Ursuline High School & Wimbledon College Course Guide 2021 - A Guide for Students and Parents
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Ursuline High School
& Wimbledon College
Course Guide 2021
A Guide for Students and Parents
1 Ursuline High School and Wimbledon College Course Guide 2021
Welcome to the Ursuline High School and Wimbledon
College Sixth Form
This is an exciting time to be choosing Sixth Form courses. In this booklet, we will give you information about
the range of courses which reflect the shared academic and vocational provision of the Ursuline High School and
Wimbledon College. For each course there will be details of the examination board used by that subject, a brief course
outline, details of the knowledge and skills that you will be developing as a student and an overview of how you will
be assessed and examined. More detailed information relating to the courses offered is available on the subject flyers
available on the Sixth Form Open Evening.
Choosing the right course
We offer a range of courses, with different pathways based on prior
attainment at GCSE.
Advanced Level and exciting HE courses. Pearson Edexcel is the main
Nearly all of our A Levels are two-year courses. They are provider of vocational courses and they lead to a BTEC
examined in Year 13 at the end of the two-year course qualification. Some courses are offered as a Single Award,
and graded from A*-E. As of September 2017 all A Level equivalent to one A Level, and others as a Double Award,
qualifications have changed from modular to linear equivalent to two A Levels.
courses, examined at the end of Year 13. Although AS
qualifications still exist, they do not count towards the
GCSE
final A Level. Progression into Year 13 is dependent on
achieving at least a grade D in Year 12. These are one-year courses, similar to those studied at
Key Stage 4. If you have not passed Mathematics or either
Vocational Courses English Literature or English Language with at least a
These courses run over two years. They are graded grade 4, you will have to opt for the relevant course for
Distinction*, Distinction, Merit or Pass. They are recognised you. All students on our Level 2 programme will study
by over 120 Universities and give students access to varied English Language and Mathematics.
Course guide – list of courses on offer
Level 3 – Two Year Courses Drama and Theatre Studies
Technical courses Advanced Subsidiary Level
Economics Extended Project
T Level: Digital Production,
English Language
Design and Development (Triple Award)
BTEC Applied Science (Diploma) English Literature
BTEC Business Studies (Double Award) French Level 2 – One Year Courses
BTEC Health and Social Care (Single Award) Geography
BTEC Health and Social Care German GCSE
(Double Award) History Mathematics
BTEC IT (Single Award) Mathematics English Language
BTEC Sports Science (Diploma) Further Mathematics English
Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate Music Citizenship Studies
in Peforming Arts (Single Award) Photography
PE (Sports Studies) Vocational courses Level 2
Advanced Level Physics (BTECs or equivalent)
Art and Design Politics Art Award
Biology Psychology Creative iMedia
Business Studies Religious Studies BTEC Travel and Tourism
Chemistry Sociology
Computing Spanish
We expect to offer all the courses below, but staffing constraints or student choices may mean that we are unable to offer some
courses.
2 Ursuline High School and Wimbledon College Course Guide 2021To help you choose the right course, you should talk to your tutor, Head of Year or Head of Sixth Form. Both schools
also have specialist careers advisors. Your present teachers have a very good idea of your abilities and the courses
which will suit you. If you are new to the Sixth Form you will be able to access advice after applying. Remember that
final decisions about which subjects or courses can be followed are made in August in the light of examination results
and career aspirations. When choosing courses you should consider:
WHICH SUBJECTS I LIKE BEST AND ENJOY?
• Which courses do I need to do to qualify for the university, college courses or apprenticeships I want to do and for
my future career?
• Does the package of courses look sensible and keep doors open for future progression?
• What do my GCSE grades tell me about my strengths and abilities and for which courses am I qualified?
TECHNICAL COURSES
Technical courses follow a broad programme of study which keeps students’ options open for employment, further
training or further and higher education. The main difference between A Levels and technical courses is the structure
of the programme and the methods of assessment.
• Students enjoy the variety, flexibility and independence which vocational courses offer, as each course is made up of
units which are gained separately.
• Students work on their own and as part of a team, do short projects and longer assignments, and many gain
experience in the workplace.
• Students take more responsibility for their own learning. Technical courses give them opportunities to decide what
to do and how to go about it.
• Students’ work is assessed by coursework and tests as they go along, giving them targets at which to aim.
• Students on technical courses are very often better prepared for university–style independent learning than students
on non-vocational courses.
• Many students will choose to study both technical and non-technical courses together, thus increasing their skill set
and keeping many options open for progression onto Level 3 courses, or into university or apprenticeships.
THE LEVEL 2 OFFER
Students with the grades relevant to be on this one-year course will study English Literature, English Language
and Mathematics as part of their ‘core’ studies. These subjects are of paramount importance in gaining access to
apprenticeships, into the world of work and also onto Level 3 courses. In addition, there will be a choice of subjects
from which to choose, offered by both Ursuline High School and Wimbledon College. These will not be subjects that
you have studied before, as our experience (and research) shows that students do better when on ‘new’ courses.
CHANGES AFFECTING KEY STAGE 5 COURSES
The Government has introduced changes to several aspects of Advanced Level and Vocational subjects. Some subjects
have had a new specification for first teaching from September 2015, others from 2016 and as of this academic year
(September 2017), all courses, both A Levels and Vocational, have been reformed.
In addition, the AS will now be a stand-alone qualification and will not count towards the A level. All examinations
will now be linear and therefore taken at the end of Year 13, covering the content of all the modules studied in Year 12
and 13.
The last major change affects vocational courses: although they remain essentially assessed through coursework, as of
this academic year (September), students will have to sit an examination at the end of the course and it will count for
20-30% of their final grade.
3 Ursuline High School and Wimbledon College Course Guide 2021Two Year Courses responses to ideas, observations,
experiences, environments and cultures
personal creative responses to ideas,
observations, experiences, environments
in practical, critical and contextual forms. and cultures in practical, critical and
contextual forms. Students are introduced
Course Fundamentals: to a variety of experiences employing a
T Level: Digital • Students gain experience of working range of appropriate media, processes
Production, Design and with a range of relevant materials, and techniques and build upon the
knowledge, understanding and skills
Development processes, technologies and
gained at GCSE with greater depth of
resources.
Taught at Ursuline High study.
• Students explore how ideas, feelings
Examination Board: Pearson and meanings can be conveyed and Course Fundamentals:
interpreted in images and artefacts
Why choose this course: The Digital developing a working vocabulary and • Students will learn how to follow
T Level will offer students a mixture of specialist terminology. a creative process, in which they
classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ explore and develop approaches to
• Students develop an appreciation of communicating ideas visually. They
experience during an industry placement
how images and artefacts relate to will explore how to generate and
of at least 315 hours (approximately
the time and place in which they were develop new ideas and develop their
45 days). The course will provide the
made and to their social and cultural intellectual, imaginative, creative and
knowledge and experience needed to
contexts. intuitive capabilities.
open the door into skilled employment,
further study or a higher apprenticeships EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT: • Students will learn to be pro-active,
This A level consists of 2 components. persistent and self-motivated,
Course Fundamentals: developing independence of
Component 1 – Personal Portfolio is
• Students complete a substantial worth 60% of the overall grade. The mind in developing, refining and
industry placement with a prestigious Externally Set assignment is worth 40% of communicating their own ideas,
employer to gain firsthand experience the overall grade. their own intentions and their
and develop the necessary skills that own personal outcomes in order
digital companies demand The Personal Portfolio incorporates three to produce creative, dynamic and
major elements: supporting studies, exciting outcomes.
• Learners gain an understanding of
practical work, and a personal study. • Students will understand how art
core theories, concepts and skills
Personal Portfolio skills are developed and design can inspire and challenge
necessary for the digital industry
starting at the beginning of Year 12 and the viewer through interaction with
• Students develop specialist skills and lead in to the Personal Portfolio project their work and engagement with
knowledge necessary for a future starting in Summer B and continuing to their ideas and continue to develop
career in the digital world the end of Autumn B of the second year. their interest and enjoyment of art
Students have to work in at least two and design whilst building their
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT:
disciplines. Graphics, sculpture, Textiles, knowledge and understanding
During Year 12 students will be examined Fine Art are examples of the disciplines
on two core modules and complete an of art and design and media and
students can choose from. technologies in contemporary and
employer set project. During Year 13 there
is an integration project to complete for past societies and cultures.
The Externally Set assignment
the occupational specialism element of incorporates two major elements: • Students will be encouraged to
the course. All projects and exams are preparatory studies and a 15–hour work and develop skills in a multi-
externally set and marked. The industrial period of sustained focus. The externally disciplinary and cross-disciplinary
placement is also a compulsory element set assignment title is released on 1st way, exploring the connections
of the course and is required in order to February culminating in the 15-hour exam between areas of art, craft and
achieve the T Level (sustained focus) in April. design and gaining knowledge
and understanding of the scope
The students’ work is both internally and variety of disciplines and
Art and Design assessed throughout the year and approaches including painting and
externally assessed at the end of the year. drawing, printmaking, sculpture,
Taught at Ursuline High lens-based image making and digital
photography.
Examination Board: Pearson Art and Design • EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT
Edexcel – A Level
Taught at Wimbledon College This A level consists of 2 components.
Why choose this course: The Art and Component 1 – Personal Portfolio is
Design course is an exciting and creative worth 60% of the overall grade.
Examination Board: Pearson
course that ensures the practical skill The Externally Set assignment is worth
Edexcel – AS Level and A Level
development of drawing, painting, 40% of the overall grade.
photography, textiles, sculpture and Why choose this course: The A-level
design. The course provides students Art and Design course provides students Component 1: The Personal Portfolio
with opportunities to develop personal with exciting opportunities to develop comprises a portfolio of development
4 Ursuline High School and Wimbledon College Course Guide 2021Two Year Courses
work and outcomes based on themes • Students develop an helps nurture a passion for the subject
and ideas developed from personal understanding of the appropriate through practical investigation and
starting points. Students’ skills are use of the camera, film, lenses, engaging learning. People wishing to
developed throughout Year 12 and filters and lighting for work go further in the following fields would
lead to a personal study in which pupils and techniques related to the be well suited to the course: biological
develop their contextual research and developing and printing of sciences, medicine/medical fields,
understanding in a minimum 1000 word photographic images, where dentistry, veterinary medicine, marine
essay before developing practical work in appropriate, presentation and biology and forensics.
response. layout.
Course Fundamentals:
Component 2: The Externally Set This A level consists of 2 components.
Assignment requires pupils to respond to Component 1 – Personal Portfolio is • Students cover topics including
an externally set theme with suggested worth 60% of the overall grade. The biological molecules, cells, organisms
starting points. It incorporates two major Externally Set assignment is worth and exchange substances.
elements: preparatory studies and a 40% of the overall grade. • The course covers areas on genetics,
15–hour period of sustained focus. The variation, the control of gene
externally set assignment title is released EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT expression
on 1st February culminating in the 15- This A level consists of 2 components. • Students study relationships between
hour exam (sustained focus) in May. Component 1 – Personal Portfolio is organisms, energy transfers in and
worth 60% of the overall grade. The between organisms, how organisms
Students’ work is both internally assessed
Externally Set assignment is worth respond to changes in internal and
throughout the two years, and externally
40% of the overall grade. external environments, evolution and
assessed at the end of the Year 13.
ecosystems
Component 1: The Personal Portfolio
comprises a portfolio of development EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT
Art and Design – work and outcomes based on themes
and ideas developed from personal The A level course assessment consists
Photography of three externally examined papers,
starting points. Students’ skills are
Taught at Wimbledon College developed throughout Year 12 and each 2 hours in length. Practical skills
lead to a personal study in which are assessed through core practical
Examination Board: Pearson pupils develop their contextual activities within the two years and
Edexcel – A-Level research and understanding in a the theory is tested through each
minimum 1000 word essay before examination. A certificate is delivered
Why choose this course: The
developing practical work in response. at the end of the A Level course.
Photography course provides students
with opportunities to develop personal Component 2: The Externally Set
responses to ideas, observations, Assignment requires pupils to Biology
experiences, environments and cultures respond to an externally set theme
in practical, critical and contextual with suggested starting points. It Taught at Wimbledon College
forms. Students are introduced to a incorporates two major elements:
variety of experiences employing a preparatory studies and a 15–hour Examination Board: Pearson
range of appropriate media, processes period of sustained focus. The Edexcel - A Level
and techniques and, as the course externally set assignment title is Why choose this course: Biology is a
progresses, build upon the knowledge, released on 1st February culminating fascinating science - a dynamic and
understanding and skills gained in Year 12 in the 15-hour exam (sustained focus) living subject. Arguably one of the
with greater depth of study in Year 13. in May. fastest growing areas of science - new
Students’ work is both internally discoveries in Biology are pushing
Course Fundamentals:
assessed throughout the two years, the boundaries of what we previously
• Students are given opportunity and externally assessed at the end of thought possible. Biology is not
to explore elements of visual the Year 13. without its controversies - students
language, line, form, colour, of Biology need to ask important
pattern and texture in the context questions about when life begins and
of Photography. Biology how we use the power of science.
• Students develop an ability to Taught at Ursuline High School • The course aims to introduce students
respond to an issue, theme, to the fundamental principles of Biology
concept or idea or work to a brief Examination Board: AQA – A - including life processes (respiration and
or answer a need in Photography. Level photosynthesis), cell biology, genetics
• Students gain an appreciation of Why choose this course: In Biology and ecology.
viewpoint, composition, depth you need a critical and questioning • The course covers three A level
of field and movement as well approach, enthusiasm, and a real interest modules: Biochemistry, Microbiology
as time-based photographic in the subject. The course develops the and Genetics, Physiology, Evolution and
techniques. fundamental principles of biology and Ecology, Practical Principles in Biology.
5 Ursuline High School and Wimbledon College Course Guide 2021Two Year Courses
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT Business Studies Level 3 • In chemistry, students learn how
the study of properties of materials
The A level is taught over two years, with BTEC Diploma
3 examined modules and a coursework enables chemists to deduce how
element. Taught at Ursuline High elements are bonding. They will
observe and explain patterns in the
Examination Board: Pearson Periodic Table, as well as explore the
Business Studies Edexcel BTEC Diploma group of Transition metals in detail.
Taught at Wimbledon College Why choose this course: The BTEC • Students will also learn about Organic
Level 3 in Business, which is equivalent chemicals, such as Alkanes, Alkenes,
Examination Board: OCR - A to two GCE A Levels, aims to offer young Alcohols, Halogenoalkanes and many
Level people the chance to develop the skills, more. Students develop problem
knowledge and attributes that they need solving skills through the use of
Why choose this course: The course to succeed in business, or to progress to spectroscopy. This will be applied
aims for pupils to develop an interest further or higher education. The nature of to the study of chemical processes
and enthusiasm for the study of business the course is mainly coursework with one occurring in the atmosphere, focusing
through gaining a holistic understanding exam and two controlled assessments. on the depletion of the ozone layer
of how businesses operate. For pupils and the greenhouse effect.
to develop a critical understanding of Course Fundamentals:
• ·They will use mathematics to work
organisations and their ability to meet
• Business Environment including out the amount of chemicals in a
society’s needs and wants and that in
resources and communication given substance. They will investigate
doing so there is a need to be aware of
equilibria and how equilibria can be
ethical dilemmas and responsibilities • Introduction to Marketing and the use
displaced. Students will understand
faced by organisations and individuals. of new technology
how the speed of reactions can be
• Investigating business (both National controlled and how mathematical
Course Fundamentals:
and International) relationships in kinetics enable the
• Meeting Customer Needs • Business Ethics chemist to deduce how chemicals
• Marketing Mix and Strategy • Economics react with one another.
• Entrepreneurs and leaders • Retail EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT
• Financial Planning • Human Resources At the end of Year 13, the A Level is
• Reserve Management • Communications Technology assessment is done through three papers,
the A Level assessment is done through
• Business Objectives and Strategy • Business Management
three papers, each 2 hours in length.
• Business Growth EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT The first one examines the inorganic
• Assessing Competitiveness This course comprises eight units, of chemistry, the second one examines the
which six are mandatory and two are organic chemistry. Physical chemistry
• Globalisation/ Expansion is split between the two papers, each
optionals. Three of the six mandatory
• Global Marketing units will be assessed externally. Units 2 paper represents 35% of the A-level. The
• The Market (Developing a Marketing Campaign), 3 last paper is worth 30% of the mark and
• Business Growth (Personal and Business Finance) and unit 6 examines any part of the syllabus and
(Principles of Marketing) are all externally elements of the practical chemistry. .
• Managing People Students’ practical skills will be assessed
assessed. This will mean that both unit
• Raising Finance 2 and 6 will be assessed as a controlled through activities within the two years
• Managing finance assessment whilst unit 3 will be an and a certificate is assessed through
• External Influences external exam. a Science Practical Endorsement. It
will not contribute to the overall grade
• Influences on Business Decisions
for the qualification, but the result will
• Decision Making Techniques
• Managing Change
Chemistry be recorded on the student’s A level
certificate.
• Global Markets and Business Taught at Ursuline High
• Global Industries and Companies
Examination Board: AQA – A Chemistry
Level
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT Taught at Wimbledon College
At A Level 3 Units are required to be Why choose this course: This course
covered and a 2 hour written examination suits logical students and enables Examination Board: Pearson
for each unit sat. students to have access to a diverse Edexcel – A Level
range of courses at university such
as Biochemistry, Medicine, Dentistry, Why choose this course: The course
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Environmental introduces and extends the ideas and
At A Level 3 Units are required to be Sciences and Forensics. implications of modern chemistry,
covered and a 2 hour written examination through experimental work. A wide
for each unit sat. Course Fundamentals: range of experiments are undertaken
6 Ursuline High School and Wimbledon College Course Guide 2021Two Year Courses
by the student which support the systems or a combination of both and the
teaching of key concepts. The • How data is represented and stored performance.
course develops the key skills of in different structures and the use of
data handling and analysis, thinking Component 2 - Coursework: Text in
different algorithms
creatively, planning, problem solving, Performance (20% of the qualification, 60
• Laws surrounding the use and ethical marks). A group performance realisation
and the linking of ideas.
issues that can arise from the use of of one key extract from a performance
Course Fundamentals: computers text and a monologue or duologue
• What is meant by computational performance from one key extract from a
• The relationship between chemical thinking different performance text.
bonding, structure, and the
• How computers are used to solve
physical and chemical properties of Externally assessed by a visiting examiner.
problems and programs can be
substances.
written to solve them Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice
• How energy transfers and changes to • The use of algorithms to describe Written examination (2 hours 30 minutes,
the order of the system, entropy, can problems and standard algorithms 40% of the qualification, 80 marks).
be used determine the feasibility of
reactions. EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT • Section A: Evaluating a live theatre
• The application of chemical The A level is taught as 3 modules. evaluation.
principles to industrial chemistry and • Section B: As a class, practically
1. Computer systems: an externally
environmental chemistry. explore a complete performance text,
marked paper worth 40% with a 2hr
30 mins exam focusing on how this can be realised
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT
for performance. Students answer
The course has several modules - leading two extended response questions
2. Algorithms and programming: an
to a full A Level at the end of Year 13. based on an unseen extract from the
externally marked paper worth 40%
Paper 1: 1 hour 45 mins, 90 marks, 30% with a 2hr 30 mins exam performance text they have studied.
• Section C: Practical exploration and
Paper 2: 1 hour 45 mins, 90 marks, 30% 3. Programming project: internally
interpretation of another complete
assesses, externally moderated
performance text, in light of a chosen
Paper 3: 2 hours 30 mins, 120 marks, 40% project worth 20%
theatre practitioner – focusing on
Students’ practical skills will be how this text could be reimagined for
assessed through the Science Practical a contemporary audience.
Endorsement. It will not contribute to the
Drama & Theatre Studies
overall grade for the qualification, but the Taught at Ursuline High
result will be recorded on the students’ A Economics
Level certificate. Examination Board: Pearson Taught at Ursuline High & Wimbledon
Edexcel – A Level College
Why choose this course: This is an
Computing academic subject, recognised by Examination Board: Pearson
the universities, designed to attract Edexcel – A Level
Taught at Wimbledon College
students with an interest in the theatre, Why choose this course: The course
TV and theatre production. The course
Examination Board: OCR – A covers theatrical practitioners, past and
aims to give an insight into key issues
Level present, theatre history and the study
in the news affecting everyday life.
Our goal is to allow you to understand
Why choose this course: : The new of set plays, and the development of the forces driving things like the price
linear A level focuses on programming a critical analytical approach towards of oil, exchange rates and the level of
and emphasises the importance of contemporary theatre. unemployment in an economy. The
computational thinking as a discipline. subject is split into two main sections;
The course also has a focus on Maths, Course Fundamentals:
microeconomics and macroeconomics.
though much of this will be embedded in • Students will be prepared to Whereas macro looks at the big issues
the course. Students will solve problems be actively engaged in theatre affecting the economy as a whole, micro
and design systems and software and will performance work. looks at a smaller scale. In the first year of
apply the academic principles learned in • The course is delivered through a the course you will study markets, market
the classroom to real world systems. practical and analytical approach to failure and the UK economy whilst in the
theatre. second year of the course you will study
Course fundamentals:
business behaviour, the labour market
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT and global economics.
• Components of a computer and their
Component 1 - Coursework: Devising
uses
a live theatre performance (40% of Course Fundamentals:
• Types of software and the the qualification, 80 marks). There
methodologies used to develop them are two parts to the assessment: a • Government debt
• How data is exchanged between typed or recorded/verbal portfolio • Unemployment
7 Ursuline High School and Wimbledon College Course Guide 2021Two Year Courses
• Exchange rates Language Variation – 2 hour 15 mins Extended Project
examination (35%);
• Prices: why do they always seem to Qualification
rise?
Child Language – 1 hour (20%); Taught at Ursuline High & Wimbledon
• Business: why and how do firms Investigating Language (pre-release) 1 College
compete? hour 45 mins (25%).
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT Examination Board: Ursuline
A ‘Crafting Language’ coursework folder High: AQA; Wimbledon College:
There are three two hour written is also submitted consisting of two pieces
examinations at the end of the A Pearson Edexcel
of original writing plus an analytical,
Level course. Paper 1 will focus on reflective commentary (20%). Why choose this course: The Extended
markets and business behaviour (35%), Project Qualification (EPQ) is equivalent
Paper 2 will focus on the national and to an AS Level qualification, with the
global economy (35%) whilst Paper possibility of attaining an A* grade. The
3 will focus on microeconomics and English Literature EPQ allows each student to embark on a
macroeconomics (30%). Taught at Ursuline High & Wimbledon largely self-directed and self-motivated
College project. Students must choose a topic,
plan, research and develop their idea and
English Language Examination Board: OCR – A decide on their finished product.
Level
Taught at Ursuline High We encourage creativity and curiosity. A
Why choose this course: The course project topic may be directly related to
Examination Board: Pearson aims to develop and improve a student’s main study programme, but
Edexcel – A Level students’ ability to understand and should look beyond the specification.
analyse literature across all three main Students will learn taught skills such
Why choose this course: This course
forms: prose, poetry and drama. For as how to choose a topic and phrase
covers language variation: how 21st
success in English Literature, students a title; how to select, evaluate and
century language varies according to
must combine a thorough knowledge reference research sources; how to
identity and use, and how language has
of the set texts with the ability to structure an argument, as well as project-
changed over time from 1550 to the
present a reasoned and coherent management skills.
present day. Students study how children
line of thought. The ability to
between the ages of 0 and 8 learn to
compare different writers’ styles and A finished EPQ product may take the form
speak and write. Later in the course they
approaches is a key objective along of a:
submit a creative writing folder choosing
with and enthusiasm for literature and
between fiction or journalism genres, • research based written report (5,000
wide reading.
together with a reflective commentary. words)
Finally they select a specialist language Course Fundamentals: • production* (e.g. charity event, fashion
topic such as English dialects or language
show or sports event etc.)
and power, and conduct their own • Students enhance their skills on close
linguistic investigation in preparation for prose analysis • an artefact* (e.g. piece of art, a
examination. computer game or realised design)
• Students develop a consideration
of how language and structure are *A written report must accompany these
Course Fundamentals: options.
manipulated for effect.
• Extend GCSE skills, comparing how • Students gain an insight into the role
writers convey identity considering Course Fundamentals:
of context in shaping great literature.
different genres, purposes and • EPQ is an additional qualification
audiences • Students compare texts across genres
choice, taught in just 2 periods a
and time periods.
• Learn specific linguistic terminology week; students are expected to do
to identify, label, sort and analyse EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT the majority of their project outside
language The course is taught in modules and lesson times.
• Link to History, Geography and is assessed through a mixture of non- • Students may choose to do a project
foreign languages by understanding examined Assessments (coursework) and on a topic of their choice.
how English has developed over time Examined Assessments. • The EPQ can link to any subject, future
• Cross-over with Psychology and career choices, or hobbies / interests.
Component 1 – Shakespeare, Drama
Sociology in the research, data • Promotes strong essay writing,
and Poetry, Pre-1900. (40% of A Level).
gathering and experimental nature of investigative, research and
Examination 2 hours 30 mins.
a real language investigation, as well management skills.
as the psycho-social reasons for using Component 2 – Comparative and
specific types of language. contextual study. (40% of A Level) EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT:
• Develop their own creative writing. Examination 2 hours 30 mins. As well as the finished product, students
must also record their project process
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT Component 3 – Non-examined in their Production Log and give a
Three examinations on: Assessment on Literature, Post-1900. (20%). formal presentation about their project
8 Ursuline High School and Wimbledon College Course Guide 2021Two Year Courses
an audience. All aspects are assessed PAPER 3 (no exam) Diploma
and grades A*-E awarded by the centre • Geography Fieldwork investigation: 60
supervisor and coordinator; projects are marks. 20% of A Level (3 000 – 4 000 Why choose this course: BTEC Level
then moderated by the examination words) 3 National Diploma in Health and Social
board. Care aims to provide an introduction the
sector. It is for learners who are interested
Health and Social Care in learning about the health and social
Extended Certificate care sector as part of a balanced study
Geography programme. The Diploma is equivalent in
Taught at Ursuline High & Wimbledon Taught at Ursuline High size to two A Levels.
College
Examination Board: Pearson Course Fundamentals
Examination Board: AQA – A Edexcel – BTEC Level 3 National The mandatory content of the
Level Extended Certificate qualification incorporates topics relevant
Why choose this course: Geography is Why choose this course: BTEC Level 3 across the health and social care sector:
often regarded as a bridge between the National Extended Certificate in Health
arts and the sciences; it aims to develop and Social Care aims to provide an • Human Lifespan Development
an understanding of the variable nature introduction the sector. It is for students • Working in Health and Social Care
of the earth’s physical landscape and the who are interested in learning about • Meeting Individual Care and Support
complex nature of our own relationships the health and social care sector. The Needs.
and interactions with the environment. extended certificate is equivalent in size • Principles of Safe Practice in Health
The course aims to investigate both to one A Level. and Social Care
Human and Physical Geography in
greater depth. Topics include: Water Course Fundamentals: • Enquiries into Current Research in
and Carbon Cycles, Coastal systems, Health and Social Care
The mandatory content of the
Hazards, Global systems and Governance, qualification incorporates topics relevant • Promoting Public Health.
Changing Places and Population. across the health and social care sector: The optional units cover the biological
Students will be engaged through the and sociological topics relevant to the
most up to date topical material as well • Human Lifespan Development different parts of the health and social
as by attending field trips to carry out • Working in Health and Social Care care sectors.
and learn techniques of geographical
• Meeting Individual Care and Support Optional units include:
investigations.
Needs.
Course Fundamentals: The optional units cover the biological • Sociological Perspectives
and sociological topics relevant to the • Psychological Perspectives
• Students develop an enjoyment of
different parts of the health and social • Supporting Individuals with Additional
both Human and Physical Geography
care sectors. Needs
• Students gain an interest in the world
around them and an appreciation of Optional units include: • Physiological Disorders and their Care
our planet • Nutritional Health.
• Sociological Perspectives
• Students further develop their high
level of written communication skills. • Psychological Perspectives EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT
• Supporting Individuals with Additional There are 6 mandatory units. Students
• Students become proficient in
Needs must complete and achieve at pass
analysing and interpreting graphical
grade or above for all the 3 mandatory
data • Physiological Disorders and their Care.
external units. Students must complete
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT all 3 mandatory internal units and achieve
PAPER 1 Physical – 2.5 hour exam: 120 There are 3 mandatory units, 1 internal a pass or above in 2 of these units. Unit 1:
marks. 40% of A Level and 2 external. Students must complete Human Lifespan Development and Unit
• section a) Water and Carbon Cycles and achieve at pass grade or above for 2: Working in Health and Social Care are 1
all these units. Unit 1: Human Lifespan hour and 30 minutes written exam units.
• section b) Coastal Systems and
Development and Unit 2: Working in Unit 4: Enquires into Current Research in
landscapes
Health and Social Care are 1 hour and 30 Health and Social Care is a mandatory
• section c) Hazards synoptic unit which requires students to
minutes written exam units.
• Field trip summer of year 12 complete a pre-released article and their
secondary research, drawing together
PAPER 2 Human - 2.5 hour exam: 120 their knowledge and understanding
marks. 40% of A Level Health and Social Care of working practices and provisions of
• section a) Global systems and global Diploma services.
governance
Taught at Ursuline High
• section b) Changing places Work experience
• section c) Contemporary urban Examination Board: Pearson Students are required to complete 100
environments Edexcel – BTEC Level 3 National hours of work experience with the health
9 Ursuline High School and Wimbledon College Course Guide 2021Two Year Courses
and social care sector. Learners will be Why choose this course: The aim of computational thinking skills and the
provided with a work experience log for the History A Level course is to ensure principles of designing and developing
them to record the skills they develop that students will develop their interest computer programs.
on their placement, and to plan for their in and enthusiasm for the subject and an
placement and development. understanding of its intrinsic value and Course Fundamentals:
significance. They will be able to build The objective of this qualification is
on their knowledge of the past through to give learners the opportunity to
History experiencing a broad and balanced develop their knowledge and skills in
course of study. The two-year course will information technology systems, systems
Taught at Ursuline High develop a range of skills including: management and social media in
In the first year, students study a British business and programming.
Examination Board: OCR – A
Level period and enquiry unit ‘From Pitt to
Learners will study these units:
Peel 1783-1853’ and a non-British period
Why choose this course: Students will ‘The Cold War 1941-95.’ In the second Unit 1: Information Technology Systems
undertake breadth and depth studies to year, students follow a thematic study (Y13 –External Assessment – 2 hr Written
develop an understanding of a specific unit containing a focus on historical exam)
time period as well as the key events and interpretations ‘Britain and Ireland 1791-
turning points in History. Students build 1921,’ whilst also researching and writing Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage
an extensive knowledge of the topics up a 3000-4000 word essay on an aspect Information (Y12 –External Assessment –
studied as well as developing skills such of ‘Nazi Germany 1933-45.’ 10hr practical exam)
as analysis, evaluation and interpretation.
• From Pitt to Peel Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business
Course Fundamentals: • The Cold War (Y12 – Assignment, internally assessed)
• Students study the Early Tudors in • Britain and Ireland Unit 6: Data Management (Y13 –
England (1485-1558) • Nazi Germany Coursework Assignment, internally assessed)
• Democracy and Dictatorship in
Germany (1919-1963) EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT
The course is assessed through This course consists of 4 units in total
• Students cover work on Civil Rights in
coursework and external examination. including 3 mandatory units and 1
the USA (1865-1992)
optional unit. The grades offered are Pass,
• The Development of Rights for Unit 1: (25%) Examination: 1 hour 30 mins
Women in Great Britain (1865-c.1918) Merit, Distinction and Distinction*.
is the core focus of the coursework Unit 2 (15%) Examination: 1 hour
assignment
Unit 3 (40%) Examination: 2 hours 30 Mathematics
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT mins
There are four units in the A Level: Taught at Ursuline High & Wimbledon
Unit 4 – Coursework assignment – 4000 College
Units 1 and 2 are studied in Year 12 and word essay (20%)
Units 3 and 4 are studied in Year 13. Examination Board: Pearson
Edexcel – A Level
Unit 1 – British period study (25%). IT Why choose this course: For the
Examination: 1 hour 30 mins (Early Tudors)
Taught at Ursuline High & Wimbledon suitable candidate, Mathematics is a
Unit 2 – Non-British period study (15%). College valuable A Level qualification which
Examination: 1 hour (Democracy and has become increasing desirable in
Dictatorship in Germany) Examination board: Pearson recent years as a support subject in
Edexcel – BTEC Level 3 National areas such as Science, Geography,
Unit 3 – Thematic study on historical Extended Certificate Economics and Business Studies. The
interpretations (40%). Examination: 2 whole of the linear course content
hours 30 mins (Civil Rights in the USA) Why choose this course: This is compulsory without any options
qualification is equivalent to one A Level for choice. Two-thirds of the course
Unit 4 – Coursework assignment – 4000 and provides students with up-to-date content is pure mathematics and one-
word essay (20% - Development of Rights IT industry knowledge as well as a range third content is applied mathematics.
for Women) of practical skills required to succeed The applied mathematics content
in higher education and in a modern consists of half statistics and half
day career. Students will develop a mechanics.
common core of IT knowledge and study
History areas such as the relationship between The pure mathematics content includes
Taught at Wimbledon College hardware and software that form an algebra and functions, coordinate
IT system, managing and processing geometry, trigonometry, calculus, vectors
Examination Board: OCR–A data to support business, using IT to and proofs. The statistics content includes
Level communicate and share information, statistical sampling, data presentation
10 Ursuline High School and Wimbledon College Course Guide 2021Two Year Courses
and interpretation, probability, statistical in Mathematics and who thrive on and debate contemporary and often
distributions and statistical hypothesis challenge. Students develop the skills controversial society issues in the target
testing. The mechanics content includes to explore new and more sophisticated language. The course provides many
kinematics, forces and Newton’s laws and mathematical concepts beyond A Level opportunities to attend conferences
moments. Mathematics. and cultural events throughout the year.
There is also an opportunity for work
Course Fundamentals: Course Fundamentals: experience abroad during February
• A strong skill set of algebraic • The course is designed so that half-term - in France, Spain or Germany
manipulation is essential to the students aim for an A Level in - which has proved an invaluable
development of skills from GCSE to Mathematics in their first year and experience for previous students.
A Level then they move on to begin the
Further Maths modules which Course Fundamentals:
• Applied content makes use of
mathematical techniques within build on prior knowledge and • A seven-week module focusing
contextualised problem solving understanding. on consolidating and deepening
situations. • Students should already have a students’ knowledge and
natural aptitude for solving problems understanding of the grammar.
• Mechanics includes the study of
motion, force, momentum and and a great enjoyment of the subject. • Practice and experience of the
kinematics Problem solving is a key component language as well as the culture are
of the course. gained through the weekly use
• Statistics includes the study of
probability, statistical diagrams, of authentic topical material, e.g.
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT
correlation and measures of average. traditional /current songs, newspaper
All papers 1hr 30 mins
The Edexcel pre-released large data headlines, magazine articles, radio
set (LDS) containing real data is used Paper 1 – Further Pure Maths 1 and TV programmes, now accessible
during the course to enable students to via the internet. Students also have
Paper 2 – Further Pure Maths 2 the opportunity and are encouraged
become familiar with it as some of the
exam questions are based on the LDS. to borrow DVDs and watch films on a
Paper 3 – Further Maths Option 1 One regular basis.
• Use of ICT is an integral part of the from Further Pure, Further Statistics,
course, particularly in the statistics Further Mechanics, Decision Maths • Students will study topics related
content to aspects of, culture, politics and
Paper 4 – Further Maths Option 2 One literature of the countries where the
• Real-life modelling is an integral part language is spoken and students
from Further Pure, Further Statistics,
of the course are expected to extend their studies
Further Mechanics, Decision Maths
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT at home using various forms of
media; homework, prep work and
A-Level Mathematics is examined in three
Modern Languages: independent learning sessions are
papers of equal weighting at the end of
all used to help the students acquire
Year 13. A calculator is allowed in all three
French key further education study skills as
exam papers
Taught at Ursuline High & Wimbledon well as to ensure that they experience
Paper 1: 2 hours – 100 marks – Pure College and enjoy the language outside the
mathematics content assessed at A level classroom.
standard German
• In teaching and learning the target
Taught at Ursuline High
language predominates once the
Paper 2: 2 hours – 100 marks – grammar module has been done,
Remaining pure mathematics content Spanish
and answers in English are kept to
Taught at Ursuline High School &
Paper 3: 2 hours –100 marks – statistics a minimum so students feel fully
Wimbledon College
and mechanics content from both years immersed. Some of the opportunities
split into two sections. to attend conferences and cultural
events, via the KS5 society include:
Section A: Statistics (50 marks); Section B: Examination Board: AQA – A
students organising events /
Mechanics (50 marks) Level
screening of films and seminar at BFI
Why choose this course: Modern and the target language institutes
Languages are highly regarded by (French, Goethe, Cervantes) / seminars
Mathematics – Further universities and studying a language at and debates attended via our “Lingua
Mathematics A Level offers the opportunity to not Franca” link with Kings’ College
only continue with languages in further
Taught at Wimbledon College EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT
education, but also to integrate it as
a part of many degrees, thus adding The assessment consists of three papers.
Examination Board: Pearson
an additional life skill to your CV. The Paper 1 is the Listening, Reading and
Edexcel – A Level
emphasis in new syllabuses is on Writing assessment (2h30mins and 50%
Why choose this course: This course contemporary issues, current affairs and of the A-Level) ; Paper 2 is the Writing
is ideal for students who have a passion communication skills, the ability to discuss assessment (2 hours and 20% of A-Level)
11 Ursuline High School and Wimbledon College Course Guide 2021Two Year Courses
and Paper 3 is the Speaking assessment popular music and jazz, fusions and new Physical Education (Sports
(21-23 minutes, including 5 minutes directions. There are three set works Studies)
preparation time and 30% of the A-Level). and a wide range of other related music
to study for each area. There is a final Taught at Wimbledon College
two hour written examination in which
Music students’ knowledge and understanding Examination Board: OCR – A
is tested through a mixture of listening Level
Taught at Ursuline High / Wimbledon questions and written responses.
College Why choose this course: Physical
Education examines both the practical
Examination Board: Pearson aspects of Physical Education but also
Edexcel – A Level Performing Arts (Drama) the theoretical aspects such as Anatomy
Cambridge Technical and Physiology, Biomechanics, Acquiring
Why choose this course: This course Extended Certificate Movement Skills, Sports Psychology and
continues the format of study from the
GCSE Music course and, as such, is divided
Level 3 Socio-cultural/Contemporary Issues.
Students have the chance to coach or
between performing music, composing Taught at Wimbledon College perform in a practical area of Physical
music and appraising a wide range of Education.
pieces. Students will learn to perform, Examination Board: OCR
compose and appreciate different types Course Fundamentals:
of music, developing critical and creative Why choose this course: The course
thinking, cultural, aesthetic and emotional aims to develop your love of drama, • Paper 1 (90 marks – 30% of total
awareness, and the ability to make music theatre, film and preformance. You will A level – 2 hour exam) on applied
individually and as part of a group. All improve your ability to work within anatomy & physiology, exercise
styles of music can be submitted for the a team, as well as your performance physiology and biomechanics.
performing and composing elements. skills and your critical awareness of • Paper 2 (60 marks – 20% of total
Students will need to be able to follow performance. A level – 1 hour exam) on skill
conventional notation and be able to use acquisition and sports psychology.
notation software. Course Fundamentals:
• Paper 3 (60 marks – 20% of total A
• Professions in the performaing arts level – 1 hour exam) on Sport and
Course Fundamentals:
sector and how to sustain a career in society & contemporary issues in
• performing music (30%) this field, with practicalopportunities. physical activity and sport.
• composing music (30%) • Learning about community arts • Students evaluate and analyse
• appraising music (40%) projects, one of which you will also performance in their chosen sport.
plan They are only assessed in one sporting
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT • Learning about theatre companies activity over the 2 years which is 30%
The student will prepare a recital at least and how they use particular styles of of the total grade.
eight minutes in length in which they will work
perform one or more pieces. They can EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT
sing or play and this can be undertaken • You will also develop performances 3 written exams
as a soloist or in an ensemble. The style and show that you understand the
of music performed is chosen by the creative processes involved Physiological factors effecting
candidate. performance – 90 marks 2-hour written
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT paper
The composing element requires the The course has several units.
submission of two compositions at Psychological factors effecting
least one of which has to be based on Unit 1 – Portfolio – externally assesses performance – 60 marks 1-hour written
a brief set by Edexcel. It is likely that paper
Unit 2 –Project proposal – extrnally
all candidates would use conventional
assessed Socio-cultural issues – 60 marks 1 hour
notation and notation software for this
although, depending on the style of written paper
Unit 3 – Performance – externally
music being composed and / or the
assessed Practical exam – 60 marks practical
given brief, it may be possible to use
alternative scores. One composition has performance & Analysis of Performance.
Unit 4 – Documantary evidence of
to be at least four minutes long and the the development process – internally
other at least one minute long. In total assessed
both pieces must have a duration of at
least six minutes. Unit 8 – Performing Repertoire-devising
performances in the style of practitioners
For the appraisal assessment students
will study music from a range of styles
and traditions including vocal music,
instrumental music, music for film,
12 Ursuline High School and Wimbledon College Course Guide 2021Two Year Courses
Physics their practical applications. Students are Unit 2: UK Government and Political
encouraged to reinforce their knowledge Ideas. Students will study:
Taught at Ursuline High through extensive practical work.
The constitution, parliament, Prime
Examination Board: AQA – A Course Fundamentals: Minister and executive, relationships
Level between the branches and one idea
• Mechanics
Why choose this course: Physics from the following: anarchism, ecologism,
• Materials feminism, multiculturalism, nationalism.
is an excellent subject that leads to
many further education pathways • Waves
• Electricity Unit 3: American Politics. Students will
including Medical Physics, Radiography,
study:
Architecture, Actuary, Optician, • Light
Engineering and even Stock Broking. The • Thermal Energy The US constitution and federalism, US
AQA Physics specification incorporates
• Nuclear Decay congress, US presidency, US supreme
many aspects of Physics from our
court and civil rights, democracy and
everyday lives into its course. This • Oscillations
participation, comparative theories.
engaging and inspiring GCE Physics • Astrophysics and Cosmology
specification houses both classical and • Further Mechanics The aims and objectives of this
modern day physics concepts under the qualification are to enable students to:
one course of study. The students look • Electric and Magnetic Fields
at ideas that defined Physics through the • Particle Physics • develop knowledge and an informed
ages, from Newtonian ideas of projectile understanding of contemporary
motion to modern day advances such EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT
political structures and issues in their
as particle physics, the development of Unit 1 Advanced Physics I
historical context, both within the
medical physics and the production of Exam 1hr 45 30%
United Kingdom (UK) and globally
the atomic bomb. Unit 2 Advanced Physics 11 • develop a critical awareness of the
Course Fundamentals: Exam 1hr 45 30% changing nature of politics and the
relationships between political ideas,
• The first year of the syllabus is broken General and Practical principles institutions and processes
up into 5 topics: Measurement and Exam 2hr 30 40%
their errors, Particles and radiation, • develop knowledge and an informed
Mechanics and materials, Waves and Practical endorsement understanding of the influences and
Electricity. In the second year, students interests which have an impact on
continue their studies with three decisions in government and politics
further compulsory topics: Further Politics • develop knowledge and an informed
mechanics and thermal physics, Fields understanding of the rights and
Taught at Ursuline High and
and their consequences and Nuclear responsibilities of individuals and
Wimbledon College
physics. groups
• In addition to this the students must Examination Board: Pearson • develop the ability to critically analyse,
choose at least one of the special Edexcel – A Level interpret and evaluate political
topics below: Astrophysics, Medical information to form arguments and
physics, Turning points in physics, Why choose this course: Students
make judgements
Engineering physics (re-branded will gain knowledge and an informed
Applied physics) and Electronics. understanding of contemporary political • develop an interest in, and
structures and issues in their historical engagement with, contemporary
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT context, both within the United Kingdom politics.
There are three 2 hour papers: Paper 1 and globally. The changing nature of
(34% of A Level), Paper 2 (34% of A Level) politics and the relationships between EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT
and Paper 3 (32% of A Level). In addition political ideas, institutions and processes There are 3 externally assessed
to theoretical work, students will be will also be studied. Students will develop examinations, all sat at the end of Year 13
expected to develop 12 key practical skill the ability to critically analyse, interpret
sets through topic based practicals. and evaluate political information to form Units 1 and 2 are studied in Year 12 and
arguments and make judgements Unit 3 is studied in year 13
Course Fundamentals: Unit 1 – UK Politics (33.5%) Examination:
Physics 2 hours
Taught at Wimbledon College Unit 1: Political Participation & Core
Political Ideas in the UK. Students will Unit 2 – UK Government (33.5%)
Examination Board: Pearson study: Examination: 2 hours
Edexcel – A Level Democracy and participation, Unit 3 – Comparative Politics (33.5%)
Why choose this course: The course political parties, electoral systems, Examination: 2 hours
aims to introduce the laws, theories and voting behaviour and the media and
models of modern physics and explore Conservatism, liberalism, socialism.
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