 1 Global Challenge

1hr 30min In Section A you will use the

resource booklet to answer data

response and short answer

questions.

In Section B you will also use the

resource booklet and your own

ideas to choose and answer a longer

essay question.

2 Geographical

Investigations

1hr 15 min You will answer one question on

Extreme Weather and one

question on Rebranding Places. The

questions require longer responses,

each with three parts, designed to

include data response,

investigation and evaluation skills

and related impacts/management

issues. You will be expected to use

the resource booklet and our own

ideas from fieldwork and research

carried out.

The Year 12 Topics

The History A level course is a new course offered

by OCR based on the updated A level

requirements. In Year 12 students study two

topics;

• The Early Stuarts and the Origins of the Civil

War 1603-1660 (“British Period Study”) + The

Execution of Charles I and the Interregnum

1646-1660 (“Enquiry Topic”)

• Democracy and Dictatorships in Germany 1919

– 1963 (“Non- British Period Study”)

Assessment at AS Level

(H105)- 2016• Stuarts – one paper of 1 ½ hours including two

questions on a unit of sources + one essay from

a choice

• Germany – one paper of 1 ½ hours including

one essay question from a choice of two and a

question on historical interpretation

• Students opting to take the full two year A level

will be examined on these topics at the end of

Year 13

Key Steps To Success In

History

• Answer the question- learn to recognise command words

• Structure your argument- remember the importance of finishing with a strong conclusion

• Remember PEEL when writing essays

• Remember to

interpret

sources in

context – know

the topic

R.S. (Philosophy and Ethics)

The course offered is the Edexcel specification

• To be successful in RS students should:

• Write/type up notes they have taken in lessons.

• Supplement their class notes with independant study.

• Be aware of issues in the world around them.

• Be on time, organised and focused!

• Complete homework.

• Be prepared to answer exam style questions in class.

• Answer questions using the PEEL structure.

• If you don't understand ask!

A Level Product Design

Year 12: project 60%, practical exam 40%Year 13: project 60%, written exam 40%

The Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Professional Cookery) (QCF)

Course information:

● Health and safety in catering● Food preparation (sauces, fish, meat, poultry, cakes, pastries, desserts,

pasta)

Looking to the future…………..

To do well in A level D&T you should be:

creativeresilientorganiseddeterminedindependentan ideas persona problem solvera higher level thinkera good communicator

Careers:Product designEngineering (mechanical, electrical, civil)Fashion (designers, buyers, material specialists)Business managementSports and nutritionHospitalityLeisure and tourism

and many many more……………….

The Sixth Form Team

Assistant Head teacher in charge of Key Stage 5 – Mrs Ash

Head of Sixth Form – Mr O’Kelly

Assistant Head of Sixth Form – Mrs Hoskins

EPQ Coordinator – Mrs Neal

Learning Mentor – Ms Miller

Key Stage 5 administrator – Mrs Crane

Based in the Sixth Form Centre in order to provide day to day support and guidance

EPQ

An independent project based on a student’s personal interests

A stand alone AS qualification.

The only AS qualification with an A* grade

Develops the skills of research, follow through and completion

Highly regarded by universities and employers alike

EPQThis term students will: Develop a title / theme/ idea for their

project Complete initial research

Next term selected students will: Complete research

After AS exams selected students will: Finalise projects / products Present their projects to an audience

What can I do?

Be pro-active

Re-write my notes after lessons.

Re- work my essay responses/ ideas so that I understand them

Speak to my teachers, asking where I can improve.

Cut negative self talk.

Be honest – am I really working at the level I need to be at?

Perseverance

It is hard to do something difficult.

It is easy to give up when the going gets tough…

But learning to cope with difficulty, to become independent and adaptable is a vital part of education.

Intervention & Assessment

Settling in Check

–Next week, all teachers asked to make a judgement on how students have started the course.

–All concerns interviewed by 6th form team.

Intervention & Assessment

Assessments

– 4 Assessments over the academic year. Can be viewed on the Learning Gateway

27th November 2015

28th January 2016 – PPE results published

17th March 2016

29th April 2016

Consultation Evening– 24th February 2016

Examinations

– Commence 16th May

– A2 lessons commence 15th June

Pre Public Examinations

Week Beginning 11th January

Results to parents 28th January

Students who fail these examinations are in danger of being removed from the course

Opportunity to re-take – 29th February

Entry requirement for A2 in year 13 is a D grade

Students can no longer re take year 12 at the current school

CONTACT

Mrs Crane : 020 8955 8801

Ms Millar : 020 8955 8851