Year 12 Options Assembly Monday 20th 2017

56 Days to first exam Approx 30 School DAYS 112 HOURS 14 HOURS PER SUBJECT= 1 DAY PER SUBJECT!!!! Approx 30 School DAYS

Subject Choices September 2017

Entrance Requirements Minimum 5 GCSE A*- C grades Most subjects require you to have minimum of Grade B at GCSE Level Minimum of Grade C in Maths and English Excellent attendance record Excellent behaviour record Excellent work ethic

Range of Subjects on offer Art & Design Digital Technology (ICT) Business Studies Mathematics Biology BTEC Level 3 Creative Media Chemistry Music Drama & Theatre Studies BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts BTEC Public Services BTEC Level 3 Engineering Physics Applied Science English Literature Psychology Geography Religious Studies Health and Social Care (Single and Double) BTEC Sports Studies (Single and Double) History Software Systems Development Home Economics Technology & Design BTEC Childcare

Banbridge Area Learning Community Banbridge Academy Banbridge High School Dromore High School Southern Regional College St Patrick’s College Transport will be organised by the College and pupil progress is tracked through our tracking system. Parents meetings and reports are issued in line with College procedures for all Sixth form courses.

GEOGRAPHY     A - Level Geography requires a good GCSE foundation in order to study it. Course requirements involve • A minimum Grade C in GCSE • A genuine interest in the subject • AS level builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed within GCSE Geography; • A2 builds upon the foundation of knowledge, understanding and skills developed at AS level, and provides the basis for further study of Geography. AS MODULES (40%) AS1 - PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY (1hr. 15mins): Rivers, ecosystems and weather/climate, and the human interaction with them. AS2 - HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (1hr. 15mins): Human processes of population, settlement and development, and how they change over space and time. AS3 – FIELDWORK SKILLS & TECHNIQUES IN GEOGRAPHY (1hr.): This module examines geographical skills, those relating to fieldwork and manipulation of secondary data. A2 MODULES (60%) A2/1 - PHYSICAL PROCESSES,LANDFORMS & MANAGEMENT (1hr. 30mins): This examines two physical Geography units developed beyond the level studied in AS A2/2 – PROCESSES & ISSUES IN HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (1hr. 30mins): This module examines two human Geography units developed beyond the level studied at AS A2/3 – DECISION MAKING IN GEOGRAPHY (1hr. 30mins): Students analyse resource data, examine conflicting arguments and make and justify recommendations.  

Business Studies Introduction to the business sector and encourage candidates to develop skills, knowledge and understanding in realistic business contexts, such as discovering the problems and opportunities faced by local businesses and/or organising an enterprise activity.   Study the practices and techniques used within marketing, finance, operations management, human resource management. Social and ethical issues in business. AS Single Award Assessment A2 Single Award Creating a marketing proposal Portfolio Strategic decision making External exam Recruitment in the workplace A business plan for the entrepreneur Understanding the business environment External Exam Constructing a financial strategy

BTEC LEVEL 3 ENGINEERING Btec Level 3 Engineering Specialist work-related programme of study   Learning about Engineering Principles, Mathematics, Design and Manufacture. Qualification equivalent to A-Level. The BTEC Level 3 Engineering provides opportunities for learners to enhance a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in their working lives and career development. Btec Level 3 Engineering    Unit 1 Engineering Principles (120) Core Unit 2 Delivery of Engineering Processes Safely as a Team (60) Core Unit 3 Engineering Product Design & Manufacture (120) Core Work Experience in the Engineering Sector (60) Optional

BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Public Services BTEC LEVEL 3 PUBLIC SERVICES Inspire and enthuse learners to consider a career in the public service sector.   Gain a broad knowledge and understanding of the public service sector. Provide opportunities for the development of transferrable skills gained through outdoor learning, through walking expeditions and navigation skills. If successfully completed it provides a qualification equivalent to A-Level.   BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Public Services Core Units Unit 1 Government, Policies and the Public Services Unit 2 Leadership and Teamwork in the Public Services Unit 3 Citizenship, Diversity and the Public Services Optional Units Unit 35 Land Navigation by Map and Compass Unit 4 Understanding Discipline in the Uniformed Public Services

HOME ECOMONICS Builds upon the foundation of knowledge, understanding and skills developed within GCSE Home Economics and related subjects. A study of GCSE is useful preparation for AS and Advanced GCE level but not a prerequisite. However, a grade B at GCSE is recommended as this subject is demanding and involves independent study. UNIT ASSESSMENT FORMAT DURATION WEIGHTING AND MARKS AS 1: Nutrition for Optimal Health External assessment (compulsory) 1 hour 30 minutes 50% of AS 25% of Advanced Level Unit AS 2: Priority Health Issues. Unit A2 1: Consumer Issues. 2 hour exam Unit A2 2: Research-based Assignment.  

   MUSIC Entry Requirements You must have studied Music to GCSE level and achieved grade B or above in order to study the subject in Sixth Form. You should already play an instrument and/or sing and have some understanding of basic harmonic progressions and staff notation. The minimum standard for technical difficulty for: • AS Performing is Grade 4 or equivalent • A2 performing is Grade 6 or equivalent Units of Study AS1 – Making and Appraising Music 1 32% Practical AS2 – Responding to Music 1 18% Written Exam/Listening A21 – Making and Appraising Music 2 30% Practical A22 – Responding to Music 2 20 % Written Exam/Listening

PSYCHOLOGY What is Psychology? Psychology is the science of mind and behaviour. Its immediate goal is to understand behaviour and mental processes by researching and establishing both general principles and specific cases. Entry Requirements: A good GCSE background required, especially good grades in English, mathematics and biology. Course Content: Unit One: Introductory topics in psychology Social Influence , Memory, Attachment, Psychopathology Unit Two: Psychology in Context Approaches, Biopsychology, Research Methods Unit Three: Issues and Options in Psychology Gender, Schizophrenia, Forensic Psychology Assessment for A Level : Three papers each lasting 2 hours (worth 33.3% each). Questions include multiple choice, short answers and extended writing.

SOFTWARE SYSTEMS Written examinations and internal assessment. It includes the essential skills of programming and user testing. The ability to write computer programs in languages that are used widely in the industry is one of the most valuable skills to have in the world today. Knowing languages such as C# allows students to program and develop applications on a range of platforms such as desktops and mobiles It has been designed to help students: • develop subject knowledge, understanding and skills that will prepare them for work in today’s software industry; • demonstrate their understanding and application of key concepts through challenging internal and external assessments; • apply their skills to relevant work-related scenarios; and • research, develop and present their findings in a variety of formats. COURSE CONTENT AS 1: Introduction to Object Oriented Development 2hr Exam 25% AS 2: Event Driven Programming 25% Coursework A2 1: Systems Approaches and Database Concepts 2hr Exam 25% A2 2; Implementing Solutions 25% Coursework Written examinations and internal assessment. SOFTWARE SYSTEMS .

TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN Studying product design you will study either electronic and microelectronic control systems or mechanical pneumatic control systems. Taking GCE Technology and Design would also be beneficial when combined with other subjects. The fields of Art, ICT and Physics are just a few of the areas which would be enhanced by the skills and knowledge gained through the study of Technology and Design.   AS1 – Product Design and Systems and Control 2hr Exam 25% AS2 – Coursework: Product Development 25% Coursework A21 – Systems and Control 2hr Exam 25% A22 – Coursework Product – System, Design and Manufacture 25% Coursework Entry Requirements Technology and Design at GCSE level and a B grade or higher.   Assessment Written examinations and coursework.

Key Dates Thursday 24th August: GCSE Examination Results Day Monday 27th s March: Return Sixth Form Application Form Thursday 24th August: GCSE Examination Results Day Thursday 24th August: Sixth Form Interviews

Whatever you choose to do.. Do your best!!!