Subject Breakdowns

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Shrewsbury Education Service offers tuition and support in English for speakers of other languages in addition to all A Level and Professional courses. This is essential firstly because Universities in the United Kingdom, America and other English-speaking countries require proof of language competence before a student is offered a place on a degree course. In addition our ESOL courses and support improve students’ academic achievement in all subjects, particularly in Humanities but also in all Sciences. back to top

BIOLOGY - AS/A Levels

Biology is a challenging subject that appeals to students who have a genuine interest in living organisms and how they relate to their environment. The work load is demanding and involves extensive reading, discussion and analysis, together with practical laboratory work – particularly microscopy. The course includes some biochemistry. In addition to factual recall, students are expected to consider the social, economic, environmental and technological aspects of Biology.

The course is comprised of modules of which 3 each year must be attempted including: Human Health and Disease, Living Transport Systems and Applications of Genetics, together with more general biological topics – Cell Biology particularly.

Experience of the role of experimental work is important in any course of Biology. Practical coursework is a vital part of the course and in each year students have to submit a major piece of practical coursework to the exam board – which forms part of their final grade. During the course the students will carry out a range of experiments and will examine many micrographs and microscopic slides. Though plant dissection is included DISSECTION OF ANIMALS IS NOT.

Those planning on taking Biology at University are encouraged to study AS level Chemistry as well. back to top

CHEMISTRY - AS/A Levels

Chemistry is the study of the elements and their compounds. It is a science subject, so practical work is an important part of the course.

Before you start this course, you should have achieved at least a BB grade in GCSE Double Science, or an equivalent level of attainment. Other subjects that would go well with Chemistry at AS or A level are Biology, Physics and Mathematics. However, many other combinations of subjects are also suitable.

With a qualification in Chemistry you could go on to Further or Higher Education, studying Chemistry itself or one of the other sciences or related subjects; or work in science-based industry such as biotechnology, chemical engineering or materials sciences. Students intending to study the biological or environmental sciences at degree level are strongly advised to take A or AS level Chemistry and it is essential for those intending to read pharmacy or subjects in the medical field.

3 modules at AS level and a further 3 modules at A level back to top

ELECTRONICS - AS/A Levels

The course is designed around a systems approach which introduces a wide range of transducers and input and output and processing systems and encourages practical, problem-solving skills. Comprising 3 units: Introductory Electronics, Further Electronics and Coursework.

For those interested in the electronics in our everyday lives and want to know more of how it works and what can be achieved. Leads to Higher Education, Computing or Systems Control Technology or work in Communications. back to top

ENGLISH LITERATURE - AS/A Levels

The English Literature course focuses on the study of the three main literary genres: poetry, prose and drama. It aims to broaden and to enrich students’ knowledge and understanding of a wide field of literature. The course includes study of the work of North American writers such as Toni Morisson, Tennessee Williams and Margaret Atwood along with that of great British writers including Shakespeare, Emily Bronte and Thomas Hardy.

Several theatre trips are organised during the course to venues such as Stratford (Royal Shakespeare Company), London (The National Theatre) and Manchester (Royal Exchange Theatre) back to top

FILM STUDIES - AS/A Levels

A course of study relevant to students who wish to pursue film and related subjects into higher education. The syllabus makes possible a systematic study of cinema and film based on the key conceptual issues. Considerable attention is focused on the dominant forms of Hollywood and British cinema.

The course seeks to encourage in candidates an enjoyment and understanding of a wide range of different types of film. It allows students to develop their personal responses to films and to study the critical languages used to analyse them. At AS level the aims are to develop candidates’ interest in and appreciation of cinema, specifically through studying the film as text, producers and audiences and messages and values in film. AS Students will study three units: making meaning of film, producers and audiences and British Cinema, its messages and values. There are 2 examinations and a coursework section on a chosen film. back to top

GEOLOGY - AS/A2 Level

Geology enables you to interpret the landscape around you and to understand the forces that cause volcanoes to erupt, continents to move and gold the valuable. Geology is part of our lives from the slate on roofs toe the rare metals in our mobiles phones.

The course comprises 3 modules:

1. The evidence we have for the nature of the inside of the Earth; Minerals, rocks and fossils in the crust (with the emphasis on how to recognise them and where they come from); The world pattern of plates and how they move.
2. A number of field visits, practical sessions on identification and geological map interpretation.
3. A study of geology and man, where we look at earthquakes, landslips, dams, mines and al the problems they cause worldwide.

Applied ICT - AS/A Level

The course will develop students’ communication and decision-making skills. These are harnessed to build and maintain an e-portfolio as a showcase for their achievements. The skills acquired through study for the AS level in Applied ICT will support further study in any subject area.

As a modular course this will be assessed by either students submitted e-portfolios or by the completion of exam board set tasks conducted in the ICT rooms on school computers.

The first year will contain modules:

1. The Information Age
2. The Digital Economy
3. The Knowledge Worker.

MATHEMATICS - AS/A Level

For those students with a leaning towards Mathematics, this course will provide both interest and enjoyment. Students will look into the more formal approaches and techniques of Pure Mathematics, gaining an insight into why Mathematics works and how it can be used. In the first term at AS level the topics will include a revision of algebraic techniques followed by calculus, trigonometry, statistics, probability and numerical methods building on previous learning levels. A course of Mechanics will also be studied and this will develop real situations in both traditional and modern styles giving an opportunity for all students to realise the power of Mathematics and gain a sense of achievement. Although only scientific calculators are allowed on some components, a graphic calculator is very useful for use on this course. back to top

MEDIA STUDIES - AS/A Levels

The concept of studying products of the newspaper, television, film and recording industries is likely to be new to most students. The basic aim of the course is to enable students to become media literate: able to analyse media output and produce their own media projects. You will therefore need to be both analytical and creative.

During the first year (AS level) students will study a range of media texts and topics, as well as the construction and deconstruction of media products, in the context of the key conceptual areas of media forms and conventions – Media Institution, Media Audiences and Media Representations. A practical production and study for a textual analysis examination (2 hours) will be expected plus a 1hour 30 minutes examination which studies new technologies in the Media. back to top

MUSIC - AS/A2

A previous qualification in music is not essential as long as you can already play an instrument and read music. The course requires performing, composing, listening and analytical skills in almost equal measure. You will improve your skills in performing and composing in a range of styles. You will listen to a wide variety of music and develop a more informed appreciation of how and why it was written and/or performed.

At AS level the course consists of 3 units:

1. Performing – on a musical instrument or sing and as part of an ensemble as well as a soloist
2. Developing Musical Ideas – learning the craft of composition to submitting 2 compositions and 2 exercises in a range of styles
3. Listening and Understanding – throughout the course you will be expected to develop and improve these skills

PHYSICAL EDUCATION - AS/A Levels

At both levels of this course the development of different methods of study drawn from a wide range of activities with the focal point being the performer and the performance.

At AS level the candidate will study: Anatomy and physiology relating to physical performance – Acquisition of skill – Contemporary issues (e.g. recreation and leisure, organisation of sport, sponsorship and media etc.) The theoretical aspects of the course will be examined at the end of each year.

There will be a practical involvement, which aims to develop the skills required to perform effectively in both individual and team activities. As well as practical performance, students are assessed on their ability to evaluate their own performance and that of others. They are also expected to produce a personal performance portfolio on their chosen sports, which will include their understanding o g the sport and how it relates to the theoretical aspects of the course (e.g. the history of the sport, or the fitness requirements etc.) back to top

PSYCHOLOGY - AS/A Levels

This course provides a firm foundation for other courses in Psychology and is very useful for candidates wishing to follow careers in the social sciences, business and medical disciplines. Psychology, defined as “the scientific study of human experience”, is playing an increasing part in the modern technological world.

This is a modular course. The AS level comprises 3 compulsory units – 2 written papers: Introducing Psychology and Social and Cognitive Psychology and 1 practical investigation, assessed by the examining board. back to top

SOCIOLOGY - AS/A2 Levels

Sociology is a wide-ranging and lively academic discipline which poses questions and encourages students to develop a critical and open-minded understanding of the complex and diverse society in which we live. It also enables development of useful, transferable skills that are essential for both employment and university. Enthusiastic discussion and exchange of opinions is likely to be a central part of the course.

At AS level students will need to complete 3 modules:

• A study of Youth Culture
• Complete a Research Report and/or method exam
• The final module requires students to have an understanding of culture and formation of identities by looking at the socialisation process and impact that gender, nation, ethnicity and social class have on the formation of identity.

TRAVEL & TOURISM - AS/A2 Levels

Designed to create an understanding of what the travel and tourism industry comprises; the skills needed to work in the industry and how it is affected by current issues and the way forward to responsible tourism developments.

Comprising 3 modules:

1. Industry: An overview of the development, structure and scale of the industry.
2. Customer: Looking at the needs of the customers and how they are met, demonstrating the ability to deliver some aspects of customer service and an evaluation of the customer service at a facility.
3. Destination Europe: Looking at both leisure and business destinations in Europe.