City College Norwich Sixth Form Centre Prospectus

sixth form CENtrE prospECtus

A LEVEL& GCSE COURSES

2012-2013

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City College Norwich | Sixth Form Centre

01603 773 773 | [email protected] | www.ccn.ac.uk/sixthform 3


The standards get higher and higher each year. Norwich, the city, and Norfolk, the county, should be immensely proud of this institution. This is a really special place.”Stephen Fry – former A Level student at City College Norwich.

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thE sixth form CENtrE

City College Norwich has a long pedigree. it was founded in 1891 and moved to its present site on ipswich road in 1953.

A Levels have been part of our provision for many years. in 2007, it was decided to bring all our A Level courses together into a specialist sixth form Centre, where full-time 16-18 year old students would be taught by A Level experts.

Key features of the sixth form Centre include:• A more adult environment than at school• highly qualified subject experts• Dedicated personal tutors to guide you through

your studies and onto degree level study or the first steps of a career

• our own specialist facilities.

Although a separate part of City College Norwich, the sixth form Centre benefits from the College’s excellent resources and facilities. these include a superb information Centre with thousands of books and other resources, 1,200 pCs, a tV studio and media suite, a sports hall and well-equipped gym; and there is a choice of five cafés and restaurants to eat in.

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Welcome to the sixth form Centre 5A message to parents 6helping you succeed 8tutorial support 9Extra help when you need it 10Life at college 1 1the students’ union 12Your future starts here 14A Levels 16Art A Level 18Biology A Level 20Business studies A Level 22Chemistry A Level 24Drama and theatre studies A Level 26English Language and Literature A Level 28English Literature A Level 30film studies A Level 32further mathematics A Level 34

CoNtENts WELComE to thE sixth form CENtrE

Dear student,

You probably already know about City College Norwich’s great vocational courses in subjects like business, sport and catering, but i want to tell you about our sixth form Centre, which you may not have heard so much about. it often surprises students, and their parents and teachers, to learn that more than 500 young people like you choose to study for A Levels and GCsEs with us each year.

You may also be surprised to know that we have been teaching A Levels here for many years. in fact, one of our most famous ex-students is stephen fry, who has said, “It all started here [at City College Norwich]. I will never forget it. I will never cease to be grateful for what it’s done, in such a perfect way. Not a mollycoddling way, not a stern authoritarian way, but a civilised way. We were not treated as children; we were students, not kids.

The standard of teaching was astonishingly high. Norwich, the city, and Norfolk, the county, should be immensely proud of this institution. This is a really special place.”

As well as being one of the biggest sixth forms in Norfolk, we believe we are one of the best. We offer a wide choice of subjects, expert teaching, individual care, support and help for you to progress on to higher Education or employment. We will treat you like an adult and work with you to achieve your goals.

i hope you will decide to join us for the next stage in your education and look forward to meeting you soon.

Yours faithfully,

steve Guratskyhead of sixth form Centre

Geography A Level 36Government and politics A Level 38history A Level 40Law A Level 42mathematics A Level 44media studies A Level 46photography A Level 48physics A Level 50psychology A Level 52sociology A Level 54textiles A Level 56Extended project Qualification (EpQ) 58Not ready for A Levels yet? 60Access to A Levels 62fresh start 64further support 66how to find us 67how to apply 68

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A mEssAGE to pArENts

successful completion of A Levels is one of the most effective routes to degree level study and professional careers. We believe it is critical that young people choose where to take their A Levels carefully and wisely, considering a range of providers and being willing to move on from a school environment, if that is the right choice for them.

City College Norwich helps students achieve academic success through its expert teaching and support, as well as providing somewhere to grow into confident and mature young adults, ready for the challenges of university and/or employment.

As an A Level provider, the sixth form Centre has adopted many of the best practices found in sixth form colleges around the country, themselves widely recognised as among the very best places for young people to study.

We are particularly proud of the working relationships our staff and students create, as equal partners in a shared endeavour. mutual respect is a given and we treat our students as young adults with both rights and responsibilities. part of this approach is a very clear expectation that students will work as hard as we do for their futures.

As part of this approach, we:• help students to choose the right courses and

settle in when they arrive• provide effective, challenging lessons

and tutorials • tell students how well they are doing and how to

do better• provide help and advice when students need it• help students move on to the next step in their

education or careers.

in return, we expect students to do everything they can to ensure their own success by working hard and acting on the advice of their teachers and tutors. in particular, we require students to:• Attend all lessons and arrive on time • Come to lessons well prepared and with all the

books and materials that will be needed• Work hard in and out of lessons, completing work

to the best of their abilities and to the deadline set.

We also recognise the vital role of parents in this student-college partnership, providing encouragement and support for students. this is why we seek to work closely with parents, by sending them copies of students’ progress reviews, holding parent Consultation Evenings and raising any concerns by telephone or letter as they arise.

tim Logan, Group tutor and GCsE and fresh start programmes

roz hicks, Group tutor previous head of a school sixth form

rebecca ford, Group tutorprevious head of a school sixth form

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tutoriAL support

in addition to academic expertise, we believe that care and support are essential to your success. this is why we have a team of specialist personal tutors and friendly, supportive, experienced teachers who will work with you throughout your time here.

sixth form Centre students come from schools all across the region, so we know how important it is for you to get to know other students and find out about life at college when you arrive. to help you do this, your first day will be an induction with your tutor group.

After this you will have weekly group tutorials on topics ranging from contemporary politics, to exam techniques that work and applying for university.

You will also have regular one-to-one meetings with your tutor. these are a chance to discuss your progress and resolve any problems or difficulties that you might be experiencing with your studies or personal life. You will also receive great support

and advice about things like applying to university and other college courses or getting that job or apprenticeship you really want.

A key focus in tutorial work is on helping you achieve the best possible results. We believe that anyone can do well if they embrace the idea that effort leads to success and that getting things wrong simply highlights areas for improvement. this approach draws on the ‘mindset’ approach developed by university of stanford psychologist, professor Carol Dweck.

tutorials take place in our specialist tutorial suite, with its own classrooms, private interview rooms and it and research facilities.

We also have a promoting Achievement in Learning (pAL) team who work with tutors and teachers to support students by monitoring your attendance and punctuality. they will also help you resolve any issues that you might face that affects your attendance.

hELpiNG You suCCEED

unlike many other sixth forms, we are very open in our recruitment. We recognise that students with widely varying previous educational experiences and achievements all have the potential to succeed. our entry requirements are carefully designed to help you choose the right courses, and not to boost our position in league tables by only accepting students who will achieve the highest grades.

We take the quality of learning and teaching very seriously. once you have enrolled, our approach is a simple one. Expert teaching and support, coupled with serious effort from you will enable you to succeed.

there is a simple relationship:

Effort = suCCEss

A key benefit of studying at City College Norwich is the focus that teachers can specifically give to A Level students. All of our teachers are experienced and well-qualified in the subjects they teach and specialise in. in addition to being excellent teachers, our sixth form staff includes examiners, moderators and textbook authors.

teaching methods should be based on evidence of what works. Drawing on 15 years of empirical research into effective teaching methods by professor John hattie, whose 2009 book, Visible Learning, analysed many thousands of studies. our staff development programme is currently focused on how we can use active learning approaches and detailed feedback to help you achieve the best possible results.

throughout your time here, we will treat you as an equal and you will call your lecturers and tutors by their first names. Nonetheless, we do still have some simple rules, designed to help you achieve as much as possible:• You must attend all lessons and be on time• You must work hard on your courses• You may not eat or drink in classes• You must turn off mobile devices in classes• You must complete homework and private study tasks

to the best of your ability and to the deadline set.

for each of your courses you will be set a minimum target grade, which we believe you should be able to achieve. on As and A Level courses, these targets are based on what previous students with similar GCsE results to yours’ have achieved.

to help you achieve at least your target grades there are subject support sessions outside of lesson time.

Dr peter Grime, head of mathsBsc (first) and phD maths, university of Durham

steven Doody, Law and historymodern history, oxford (Balliol College)Diploma in Law, College of Law, London

Lizzie harvey, Art and textilesBA fine Art, Norwich school of ArtmA textile Culturepractising artist, frequently exhibiting her work

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in the sixth form Centre, we want you to get as much as you possibly can out of being a student. Being part of City College Norwich means that there are a huge range of excellent facilities available to you.

student groups and societiesYou will have access to a variety of student groups, societies and associations, supported by the students’ union. Whether you want to meet new people, continue a hobby, learn something new or just get involved in student life, there is a group for you.

relaxing with friendsDuring breaks or after lessons, you can make the most of the many cafés and restaurants we have on campus, offering great food at sensible prices. You can grab a coffee, a light bite or a full meal, or even treat yourself to something really special in our fine dining Debut restaurant.

Get fit. Get activeYou can take part in a variety of sports and fitness activities.

in our newly refurbished sports Centre we have modern, up-to-date facilities which include a fully equipped gym and sports hall.

An activity programme will be available when you start at college and will include sports such as football, netball, rugby, climbing, kayaking and wind surfing, to name but a few.

telephone: 01603 773 626.

City College Norwich also has excellent links with the Norfolk football Association’s football Development Centre and Eaton Vale outdoor Activity Centre.

hair and beauty spaour solutions salons offer a wide range of hair and beauty treatments at a fraction of high street prices! these include hair cutting and colouring, facials, massages and tanning.

Call now for a hair appointment on 01603 773 229.

Beauty appointments on 01603 773 228, or just pop in to make an appointment.

ExtrA hELp WhEN You NEED it

the information storethe information store provides access to a fantastic range of resources to help you with your course, whether books, online resources, CDs, DVDs or magazines as well as more than 200 pCs, including laptops, all with internet access and a wide selection of software packages. our specialist staff will help you find what you need for your studies.

support for students with disabilities if you need extra help because of a physical or learning disability, the College offers a range of support services that can help you. for further information, please contact the Curriculum Support Team on 01603 773 058 or email [email protected].

the Enterprise Zonethe Enterprise Zone is a unique space where students are given the opportunity to develop 21st Century employment and self-employment skills, innovate and come up with ideas for developing new products, services and ways of working. students can access business mentoring and advice from the College’s entrepreneurs in residence and get practical help with job searching and CV workshops.

the Wellbeing Zonethe Wellbeing Zone has a range of resources to help you with health and wellbeing while you are a City College Norwich student. A Wellbeing Adviser is available to talk to you about any concerns you might have. the service is friendly, discrete and non-judgemental.

the Advice shopthe Advice shop can offer help and advice on a whole range of subjects, such as choosing the right course for you, careers and higher Education options, financial advice, personal issues and accommodation, as well as providing support for international students. Contact The Advice Shop on 01603 773 773.

Above all, it’s your collegeWe pride ourselves on listening to students and taking account of their views. We want you to have your say here in the sixth form Centre. student representation occurs at every level of the College – from tutor groups to the students’ union and the College Governing Body.

LifE At CoLLEGE

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thE stuDENts’ uNioN

Dear student,

As president of the students’ union, i am writing to extend a warm welcome to you as you consider your options for further study.

i was an A Level student here at City College Norwich, studying English, history and Geography. Whilst studying i became involved with the students’ union, helping to organise events ranging from trips to Alton towers to student parties and club nights, and high profile political events such as the protests against the cuts to student support.

the students’ union is by you, for you; its members are every student in the College.

You can get involved in your students’ union through the Class representative and school representative systems. these systems have been designed and built around the wishes of our students. Class and school representatives work alongside each other and college staff, so remember you can talk to them about any issue relating to your education.

As well as providing support and advice to students, we also assist in the running of a whole range of clubs and societies. these currently include a debating society, a self-defence society, a games society, a LGBt society and a feminism society. We provide funding and support to any group of students who wish to start their own student club.

our year kicks off with freshers’ Week, when you can find out about all the College and the students’ union have to offer.

i do hope that you choose to study here, and i look forward to meeting you and working with you to make City College Norwich the best place to study in East Anglia.

Yours faithfully,

tom hollickpresident 2011-2013

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DECiDiNG to AppLY

if you are still deciding whether you want to join us, take your time. this is a big decision and we know there are lots of options open to you. You can find out more about us from this prospectus, on our dedicated website: www.ccn.ac.uk/sixthform or at one of our open days.

AppLYiNG

You can apply using an application form available from our Advice shop, or to download from our website: www.ccn.ac.uk

tAstEr DAYs AND

iNtErViEWs

GEt off to A

fLYiNG stArt

rEsuLts DAY AGAiN!

thE rEst of

Your LifE

once you have applied to the sixth form Centre we will invite you to a taster Day where you will be able to find out more about us, our courses and have an in-depth guidance interview. our aim will be to help you choose the right courses, where you will be happy and successful.

Join us in July for a day or a week to get a feel for your chosen courses, meet staff and students, and get to know your way around the sixth form Centre.

When you receive your results at the end of your courses, we will be there to celebrate with you and to provide advice on what to do next, if you need it.

Even though the sixth form Centre is a great place to be, we know that you will move on to do other things with your life afterwards. You could be a scientist, a doctor, a designer, a film maker, an engineer or a teacher. it is really up to you. Whatever you decide to do, we will do everything we can to help you get there.

Your futurE stArts hErE

ENroLmENtiNDuCtioN

CoursEsWorKiNG

With Your tutor

At the end of August or beginning of september we will invite you to enrol. Your appointment will be based on when you applied to come to the sixth form Centre; so the earlier you apply, the sooner you will be able to enrol. this can be important, as some courses often fill up before the end of the enrolment period.

Your induction at the beginning of courses is when you start getting to know other students and how everything works in the sixth form Centre and the College. We know the College can seem large compared to school, and maybe even a little intimidating, so we have designed your induction to make sure you feel settled and confident here.

Your courses will start in september and will last one, two or three years, depending on which ones you take. (most A Level students are with us for two years.) We work hard to make all our courses interesting and help you achieve as much as possible, and we expect you to work hard on them too.

You will have a group tutorial every week and will discuss your progress in regular individual tutorials. Your tutor will also help you move on to the next stage of your career, at the end of your courses. this will include helping you write the best possible uCAs application if you decide to go on to university.

rEsuLts DAY!

if you are taking your GCsEs this year, we will be happy to talk to you on results day, or shortly afterwards, about your sixth form Centre courses. if your results are better or worse than you expected, you will be able to change your courses at that time.

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the minimum GCsE scores we ask for if you want to take certain A Level subjects take account of national statistics in the A Level information system (ALis). these tell us if you have a good chance of succeeding in each subject with a particular GCsE score.

Entry qualifications for different courses are explained within their subject descriptions on the following pages.

Working with our partner schools to offer a wider choice of A Levelsthe sixth form Centre aims to offer the widest possible choice of subjects to A Level students. the courses described on the pages that follow are all taught at City College Norwich’s ipswich road campus, but additional subjects can sometimes be taken in the sixth forms of schools that we work in partnership with.

the subjects that are available vary from year to year. they typically include:• Economics• french• German• Graphics• spanish• iCt• pE• philosophy and Ethics.

if you would like to take one of these subjects, or another one that is not in this prospectus, please indicate this in your application and we will try to make it available.

the entry requirements for these subjects vary and are agreed with the schools in which they are taught. they always include at least five GCsE passes at grades A*-C, including English.

A LEVELs

A Levels are among the most popular and useful qualifications around and are taken by around 80% of sixth form Centre students at City College Norwich. By focusing on three or four subjects in depth, you will develop advanced knowledge and skills that are relevant to both higher Education (hE) and employment. the majority of our second year students go on to higher Education study, including Cambridge university and within City College Norwich’s own hE provision, as well as other very selective and prestigious universities.

A Levels are divided into an As (first) year and an A2 (second) year. the As year will help you move on from GCsE to more advanced study and is a stepping stone to the full A Level standard of the second year.

A Levels vary widely from subject to subject and include traditional classes, practical work and field trips and visits. one thing they all have in common is that they are challenging. many of our former students who have gone on to university tell us that their A Levels were as demanding as the first year of their degree courses. in spite of these challenges, our results are good, with an overall pass rate of 98% in 2011, and 100% pass rate in the majority of subjects.

Each course has two or three modules per year. the majority are assessed through examinations, though some do have coursework.

to succeed at A Level, you will need to have academic ability, choose the right courses and be willing to work hard throughout them.

Choosing the right subjects can be complicated, but we will help you to choose the right subjects, subjects that:• You will enjoy • You will have a good chance of succeeding in• Will help you move on to the next stage in

your chosen career.

if you are thinking of applying later on for highly rated academic degree courses, we will recommend taking at least two of the ‘facilitating subjects’ recommended by the russell Group of selective universities, such as English, maths, Geography, history, science subjects and modern foreign languages.

to start any of our A Level courses, you will need grades A*-C in five full GCsEs including English. this is less than some sixth forms ask for, but we know that if you meet this entry requirement, and work hard, you will succeed.

some courses also have their own additional entry requirements, including minimum average GCsE points scores. these are calculated by adding up the points for all your GCsEs, using the scale below, and then dividing the total by the number of subjects taken:

A* = 8, A = 7, B = 6, C = 5, D = 4, E = 3, f = 2, G = 1, u = 0

for example, if you have a grade C in all of your GCsEs, your average would be 5.0. if half are at grade C and half at grade B, it would be 5.5.

City College Norwich | Sixth Form CentreCity College Norwich | Sixth Form Centre

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Art A Level will develop your ability to think and work as an artist. During the course, you will use a range of activities and processes to explore the use of visual language. Your work will be linked to your own personal themes and to the work of other artists and art movements. You will learn to think and write analytically about your own work and that of other artists.

practical work begins with a structured course, in which drawing and painting are covered extensively using a range of materials such as inks, charcoal, watercolours, acrylics and oil paint. You will then move on to printmaking and explore drypoint, collograph and relief techniques such as lino cuts. Basic sculptural methods using card and wire follow, and then a range of collage and mixed media techniques are explored. You will be able to use photography equipment and experiment with darkroom processes such as photograms, which can form a useful addition to more traditional techniques.

As part of the course, you will visit galleries and exhibitions – locally and in London. these have included the turner prize exhibition, as well as shows featuring the work of Gauguin, rauschenberg and Joseph Beuys.

Each year there is also a visual arts trip abroad to a city renowned for its artistic heritage. recent destinations have included paris and New York. in paris, students experienced an outstanding exhibition of women artists at the pompidou Centre and also a magnificent collection of post-impressionist art at the musée D’orsay. the trip to New York included the museum of modern Art, the metropolitan museum, the Guggenheim museum, the international museum of photography, the rockefeller Center

and visits to the statue of Liberty, the Empire state Building, and Grand Central station.

Each June there is an annual Visual Arts show, where Art, photography and textiles students show their best work in a gallery-style environment, which is open to the public.

to be successful on the course, you will need to have an interest in art and in the world around you and be able to work independently and with enthusiasm. You should also enjoy visiting galleries and exhibitions.

Assessment is through:• A range of practical work including experiments

contained in a work journal, finished pieces of coursework and a response to a theme set by the exam board

• A written personal study investigating ideas in textiles.

An A Level in Art can lead to related courses at a college, art school or university, and then on to a very wide range of careers in art and design and other creative industries.

Art can be taken with any subjects, but students often choose to combine it with other visual disciplines such as textiles, photography, media studies or film studies.

Entry requirements:• five GCsEs at grades A*-C including English and Art,

or a related subject, or a suitable portfolio of art work.

Art A LeveL

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Biology is the study of life including you and all other living organisms, from the molecular level right through to entire ecosystems.

Essential principles are taught in the context of today’s themes and issues, such as how our actions enhance the antibiotic resistance of bacteria and studying lifestyle factors that increase the risk of cancer and heart disease.

humans are part of the ecological balance and their actions affect it both directly and indirectly. should we try to prevent malaria by breeding and releasing mosquitoes that carry a gene that is lethal for their offspring, or cull harriers to increase the survival of red grouse chicks?

in the As year, the main areas of study are:• Biology and disease• Variety of living organisms.

in the A2 year, the main areas of study are:• populations and environment• Control in cells and organisms.

the course combines detailed theoretical knowledge with practical research including laboratory work, interpreting data to solve scientific problems and writing in a scientific way. the course includes visits to the Norfolk and Norwich university hospital, the John innes Centre and field studies to holkham and Anglesey, in Wales.

Biology is challenging, not only because of the content that is covered, but also in the scientific skills you will need to develop, such as in practical work and interpreting data. You will also need to understand chemical processes within organisms, so knowledge of chemistry is also useful.

BioLoGY A LeveL

Assessment is through a mixture of written exams and practical work.

An A Level in Biology can be the first step towards careers in fields such as; research science, marine biology, healthcare and forensic science, as well as medicine, dentistry and veterinary science. Biology is identified by selective universities as one of the subjects they prefer applicants to have studied at A Level.

Biology can be taken with any subjects, but students often choose to combine it with Chemistry, physics, mathematics or psychology.

Entry requirements:• A GCsE at grade A*-B in Biology or science and

Additional science• A GCsE at grade A*-B in mathematics• five GCsEs at grades A*-C including English• A GCsE average points score of more than 5.7

(see page 16 for details of how this is calculated).

Elliot Byford

Previously at: Rosemary Musker High School, Thetford

AS Levels: Biology A, Chemistry A, English Language and Literature B, Psychology A

Currently applying for Medicine, attracted to studying at the University of Sussex or the University of Leeds.

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this subject introduces you to the challenges and issues of starting a business and then goes on to explore the management of people, operations, finance and marketing.

the course is divided into four units covering:• planning and financing a business• managing a business• strategies for success• the business environment and change.

During the course, you will draw on general business principles and current events in the world of business to understand and evaluate the decisions organisations make. there is a strong emphasis on the practical application of what you learn. A lot of the work is based on data and case studies, where you will be asked to analyse a variety of business problems and situations.

to succeed on the course you will need to have an enquiring and logical mind and a general interest in what goes on in business, as well as good communication skills and confidence in handling data and numbers.

Assessment is through exams with varied question types, including data response and essays. there is no coursework.

An A Level in Business studies can lead on to a degree or foundation degree at a higher Education institute or careers in any industry, including general management, with specialisms such as accounting and finance, marketing or human resources. You could also start up your own business using the skills you have learned during the course.

Business studies can be combined with a wide variety of other subjects. some students take it with subjects that can be useful in business such as Law, psychology or media studies, while others prefer mathematics or science courses.

Entry requirements:• five GCsEs at grades A*-C including English

and mathematics• A GCsE average points score of at least 5.0

(see page 16 for details of how this is calculated)• You do not need to have studied Business studies

before, but if you have, you will need to have a GCsE at grade A*-C or equivalent.

BusiNEss stuDiEs A LeveL

Rosie Dickens

Previously at: Rosemary Musker High School, Thetford

A Levels: Business Studies A*, Government and Politics A*, Psychology A

BA Music and Entertainment Industry Management at the University of Hertfordshire.

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ChEmistrY A LeveL

Are you fascinated by chemical reactions? Do you want to explore the world of atoms and molecules? if so, then Chemistry is for you. from medical discoveries to microscopic organisms, Chemistry is central to our understanding of the universe.

topics include:• the structure of atoms and how they

form bonds• Chemical reactions• the periodic table and groups within it• Quantities and the mole concept• Groups of organic chemicals• making new chemicals• Analysing the structure of

unknown substances.

Work includes lectures, note taking, question and answer sessions, problem solving, written work and model building. Classes include demonstrations and practical laboratory work. You will develop a range of skills such as making observations, collecting data, titration and organic synthesis. Links with the university of East Anglia allow college students to work alongside undergraduates, such as on a spectroscopy day.

You are likely to enjoy and do well in this subject if:• You are intrigued by the science that you have

studied so far and want to know more • You can understand and remember lots of facts

and abstract concepts• You enjoy practical laboratory work• You can cope fairly easily with mathematics and

like to use it in problem solving• You are prepared to work hard and have a go at

any questions you are set.

Assessment is through two written exams and practical work in each year.

An A Level in Chemistry can lead to careers in fields such as; research science, healthcare and forensic science, as well as medicine, dentistry and veterinary science. Chemistry is identified by selective universities as one of the subjects they prefer applicants to have studied at A Level.

Chemistry can be taken with any other subjects, but students often choose to combine it with Biology, physics, mathematics or psychology.

Entry requirements:• A GCsE at grade A*-B in Chemistry or science

and Additional science• A GCsE at grade A*-B in mathematics• five GCsEs at grades A*-C including English• A GCsE average points score of more than 5.7


Nenna Okoye

Previously at: Sprowston High School, Norwich

AS Levels: Biology A, Chemistry A, Maths A, Physics A

Fascinated by organic chemistry, she is applying to Cambridge University to study for a degree in Chemical Engineering.

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this course takes a practical approach and you will learn, rehearse and perform in our specially designed drama studio. there is a strong focus on drama that you may have performed or seen in a theatre and we aim to give students a chance to perform in larger venues such as the Norwich playhouse. We also hope to include work with visiting professional actors and directors as part of the course.

You will acquire a knowledge and understanding of the language of drama and theatre as well as to develop your performing and analytical skills. You will do this by studying plays from the point of view of a director, designer, performer and critic.

the course includes trips to see theatrical performances. these have included Emperor and Galilean at the National theatre, Dr faustus at shakespeare’s Globe theatre and propeller theatre’s richard iii at Norwich’s theatre royal.

if you wish to read Drama at university, we will encourage you to apply to join the National Youth theatre, as an effective way of preparing for university auditions.

We expect students to be excellent team players, to have initiative, maturity and imagination and to appreciate that writing in detail about your thoughts and experiences during workshops is an essential part of developing your skills as a performer. A high level of attendance is also essential as you will be involved in group performances where students depend on each other’s support to succeed.

Assessment is through written examinations, practical work and can include technical skills such as sound and lighting as well as performances.

Drama and theatre studies can be taken with any other subjects, but students often choose to combine it with English, media studies or film studies.

Entry requirements:• five GCsEs at grades A*-C including English• You do not need to have studied Drama before,

but if you have, you will need to have a GCsE at grade A*-C or equivalent.

DrAmA AND thEAtrE stuDiEs A LeveL

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this course explores a wide variety of texts from different historical periods and genres, written for different audiences and purposes. these will include novels, newspapers, journals, plays, speeches, poems, short stories and diaries.

You will think about the nature of language and how it works and consider how writers and speakers are affected by the context in which they live and the medium and genre through which they have chosen to communicate.

You will look at dialogue and narrative voices in literature and compare them with the spontaneous speech of everyday life. You will explore how speech conveys information about character to the reader or listener and how things that are left unsaid can be just as important as those revealed through dialogue.

You will learn the critical skills needed to talk and write confidently about writers and their work and will develop your creative writing skills by writing from different perspectives and by adapting existing texts.

You will study revered writers from the literary canon, such as tennessee Williams and modern authors like Alice sebold and Khaled hosseini. this year students have visited the National theatre to see Emperor and Galilean and the Globe theatre to see Dr faustus.

Assessment is through written exams and coursework.

An A Level in English Language and Literature can lead on to related degree courses and any courses or careers that require good language, communication and analytical skills.

English Language and Literature can be taken with any other subjects, but students often choose to combine it with Drama and theatre studies, media studies or film studies.

Entry requirements:• five GCsEs at grades A*-C including English.

ENGLish LANGuAGE AND LitErAturE A LeveL

Molly Todd

Previously: Home tutored

A Levels: Law A*, English Language and Literature A, History A

BA English Literature with Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia.

30




this subject gives you the enduring pleasure of reading and getting to know in detail a wide range of literary texts and plays, from the renaissance to the present day. As well as reading the texts themselves, you will consider the social, literary and historical context of the time they were written and examine some critical responses to them.

During the course, you will learn to: • understand the role of narrative in literary texts • understand the distinctive nature of different

literary genres• read carefully, think analytically and

write articulately • Explore texts creatively and independently • Apply critical ideas to literary texts.

to succeed on the course, you will need curiosity, enthusiasm, creativity and commitment, and above all a desire to read literature. recent texts have included:• the Kite runner• the Great Gatsby• poetry by robert Browning and Alfred Lord tennyson• tragedies such as hamlet and A streetcar

Named Desire• Gothic texts such as Dracula, Doctor faustus and

the Bloody Chamber.

Assessment is through written exams and coursework.

An A Level in English Literature is an ideal preparation for a wide variety of degree courses and careers that require good communication and thinking skills. English Literature is identified by selective universities as one of the subjects they prefer applicants to have studied at A Level.

English Literature can be taken with any other subjects, but students often choose to combine it with; Drama and theatre studies, media studies or film studies.


ENGLish LitErAturE A LeveL

32




A Level film studies will develop your understanding of films and their social, historical and artistic importance. You will learn about the film-making process, from the early pioneers through to modern day mainstream and non-mainstream cinema and be encouraged to analyse films critically.

the focus in the first year is on British and American films and how they often embody societal concerns and anxieties. students also complete a series of research projects and case studies that investigate the producers of film and the shifting nature of film spectatorship.

World Cinema and the silent movie era are studied in year two. students also complete a single film study and a research project on a film style, film actor or director of their choice.

the course will also enable you to put theory into practice. You will make films in both years of the course, working to briefs agreed with your teacher. You will have creative freedom to experiment in a range of different film styles and genres, from Wallace and Gromit style Claymation, to documentary film, single camera drama pieces and avant-garde films. You will have access to; high Definition digital video cameras, non-linear editing suites, the College’s tV studio and the Adobe Creative suite for post-production effects, including Adobe After Effects. Experienced staff will offer technical and production advice plus guidance throughout the course.

students’ completed films are shown at the annual oscars Night at the forum in Norwich.

You are likely to do well in this subject if you enjoy watching films, not just for their content but also for the meanings behind them, and if you are keen to learn about films from the entire history of cinema. You will also need to be creative and well-organised to complete your practical work successfully.

Assessment is through project work and written examinations.

A Level film studies is useful for anyone wishing to take an arts or humanities subject at degree level, and can lead to careers writing about or making films.

film studies can be taken with any other subjects, but students often choose to combine it with; English, Drama and theatre studies or photography. We do not generally recommend combining film studies with media studies as this can lead to a narrow A Level programme.


fiLm stuDiEs A LeveL

34




further mathematics is a course that broadens and deepens the maths covered in A Level mathematics. it develops your mathematical ability and introduces you to new topics, which are vital if you are intending to study a mathematics degree.

further mathematics is studied alongside mathematics A Level. see page 44 for details of our mathematics A Level course.

When you study further mathematics at A Level, you will not only learn new mathematical skills, but will also apply them to solving problems. You will see how the subject can be used to show what is happening and what might happen in different real life situations.

the further mathematics course includes further study of modules in core (pure) mathematics, plus statistics and/or mechanics.

Core mathematics extends your knowledge of topics such as; algebra, trigonometry and geometry as well as learning some new ideas such as calculus. these ideas are interesting in their own right, but they also serve as a foundation for other work you will do.

in statistics you will learn how to analyse and summarise numerical data to arrive at conclusions and predictions about it.

mechanics describes mathematically the motion of objects and how they respond to forces acting on them. many of the ideas studied here form an introduction to modern fields of study such as robotics and biomechanics, as well as the more traditional ones of engineering and physics.

there is a total of six modules to be completed. Assessment is mainly through written examinations, although there is also a small amount of coursework.

further mathematics A Level is essential if you are intending to go onto a degree rich in mathematics, and it could lead to degrees in other subjects such as; science, economics, engineering or computing. the skills you will learn, such as thinking clearly and logically, will be useful in a wide range of careers including; science, engineering, computing and management.

Entry requirements:• five GCsEs at grades A*-C including English• A GCsE at grade A* or A in mathematics• A GCsE average points score of more than 5.7


furthEr mAthEmAtiCs A LeveL

James Hipperson

Previously at: Wayland Community High School, Thetford

A Levels: Biology A*, Chemistry A*, Maths A*, Physics A

Currently taking a gap year before beginning studies to become a Vet.

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Geography is the study of the earth’s surface and atmosphere, human responses to them and, increasingly, the effects of human activity upon them. it will give you an insight into issues that affect your everyday life, from coastal erosion and global warming to rising global population and food supply.

topics include:• forces influencing our natural environment, from

global tectonic processes to the smaller scale landscape processes of coasts and rivers

• issues affecting people and the places where they live, including how cities and the countryside are changing

• how people are affecting the environment• Decisions about the use of resources and who

makes them• Current events and problems such as natural

disasters, the plight of refugees and the problems of food supply

• fieldwork investigation, including collecting and analysing evidence.

As well as working in class, you will carry out practical fieldwork and take part in events such as the biodiversity conference held at Norwich Castle each year.

Assessment is through two written exams in each year.

An A Level in Geography could lead on to a related degree, but the skills you will learn such as thinking and writing clearly and logically and interpreting different kinds of data will be useful in a wide range of other subjects. Geography is identified by selective universities as one of the subjects they prefer applicants to have studied at A Level.

Geography can also help you move on to a variety of careers, such as; conservation and environmental management, town planning, teaching or international development.

Geography can be taken with any other subjects, but Geography goes particularly well with; mathematics or science subjects as well as; Business studies, Government and politics, sociology and other humanities and social science subjects.


and mathematics• A GCsE average points score of more than 5.0

(see page 16 for details of how this is calculated)• You do not need to have studied Geography


GEoGrAphY A LeveL

Ben Pollock

Previously at: Taverham High School, Norwich

AS Levels: Geography A, History A, Media Studies A

Hoping to study for a BA in International Development after completing his A2s.

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is the government right to raise tuition fees? Are tougher sentences the way to solve crime? Does it matter if politicians lie to the people? to what extent is the government to blame for the economic crisis? Government and politics is the study of how the uK government works and how it affects ordinary people; it is also the study of uK government policy and its effectiveness.

topics include:• Democracy• pressure groups• the purpose and effectiveness of parliament• Education, health and welfare policy• Law and order policy• Economic policy• the European union and the uK.

You are likely to enjoy and do well in this subject if you are interested in how government works, enjoy discussing current issues and are good at developing logical, reasoned arguments. You will need to keep up-to-date with current events by reading quality newspapers and watching the television news on a regular basis, as well as doing independent research using the internet and other sources.

Assessment is through written exams in each year, with a mixture of structured, short answer and data response questions in the first year and also essays in the second year.

this A Level is likely to be especially useful if you are thinking about going on to related university courses such as; politics, international relations, history and public policy, but the skills you will learn, such as thinking and writing clearly and logically and interpreting and evaluating evidence, will be useful in a wide range of other subjects as well. they will also help you in a variety of careers such in the civil service, law or journalism.

Government and politics can be taken with any other subjects, but students often choose; Business studies, history, Law, sociology or English.

Entry requirements:• five GCsEs at grades A*-C including English• A GCsE average points score of more than 5.0


GoVErNmENt AND poLitiCs A LeveL

Michael Maggs

Previously at: Long Stratton High School, Long Stratton

A Levels: Government and Politics A, English Language and Literature A, Sociology A

BA History and Politics at the University of East Anglia.

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this subject covers modern European and British history, with themes including nationalism, war and its impact on society, revolution and fascism. it helps to explain our present and collective past as a story, or a series of stories, whose content shifts according to the storyteller. As George santayana said, “A country without a memory is a country of madmen.”

themes of study include nationalism, the impact of war on society, Nazi Germany and the development of British democracy. A typical class will include reading, analysing and evaluating historical sources and discussion.

trips are organised to local museums and one of the highlights is the optional visit to Berlin in the second year, where history comes alive as visits are made to see the sites of imperial Berlin, the Weimar republic and the Nazi regime.

history is academically challenging. to succeed you will need to enjoy reading, think logically and be good at evaluating evidence and opinions. You must also be prepared to read widely and deeply, to work at developing essay writing skills and to think analytically and independently.

Assessment is through exams with essays and there is coursework in the second year.

this A Level could lead on to a related degree course, such as history, politics or Law, but the skills you will learn, such as thinking and writing clearly and logically and interpreting and evaluating evidence, will be useful in a wide range of other subjects. history is identified by selective universities as one of the subjects they prefer applicants to have studied at A Level.

the skills you will learn at A Level will also help you in a variety of careers such as; in the civil service, law, journalism, teaching, archaeology and museum work.

history can be taken with any other subjects, but students often choose Government and politics, Law, sociology or English.

Entry requirements:• five GCsEs at grades A*-C including English• A GCsE average points score of at least 5.0

(see page 16 for details of how this is calculated)• You do not need to have studied history before,

but if you have, you will need to have a GCsE at grade A*-C or equivalent.

historY A LeveL

42




this subject answers questions such as, ‘Where does our law come from and how does it change?’ and ‘how does the legal system work?’ it can be related to most aspects of everyday life and will help you to understand your legal rights and participate in discussions and debates on topical issues.

the As course covers sources of law and the English legal system, giving an insight into how the law works in the uK. it includes case law, statute law, the court system and the legal profession, and provides a fundamental knowledge for any further study of law.

At A2 level you will study criminal law, including the elements of a crime (the act and the intent) and types of crimes, and will complete a special study of one area of criminal law.

Classes will help you understand the law in detail and to apply it to a variety of situations. it is often contentious and there are plenty of opportunities to discuss and debate. students on the course also take part in a mock trial Competition and trips to the local magistrates’ and Crown Courts to see the law in action.

the subject is challenging and requires hard work and concentration, but is rewarding and stimulating. to succeed, you will need to have good listening skills and a good memory, be able to think logically and coherently and to express yourself clearly in essays.

Assessment is through two written exams in each year.

this A Level could lead on to a related degree course, such as; Law, history or politics, but the skills you will learn, such as thinking and writing clearly and logically and interpreting and evaluating evidence, will be useful in a wide range of other subjects, and will also help you in a variety of careers such as; in the civil service, law or journalism.

Law can be taken with any other subjects, but students often choose; Government and politics, history or English.

Entry requirements:• five GCsEs at grades A*-C including English• A GCsE average points score of more than 5.0


LAW A LeveL

Radha Khanna

Previously at: City of Norwich School, Norwich

A Levels: Chemistry A, Physics A, Textiles B

BA Law at the University of East Anglia.

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When you study mathematics at A Level, you will not only learn new mathematical skills, but will also apply them to solving problems. You will see how the subject can be used to show what is happening and what might happen in different real life situations.

if you are intending on studying mathematics or another maths-rich degree at university, we strongly recommend you combine a mathematics A Level with a further mathematics A Level to give a deeper insight into the subject. see page 34 for details of our further mathematics A Level course.

the mathematics course includes core (pure) mathematics plus statistics and/or mechanics.

Core mathematics extends your knowledge of topics such as algebra, trigonometry and geometry as well as learning some new ideas such as calculus. these ideas are interesting in their own right, but they also serve as a foundation for other work you will do.

in statistics, you will learn how to analyse and summarise numerical data to arrive at conclusions and predictions about it.

mechanics describes mathematically the motion of objects and how they respond to forces acting on them. many of the ideas studied here form an introduction to modern fields of study such as robotics and biomechanics, as well as the more traditional ones of engineering and physics.

mathematics students enter the uK maths Challenge and visit the maths at uEA open Day. You will also be able to attend maths inspiration talks by mathematicians or professionals working within mathematics; recent talks include ‘the mathematics of Juggling’ and ‘maths and roller Coasters’. We can also help to arrange work-experience days with high profile companies that use mathematics.

mathematics can be challenging at this level. to succeed, you will need to be able to think clearly and logically and, just as importantly, to persevere when you can’t immediately see the solution to a problem.

there is a total of six modules to be completed. Assessment is mainly through written examinations, though there is also a small amount of coursework. mathematics can be taken with any other subjects, but students often choose; physics, Chemistry, Biology, psychology, Business studies or Geography.

mathematics A Level could lead on to a related degree course, such as in mathematics, science, economics, engineering or computing, but the skills you will learn, such as thinking clearly and logically, will be useful in wide range of other subjects. mathematics is identified by selective universities as one of the subjects they prefer applicants to have studied at A Level. mathematical knowledge is also essential in a wide range of careers including ones in science, engineering, computing and management.

Entry requirements:• five GCsEs at grades A*-C including English• A GCsE at grade A*-B in mathematics• A GCsE average points score of more than 5.7


mAthEmAtiCs A LeveL

Karina Adcock

Previously at: Attleborough High School, Attleborough

AS Levels: Biology A, History A, Mathematics A, Chemistry B

Hoping to study for a Degree in Environmental Science in the future, a subject that asks for knowledge from across her range of mathematical and scientific interests.

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the media affects us all in many ways; we use media technology to connect, investigate, learn and play. this course will develop your understanding of the media and your practical media production skills.

At As level, you will study a range of contemporary and historical tV dramas and complete a case study on a key area of the media. practical work will include designing and writing the front page, contents page and a double page spread for a new magazine. this will teach you the fundamentals of digital photography and studio lighting, and help you sharpen your journalistic writing.

At A2 level, you will study a range of contemporary media issues and debates with a particular focus on the ways in which media technology and social networking are changing how we socialise, work and play. You will complete an extensive cross-media promotion project. this involves working with local musicians and bands to produce a music video, DVD Digipak and print advert. past students have worked with Ed sheeran and the Crookes.

throughout the course you will be supported by experienced staff and have use of high quality cameras, a tV studio, photoshop, Adobe Creative suite and final Cut pro.

Completed magazine designs and films are shown at our annual oscars Night at the forum in Norwich.

You are likely to do well in this subject if you are interested in the media, not just for their content, but also for the meanings behind them. You will also need to be creative and well-organised to complete your practical work successfully.

Assessment is through exams and coursework.

A Level media studies is useful for anyone wishing to take a related degree and you may one day find yourself working in the media. the course will also develops skills of critical analysis and interpretation, essay writing and debating that can be useful in a wide range of areas of study and careers.

media studies can be taken with any other subjects, but students often choose to combine it with English, Art, photography or sociology. We don’t generally recommend combining media studies with film studies as this can lead to an A Level programme that is too narrow.

Entry requirements:• five GCsEs at grades A*-C including English• You do not need to have taken media studies


mEDiA stuDiEs A LeveL

Ashley Bilverstone

Previously at: Wayland Community High School, Thetford

A Levels: Business Studies C, Film Studies C, Media Studies C

BA in Film and Media Production at Edge Hill University.

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photography is the pre-eminent visual medium of the age, especially since digital photography has made it more available and added even more to its expressive potential.

By exploring themes such as ‘Light’, ‘Capturing the moment’ and ‘the truth’, this course will teach you digital and traditional darkroom photography skills, how to express yourself and communicate ideas through photographs and how to understand different layers of meaning in images.

As part of the course, you will visit galleries and exhibitions – locally and in London. these have included the tate modern, the haywood Gallery, the royal Academy, the photographers’ Gallery, the Whitechapel Gallery, the sainsbury Centre in Norwich and Norwich Castle museum.

Each year there is also a visual arts trip abroad to a city renowned for its artistic heritage. recent destinations have included paris and New York.

in paris, students experienced an outstanding exhibition of women artists at the pompidou Centre and also a magnificent collection of post-impressionist art at the musée D’orsay. the trip to New York included the museum of modern Art, the metropolitan museum, the Guggenheim museum, the international museum of photography, the rockefeller Center as well as visits to the statue of Liberty, the Empire state Building and Grand Central station.

Each year there is an annual Visual Arts show, where Art, photography and textiles students show their best work in a gallery-style environment, open to the public.

to succeed you will need curiosity, independence and initiative, and have an eye for a good picture. You will be willing to develop ideas and to investigate and analyse images and you will be persistent and hardworking.

photoGrAphY A LeveL



• A written personal study investigating ideas in photography.

the course is taught in a well-equipped, specialist room, with pCs and printers for your digital work and access to a traditional darkroom. We provide the essential materials for the course, but you will need to have your own digital sLr camera.

An A Level in photography can lead to related courses at a college, art school or university, and then on to a very wide range of creative careers, such as in art and design or the media. photography can be taken with any subjects, but students often choose to combine it with other visual disciplines such as; Art, film studies or media studies.

Entry requirements:• five GCsEs at grades A*-C including English• A GCsE at grade A*-C in photography or another

art based subject or a suitable portfolio of photographic work.

Annalise Taylor

Previously at: Thorpe St Andrew School, Norwich

AS Levels: Photography A, German B, Psychology B, and Biology D. Annalise has taken up an extra A Level in Media Studies and is researching for an EPQ, focussing on enhancing self-esteem and challenging media portrayal of body image.

Annalise hopes to study for a Degree in Photography at Nottingham Trent, preferably with a year overseas.

50




physics is a fascinating theoretical subject about how the real world (and the rest of the universe) works. it asks about everything from what existed before the Big Bang to how cars can use less petrol.

topics include:• particles• Quantum phenomena and electricity• mechanics• materials and waves• fields and further mechanics• Nuclear and thermal physics.

the course combines learning about theories in physics with practical laboratory work and analysing data.

You are likely to do well if you can think logically, critically and imaginatively and are willing to work hard. the course can be challenging and you will need to persevere when you can not immediately see the solution to a problem. it includes some mathematical concepts and theories, so it will also help if you enjoy and are good at mathematics, especially algebra.

You will be assessed through written exams and practical work.

this A Level could lead on to related degree courses and careers, such as; science, engineering or computing, and the skills you will learn, such as thinking clearly and logically, will be useful in a wide range of other fields. physics is identified by selective universities as one of the subjects they prefer applicants to have studied at A Level.

physics can be taken with any other subjects, but students often choose; mathematics, Chemistry, Biology or Geography.

Entry requirements:• A GCsE at grade A*-B in physics or science and

Additional science• A GCsE at grade A*-B in mathematics• five GCsEs at grades A*-C including English• A GCsE average points score of more than 5.7


phYsiCs A LeveL

Alex Jantzen

Previously studied in Denmark

A Levels: Physics A*, Maths A*, Chemistry A

BSc Physics at Southampton University.

52




psychology tries to answer the questions of why people behave as they do, how they think and how they feel. it looks at these questions using a variety of scientific methods such as experiments, interviews and questionnaires.

During your As course, you will study memory, attachment between children and their parents, stress, obedience, abnormal behaviour and research methods.

the topics you will investigate in your A2 year are biological rhythms, relationships, eating behaviour, depression, addictive behaviour and advanced research methods.

Classes will allow you to undertake research into these topics and introduce you to a wide range of interesting studies that psychologists have carried out in trying to understand these behaviours.

this is a popular course taken by students who are keen to engage with a new subject and be taught by experienced, enthusiastic subject specialists.

the course is assessed through exams, there is no coursework. You will have plenty of practice in exam techniques and help from your teachers who have themselves worked as examiners in the subject. the exams have short answer questions, essays and interpretation of data. to do well you will need to be able to remember factual information, interpret questions and be able to write concisely.

students who have studied psychology often go on to university to study it further, but may also study or work in related areas such as teaching, business, social work or the police.

psychology can be taken with any other subjects, in particular science subjects, especially Biology, but also history, Geography, Law, Business studies and sociology.


and mathematics• A GCsE average points score of at least 5.0

(see page 16 for details of how this is calculated)• You do not need to have studied psychology

before, but if you have, you will need to have GCsE at grade A*-C.

psYChoLoGY A LeveL

Lauren Burrows

Previously at: Sewell Park College, Norwich

AS Levels: Business Studies A, Sociology A and Psychology B

Lauren hopes to study for a BA in Business Management. She is very interested in how studying A Level Psychology is developing her understanding of how people think and what motivates them to act in certain ways.

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sociology is the study of society using a range of different perspectives. We look critically at how different features of society work, such as the family, the media and education, opening ourselves up to new ideas and questioning our own experiences. there is really no right and wrong in sociology, only different points of view, and critical thinking is encouraged.

sociology will enable you to question social organisation, understand people’s experiences in different social positions and social groups and become more articulate and fluent in expressing your ideas and opinions.

students come to sociology from a wide variety of backgrounds and with a range of different experiences and work with a subject specialist with a real commitment and belief in the value of sociology. this makes for lively and stimulating sociological discussion and debates. Classes include using topical visual material, news articles, interactive textbooks and more.

sociology is an academically rigorous subject, combining theoretical perspectives and real world problems. to succeed, you will need to enjoy reading and writing, should have a keen interest in society and social issues and should be prepared to question common sense understanding. You will learn to compare different ways of understanding society so should be open to different arguments. Assessment is by modular exams in the form of data response papers.

sociology goes well with other social sciences and humanities subjects and is a good subject for a range of occupations such as medicine, policing and social work.

Entry requirements:• five GCsEs at grades A*-C including English• A GCsE average points score of at least 5.0

(see page 16 for details of how this is calculated) • You do not need to have studied sociology before,

but if you have, you will need to have a GCsE at grades A*-C.

soCioLoGY A LeveL

William Burton

Previously at: Notre Dame RC School, Norwich

A Levels: Government and Politics A, English Language and Literature A*, History B

BA in Philosophy and Sociology at the University of York.

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tExtiLEs A LeveL

this subject will help you develop a working knowledge of materials, practices, technology and specialist vocabulary in textiles. You will use these to interpret and express your ideas and feelings using textiles, craft and design, practicing experimental and analytical and documenting skills. You will also develop a knowledge and understanding of the place of textiles, craft and design in history and in contemporary society.

practical work will include printing, machine embroidery, hand stitching, felt making, paper making and weaving.

As part of the course, you will visit galleries and exhibitions – locally and in London. these have included the Victoria and Albert museum, the textile museum in Norwich, the sainsbury Centre, the Louvre textile museum and the hub museum at sleaford.

Each year, there is also a visual arts trip abroad, to a city renowned for its artistic heritage. recent destinations have included paris and New York. in paris, students experienced an outstanding exhibition of women artists at the pompidou Centre and also a magnificent collection of post-impressionist art at the musée D’orsay. the trip to New York included the museum of modern Art, the metropolitan museum, the Guggenheim museum, the international museum of photography, the rockefeller Center as well as visits to the statue of Liberty, the Empire state Building and Grand Central station.

Each year there is an annual Visual Arts show, where Art, photography and textiles students show their best work in a gallery-type environment, which is open to the public.

to be successful you will need an interest in and understanding of the basic elements of design and the position of art, craft and design in the world. Above all, you should have an interest in creating and understanding textiles and the determination to develop that interest.



• A written personal study investigating ideas in textiles.

An A Level in textiles can lead to related courses at a college, art school or university, and then on to a very wide range of careers in art and design and other creative industries.

textiles can be taken with any subjects, but students often choose to combine it with other visual disciplines such as; Art, photography, media studies or film studies.

Entry requirements:• five GCsEs grades A*-C including English• A GCsE at grade A*-C in textiles, photography or

another art-based subject, or a suitable portfolio of textiles work.

Saskia Hadley

Previously at: Stradbroke School, Eye

A Levels: Textiles A, English Language & Literature B, History B, French D

BA in Fashion at Norwich University College of the Arts.

Summer Parker

Previously at: Sir John Leman High School, Beccles

AS Levels: English Language and Literature B, Sociology B, Biology C and Psychology C. This year she has also taken up the Extended Project Qualification

Summer hopes to study for a BSc in Children’s Nursing at Nottingham University.

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ExtENDED proJECt QuALifiCAtioN (EpQ)

this is a one year course, mainly taken by second year A Level students. it is designed to make you into a skilled researcher, someone who can discover information and evaluate its importance and credibility. You will then apply these core research skills in producing either a 5,000 word report on a subject of your choice or an artefact such as a piece of artwork, music or video plus a report of around 1,000 words. You will also compile a detailed production log as you go, showing how you carried out your project.

Key areas that you will learn about on the EpQ course include:• project management• searching and collecting information• the importance of the peer review process• Evaluating information• Data analysis• referencing and citation• report writing and presentation skills.

Examples of students’ projects have included:• how the creatures of mythology are portrayed

in modern society• As part of a pluralistic society, should sharia Law

exist within the British legal system?• the history and key developments in the sport

of snowboarding.

A key challenge of the EpQ is to manage your time effectively, balancing the need to do research for your EpQ with the demands on your time made by your A Levels.

An EpQ is equivalent to an As Level, although, unlike As courses, an A* grade may be awarded. if you are considering applying to go to university, it will both give you extra uCAs points and demonstrate that you have important skills needed on degree and even postgraduate courses.

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Not rEADY for A LEVELs YEt?

Every year, about one hundred students join the sixth form Centre who are not yet ready for A Level or other advanced courses. We offer these students two alternative ways to improve their qualifications before moving on to more advanced courses after a year. these are Access to A Level and fresh start.

Access to A Level is likely to be right for you if you already have two or three GCsEs at grades A*-C and want to improve them and move on to A Levels afterwards.

fresh start may be a better choice if you have mainly D or E grades at GCsE and want to spend a year gaining some additional qualifications and investigating what might come next.

if you apply for Access to A Level or fresh start, you will begin the year with an induction week in september. We will use this time to get to know you really well and make sure you choose the right courses.

iNDuCtioN

frEsh stArt

ACCEss toA LEVELs

ChoosEfiVE x GCsE suBJECts

GCsEmAths

GCsEENGLish

GCsEGENErAL stuDiEs

GCsEmEDiA stuDiEs

GCsEpsYChoLoGY

GCsEsoCioLoGY

A LEVELsEmpLoYmENt or ApprENtiCEships

VoCAtioNAL CoursEs

ACCEss to A LEVELs

GCsE sCiENCE (+ADDitioNAL sCiENCE)

GCsEENGLish

WorK pLACEmENt

GCsEmAthEmAtiCs

othEr GCsEs

fuNCtioNAL sKiLLs

(ENGLish AND/or mAthEmAtiCs)

BtEC WorK sKiLLs

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ACCEss to A LEVELs

this programme is likely to be right for you if you already have two or three A*-C grades at GCsE and want to improve your GCsEs and move on to A Levels afterwards. it will include resit opportunities for subjects you have taken before as well as a chance to try new ones for the first time. You are likely to take five subjects altogether. English and mathematics are compulsory if you do not already have A*-C grades at GCsE in them.

English GCsE the main focus is on the practical use of English, in reading, writing, speaking and listening, and the course only includes one literary text. Good English skills are not only essential in many careers; they will also help you in your studies of other subjects at all levels and add to your whole quality of life.

Assessment is through exams and controlled assessments. there is no coursework.

mathematics functional skills and GCsEif you do not already have a grade A*-C at GCsE, you will take a mathematics course as part of Access to A Levels. this will start with functional skills, which includes calculations made in everyday life, such as in managing money, at work and so on. Depending on your previous knowledge and progress on this part of the course, you will then move on to either a more advanced functional skills course or to a GCsE resit. the GCsE covers similar topics to the ones taught at school.

functional skills are assessed through a single test, while the GCsE is modular with exams in march and may or June. there is no coursework.

science and Additional science GCsEthese subjects are split equally between Biology, Chemistry and physics and topics include:• Genes• the environment• Designer products• space and its mysteries• power of the atom• synthesis• Energy flow• Living cells.

Work on the course includes reading and writing about science, scientific calculations and discussions as well as a lot of practical work on your own and in small groups.

Assessment is through module tests with multiple choice and short answer questions, practical work and write-ups.

if you are interested in continuing with science at A Level, you should take both science and Additional science GCsEs; if not, then it may be better only to take science GCsE.

General studies GCsEGeneral studies combines various subjects to show that there are different ways of looking at things. it will help you understand the strengths and limitations of information, ideas and opinions and to evaluate and challenge them. A key focus is on developing skills that will help with other courses, such as communication, handling data and thinking and arguing logically.

Assessment is through written exams, there is no coursework.

media studies GCsE the media affects us all. We use media technology to connect, investigate, learn and play. this course will help you recognise how audiences are targeted by media producers and you will develop your own critical responses to texts and make your own media products such as music videos.

this subject is likely to be right for you if you enjoy watching films and tV and take an interest in advertising and current events. You should be prepared to analyse all types of text, past and present and a degree of creativity is important too.

Assessment is by written exams and coursework.

psychology GCsEthis course looks at human behaviour from a number of different points of view, including the biological approach, which investigates whether we are controlled by our genes and the social approach that suggests we are more affected by our environment.

You will be studying a wide range of topics: sex and gender, memory, obedience, attachment, phobias, criminal behaviour, perception, children’s thinking, non-verbal communication, the self and research methods.

the assessment for this GCsE involves three module exams, there is no coursework.

sociology GCsEstudents who enjoy sociology GCsE like finding out about how society works. the course looks at how people interact with each other and how society is structured. topics include studying society, education, families, crime and deviance, the mass media and power.

to get the most out of this course you will need to enjoy discussing current affairs as well as being able to write about the issues raised.

Assessment is through two module exams in January and June. there is no coursework.

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frEsh stArt

fresh start may be a good choice if you have GCsE grades at mainly grades D or E and want to spend a year improving your qualifications and investigating what might come next. the majority of your time will be taken up with a Workskills Diploma and work-experience, with the rest normally used for English and mathematics. if you already have a grade A*-C in English or mathematics, you may be able to take a GCsE in another subject instead. the English and mathematics courses and the other GCsEs you might take as part of fresh start are the same as those taken by Access to A Level students and details are given on pages 62 and 63.

Workskills Diplomathe Workskills Diploma is a BtEC Level 2 qualification equivalent to four GCsEs at grades A*-C. it covers the key skills that employers need (and many university graduates do not have) such as problem solving, communication, team work, preparation for interviews and contributing to meetings. During the course, you will complete a portfolio of seven projects, with some of the evidence coming from your work-experience placement. there are no exams.

Work-experienceYour work-experience placement will be:• one full day every week, starting after october

half-term• Chosen by you from a range of options• Counted towards your Workskills Diploma• A fantastic way to get real life work skills and

improve your CV• something to help you decide if you want to carry

on working in the same industry.

At the end of your fresh start year, we will help you move on to the next stage in your career, in further Education, training or employment.

harriett Brown began fresh start in 2010 after missing a lot of Year 11 classes due to illness. she had not achieved the GCsE grades that she was capable of and, when she started on fresh start, she had to work hard to catch up on what she had missed at school. she gained grade C in both English and mathematics GCsE, along with her Workskills Diploma. her work-experience as a teaching Assistant at a primary school gave her vital practical skills in working with children. All of this has enabled harriett to move on to a Level 3 Childcare course at City College Norwich.

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hoW to fiND us

We are a few minutes walk from the city centre on ipswich road. from the st stephens street roundabout (near the bus station), follow signs to ipswich. A few hundred metres south of the roundabout the A11 and A140 divide: take the left fork and the College is about 300 metres further along on the left.

there is limited pay and display parking on campus, but we also offer a subsidised park and ride scheme from the County Council site on harford roundabout (near tesco on the A140/A47 junction). Ask at southwell Lodge on campus for details.

financial support16-19 Bursary Schemeif you are studying on a further Education course at City College Norwich, you could be eligible for help from a discretionary fund to help those on low incomes with costs such as transport, equipment and study trips.

there is also a 16-19 Bursary scheme for Vulnerable Young people, worth up to £1,200 a year, to be eligible for the Bursary you need to be in one of the following groups:

• Disabled and in receipt of employment support allowance and disability living allowance

• A young person in the care of Norfolk County Council• A care leaver• Estranged from your parents and in receipt of

income support.

for more information or an application form please contact The Advice Shop on 01603 773 773 or email [email protected].

travel assistancethis may be available if you are aged under 19, are studying at least 16 hours per week and live more than three miles from the College. for more details, please contact the passenger transport unit, County hall, martineau Lane, Norwich Nr1 2sG or call the Student Transport Hotline on 0344 800 8003 or visit: www.norfolk.gov.uk/post16transport for further information.

special needs transport is available with support from Norfolk County Council.

English for speakers of other Languages (EsoL)if English is not your first language and you would like to improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, then the EsoL course at City College Norwich is certificated by City & Guilds to help you gain a nationally recognised qualification.

the course will improve your study skills, including it and numeracy. it also includes citizenship materials so it will help you to apply for British citizenship with the home office if necessary.

At the end of the course you will do the City & Guilds examination.

for more information or an application form please contact The Advice Shop on 01603 773 773 or email [email protected]

help with childcarethe College has its own nursery. it is open from 8.45am-5.15pm for college staff and students. A waiting list system is in operation so please contact the Nursery on 01603 773 121 if you would like to look around the Nursery or receive further details.

Accommodation, if you need itif you have problems finding somewhere to live, or want to discuss any aspect relating to your accommodation, The Advice Shop may be able to help, please contact 01603 773 064.

furthEr support

Please note: We make every effort to ensure that all information in this directory is accurate at the time of printing. however, changes to courses, fees, facilities or other matters may be necessary and the College cannot accept any liability arising as a result. the College reserves the right to alter, to close, or not to run courses/classes as deemed necessary on the grounds of operational constraints, financial viability or any other reason. We will notify applicants of any cancellation at the earliest reasonable opportunity.

the sixth form Centre, your best possible start after school.Get your application in early because some of our popular courses fill up quickly. You can apply from 1st November 2011, and we would recommend that you get your application in by 31st January 2012. however we do accept applications right up until the courses start in september 2012.

hoW to AppLY• You can apply using our application form available

to download from our website• Alternatively you can use the Norfolk County Council

website: www.helpyouchoose.org• But do not worry if you are not completely sure

about your choices as we will help you make the right decision for a brilliant future

• if you cannot find what you are looking for in this prospectus, contact our Advisers in The Advice Shop on 01603 773 773 or email [email protected], who can direct you to an appropriate member of sixth form Centre staff

• return your completed application form to:AdmissionsCity College Norwichipswich roadNorwichNr2 2LJ

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to watch videos, read case studies and lots more view our dedicated website: www.ccn.ac.uk/ sixthform

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City College Norwich Sixth Form Centre Prospectus

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