In this course you will learn about how to use business theory and concepts to explore and provide solutions to real business problems - and think of reasons as to why it might not work. Students on this course will study business in a variety of contexts (e.g. large/small, UK focused/ global, service/manufacturing) and consider:

• The importance of the context of business in relation to decision making 
• The interrelated nature of business activities and how they affect competitiveness
• The competitive environment and the markets in which businesses operate
• The influences on functional decisions and plans including ethical and environmental issues
• The factors that might determine whether a decision is successful, e.g. the quality of data and the degree of uncertainty
• How technology is changing the way decisions are made and how businesses operate and compete
• The impact on stakeholders of functional decisions and their response to such decisions
• Use of non-quantitative and quantitative data in decision making (including the interpretation of index numbers and calculations such as ratios and percentages).

Assessment

Business A level is assessed by three 2-hour written exam papers at the end of the course, each worth 1/3 of the A level. Standard entry requirements

Construction is a very important global industry and is worth £90 billion annually to the UK economy. At technician level and beyond, there is a diverse range of career pathways, with established professional entry and development routes in civil engineering, building services engineering, design/architecture and construction supervision/ management.

Currently, qualified construction technicians, managers and professionals are highly sought after in the UK industry, with demand for a greater number of professionals to implement and lead low carbon and sustainable building projects in an efficient, cost-effective way.

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Construction and the Built Environment is intended as a Tech Level qualification, equivalent in size to one A Level.

The Extended Certificate is for learners who are interested in learning about the construction sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in construction-related subjects. It is designed to be taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels.

Assessment

4 units, of which 2 are external Mandatory content (100%). External assessment (66%)

In this course you will not only study an extensive range of literature but also their contexts and genres.

You will study the genre of tragedy. At the core of all the set texts is a tragic hero or heroine who is flawed in some way, who suffers and causes suffering to others and in all texts there is an interplay between what might be seen as villains and victims. The texts inter-connect, influence and illuminate each other, encouraging independent study.

You will also explore elements of political and social protest writing. Although it could be claimed that all texts are political, what defines the texts here is that they have issues of power and powerlessness at their core, with political and social protest issues central to each text’s structure. The political and social protest genre covers representations of both public and private settings.

Finally, you will immerse yourself in literary theory in preparation for an independent coursework project to demonstrate your learning over the entire course. This is an excellent precursor for the study of English Literature, or any social science or humanity subject, at university.

Assessment 

Assessment is by written examination (80%) and coursework (20%).

Paper 1: Aspects of Tragedy Closed book, 2 hours and 30 minute examination. Study of three texts: One Shakespeare text, a second drama text and one further text - one of which must be written pre-1900.

Paper 2: Elements of Political & Social Protest Writing Open book, 3 hour examination. Study of three texts: one post 2000 prose text, one poetry and one further text - one of which must be written pre-1900.

Non-Exam Assessment: Theory & Independence Study of two texts: one poetry and one prose, informed by study of the critical anthology.

Two essays of 1250-1500 words each responding to a different text and linking to a different aspect of the critical anthology.

Entry Requirements

Grade 6-9 in GCSE English Literature.

Unit 1: Information Technology Systems You will explore the relationships between the hardware and software that form an IT system, and the way that systems work individually and together, as well as the relationship between the user and the system.

Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage You will examine the structure of data and its origins, and how an efficient data design follows through to an effective and useful database. You will examine a given scenario and develop an effective design solution to produce a database system. You will then test your solution to ensure that it works correctly.

Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business You will explore different social media websites, the ways in which they can be used and the potential pitfalls when using them for business purposes. You will develop a plan to use social media strategies for business purposes to achieve specific aims and objectives. You will then implement the plan, developing and posting content and interacting with others.

Unit 6: Website Development In this unit, you will review existing websites, commenting on their overall design and effectiveness. You will use scripting languages such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and JavaScript® and a simple text editor, or rapid application development tools.

Assessment

Unit 1: Information Technology Systems Written exam, 2 hours.

Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Written exam, 3 hours.

Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business This unit is internally assessed through a number of tasks set and marked internally.

Unit 6: Website Development This unit is internally assessed through a number of tasks set and marked internally.

A Level Mathematics will prepare you for higher study in a wide variety of areas. It provides the opportunity for exploring how mathematics can be applied to the physical world, problem-solving in a wide range of contexts and interpreting data. Students who study A-Level Mathematics often go on to study for degrees such as Economics, Accounting, Mathematics, Sciences, Medicine and Engineering. It is a sought-after qualification for a wide variety of degrees and jobs.

The course comprises three main areas of study, and builds on knowledge and skills acquired at GCSE:

• Pure Mathematics
• Statistics
• Mechanics

Pure Mathematics explores topics which lay the foundation for more advanced mathematics – for example, Calculus and Proof – building mathematical rigour and understanding needed for the study of mathematics at a higher level. The applied sections of the course develop an understanding of the exciting applications of mathematics to the real world, including Newtonian physics, analysis of trends in data and testing of hypotheses. Aspects of these topics will be of great benefit to other areas of study, such as Physics, Geography or Business.

Assessment

This is a two-year, linear course. At the end of the second year of study, you will sit three written examinations:

Paper 1: Pure Mathematics (2 hours)

Paper 2: Pure Mathematics (2 hours)

Paper 3: Statistics and Mechanics (2 hours) (Each paper is worth 1/3 of the qualification)

Entry Requirements

Grade 7-9 in GCSE Mathematics Applicants with a grade 6 will be considered, but will be required to sit a competency test to determine suitability for the course. In order to prepare well for A-Level Mathematics, you will be expected to complete a work booklet on algebra before the course starts.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Music Performance

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. Employers and professional bodies have also been involved and consulted to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners planning to enter employment directly in the music sector.

360 GLH (495 TQT) Equivalent in size to one A Level. Four units, of which three are mandatory and two are external.

 Mandatory content (83%).

 External assessment (58%).

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. Employers and professional bodies have also been involved and consulted to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners planning to enter employment directly in the music sector.

Learners taking this qualification will study three mandatory units:

• Unit 1: Practical Music Theory and Harmony

• Unit 2: Professional Practice in the Music Industry

• Unit 3: Ensemble Music Performance.

Learners choose one optional unit. These have been designed to support progression to more specialist music courses in higher education and to link with relevant occupational areas, such as:

• composing music

• improvising music

• solo performance.

Assessment

External assessment 58%

Each external assessment for a BTEC National is linked to a specific unit. All of the units developed for external assessment are of 90 or 120 GLH to allow learners to demonstrate breadth and depth of achievement. Each assessment is taken under specified conditions, then marked by Pearson and a grade awarded.

The styles of external assessment used for qualifications in the music performance suite are:

 • performance – learners prepare for assessment over an extended window and demonstrate skills that generate some non-written evidence

• set tasks – learners take the assessment during a defined window and demonstrate understanding through completion of a vocational task. Some external assessments include a period of preparation using set information.

Internal assessment 48%

• write up the findings of their own research

• use case studies to explore complex or unfamiliar situations

• carry out projects for which they have choice over the direction and outcomes

• demonstrate practical and technical skills using appropriate instruments and techniques.

Entry Requirements

Grade 5-9 in GCSE Music (or equivalent qualification) You should also be grade 3+ (or of an equivalent standard) on an instrument or voice.

This course offers the opportunity to debate key philosophical questions as well as developing skills of analysis and academic writing.

Philosophy of Religion

• Ancient philosophical influences: Plato, Aristotle
• The nature of the soul, mind and body
• Arguments about the existence of God
• The nature and impact of religious experience
• The challenge for religious belief posed by the problem of evil
• Ideas about the nature of God
• Issues in religious language

Religion and Ethics

• Normative ethical theories: natural law, situation ethics, Kant, utilitarianism
• Meta-ethics
• Euthanasia and Business Ethics
• Ethical language and thought
• Sexual ethics

Developments in Religious Thought

• Augustine on human nature
• Death and the afterlife
• Natural and revealed theology
• Jesus Christ
• Christian moral principles and moral action
• Religious pluralism, society and theology
• Gender and society/theology •
• The challenge of secularism
• Liberation theology and Marx

Assessment

Religious Studies is assessed by three 2-hour written examinations at the end of the course:

Paper 1 - Philosophy of Religion

Paper 2 - Religious Ethics

Paper 3 - Development in Religious Thought

Entry Requiements

Grade 6-9 in GCSE RE and English Language

Photography BTEC

This course will spend a significant amount of time on building and mastering photography skills alongside deepening analytical and critical thinking skills. Throughout the course you will focus on a broad and changing area of study with light-based imagery spanning almost two centuries. You might choose to engage with early light-based images and rudimentary technology, such as a pinhole camera, as well as the most contemporary, which may include the use of digital cameras, video camcorders, photocopiers, scanners and mobile phones.

You may also work exclusively with film based or digital technology or with both. Outcomes can be screen or print based, comprise still or moving images and might be discrete to the subject area or combined with other art forms.

For your coursework, you will explore a variety of themes and artists, responding to their work and deepening your own skills and understanding. You will increase and improve your use and understanding of chosen themes such as: photographing people, photographing places, still-life photography, documentary photography, photojournalism, experimental imagery, photographic installation, fashion photography, digital imaging, moving image (video, film, animation).

Assessment

Year 1:

A1: Skills Development, you will explore key fundamentals of photography practice, learning how skills are integrated and connect to generate developed outcomes.

A2: Creative Project, you will apply the skills you have been developing throughout the programme to a creative project that demonstrates your ability to self-direct
a response to a brief, from inception to communication of outcomes.

Year 2:

B1: Personal Progression

You will Inform ideas for progression into a creative career. Apply problem solving practice to develop a strategy for career progression. Create materials for career progression using technical practice. Demonstrate professional practice and behaviours in relation to career progression aspirations. Apply communication skills to support progression into a creative career

B2: Creative Industry Response

You will Inform ideas for a response to a creative industry brief. Apply problem solving practice to develop solutions in response to a creative industry brief. Apply technical practice in response to a creative industry brief. Demonstrate professional practice and behaviours in response to a creative industry brief. Apply communication skills in response to a creative industry brief

Entry Requirements

Grade 5-9 in GCSE Art & Design (or equivalent). (Non-GCSE Art students will be considered with a photography portfolio.)

Students study the following two core themes:

• Socialisation, culture and identity
• Social differentiation, power and stratification

These themes are broad threads running through many areas of social life. In addition, students must understand the significance of conflict and consensus, social structure and social action, and the role of values.

Contemporary UK society: The central focus of study is UK society today, with consideration given to comparative dimensions where relevant, including the siting of UK society within its globalised context.

Students are assessed against the following criteria:

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: sociological theories, concepts and evidence sociological research methods

AO2: Apply sociological theories, concepts, evidence and research methods to a range of issues

AO3: Analyse and evaluate sociological theories, concepts, evidence and research methods in order to: present arguments, make judgements and draw conclusions.

Assessment

There are three terminal examinations at the end of two years of study and each lasts 2 hours: Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (Family and Media) Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

Entry Requirements

Level 6-9 in English Language and level 5-9 in English Literature. (There is no requirement for students to have studied, or secured a grade in GCSE Sociology to enrol at Advanced level.)

This course prepares you for a wide range of careers in the sport sector, including a specialist work-related programme of study that covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the sport sector.

The main focus of the course is developing the key knowledge and underlying skills needed for employment in the diverse sports industry.

Units Covered include:

• Body systems & effects of physical activity
• Sports coaching • Sport organisation & development
• Working safely in sport
• Performance analysis in sport
• Sports event organisation
• Physical activity for specific groups
• Helath & fitness testing for sport
• Sports injuries & rehab
• Practical skills in sport & physical activity
• Sport & exercise psychology

The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements for many relevant specialist courses, such as Sports Studies, Sports Science, Sports Coaching, Sports Development & Management and Physical Education.

Assessment

You will complete a combination of internally and externally assessed units. These vary from Examinations, Controlled Assessments and Internal assessments ranging from reports, practical assessments and presentations.

Entry Requirements

Grade 4-9 in GCSE PE. It is essential that you are involved in a current sporting activity

BTEC Level 3 Business 

Exam Board: Edexcel 

Content 

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Business is an Applied General qualification. It is for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and to employment in the business sector. The qualification is equivalent in size to two A Levels, and is a full two-year programme. The content of this pathway has been developed to support progression to higher education. The qualification gives learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin the business sector that will prepare them for further study or training. This includes the opportunity for learners to reflect on key topics in business: 

• Marketing 

• Business environments

• International business

• Management

• Finance

Assessment 

Most units in the sector are internally assessed, which gives you the opportunity to;

• write up the findings of your own research

• use case studies to explore real-life business situations

• carry out projects for which they have choice over the direction and outcomes

External assessments used for qualifications in the Business are: 

• examinations – all learners take the same assessment at the same time, normally with a written outcome 

• set tasks – learners take the assessment during a defined window and demonstrate understanding through completion of a vocational task.

Some external assessments include a period of preparation using set information.

Unit 1: Exploring Business  

Unit 2: Developing a Marketing Campaign – Externally assessed

Unit 3: Personal and Business Finance – Externally assessed

Unit 4: Managing an Event

Unit 5: International Business 

Unit 6: Principles of Management – Externally assessed 

Unit 8: Recruitment and Selection Process 

Unit 22: Market Research 

720 GLH - Equivalent in size to two A Levels. 8 units of which 6 are mandatory and 3 are external. Mandatory content (83%) External assessment (45%)

Entry requirements 

Standard entry requirements for BTEC courses at Sedgehill.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Creative Digital Media Production

The creative industries generate £9 million an hour to the UK economy! From Guardians of the Galaxy to Minecraft, the UK holds the talent and resources that produce some of the most innovative and imaginative media in the world. The range of industries represented by creative digital media production includes media such as film and television, digital publishing, and digital games.

Over three units of mandatory content, students gain a broad understanding of the subject and learn the skills to produce media artefacts. They develop their ability to analyse and deconstruct media images and representations. Through vocational media projects, they learn the required communication skills to pitch for digital media commissions and planning skills to work in teams and create media products. Through an optional introductory unit in a particular media sector such as publishing, games, film or radio, students create engaging digital media content and platforms.

• Equivalent in size to one A Level.
• 4 units of which 3 are mandatory and 2 are external.
• Mandatory content (83%). External assessment (58%).

Units:

Unit 1: Media Representations

Learners will consider how different media representations are constructed by media producers to create meaning, messages, and values

• Exam onscreen set and marked by Pearson.
• Two hours.
• 80 marks
• AO1-AO4

Unit 4: Pre-Production Portfolio

Learners study the requirements of planning and delivering a digital media product, carrying out essential pre-production tasks and creating a pre-production portfolio.

• Learners will be provided with a scenario set by Pearson.
• Completed under coursework conditions.
• Written submission in digital/physical portfolio.
• Learning Aims A-D

Unit 8: Responding to a Commission

This unit considers the commissioning process and how media producers respond to clients by generating ideas using a range of skills.

• A task set and marked by Pearson and completed under supervised conditions.
• Learners will be provided with a commission for a media production two weeks before the supervised assessment period.
• The set task is completed in 6 hours under supervised conditions in a period timetabled by Pearson
• Written submission.
• 72 marks.
• AO1-AO4

Unit 14: Digital Magazine Production

Learners will explore codes and conventions of different magazine genres and platforms. They will select and prepare content and create layouts for a specific genre of magazine.

• Completed under coursework conditions.
• Written report in digital/physical portfolio accompanied by finished layouts for a
• magazine cover and double page spread for a magazine of a specific genre.
• Learning Aims A-C

Entry Requirements: Grade 6-9 in GCSE English.

Biology A Level

Content

If you are a talented biologist who wishes to study the subject to a far greater level of complexity and wish to pursue the sciences at higher education, then A-Level Biology may be the subject for you. The course will equip you with a deep understanding of complex scientific phenomena as well as exploring the implications of such knowledge on our global community. In particular you’ll develop skills in the practical use of data, research, reasoning, analysis, evaluation, team-work, numerical problem-solving and writing. You will learn how to establish hypotheses, use evidence and logic, collaborate, research and scrutinise ideas and findings as well as communicate them through well-referenced essays and reports.

Topics studied:

· Biological molecules

· Cells

· Organisms exchange substances with their environment

· Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

· Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

· Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

· The control of gene expression

Assessment

Biology is assessed by three written exams at the end of the course:

Paper 1 - 2 hours, 91 marks (35% of A-Level)

Paper 2 - 2 hours 30 minutes, 91 marks (35%)

Paper 3 - 2 hours, 78 marks (30%)

Entry Requirements

Grade 6-9 in GCSE Biology or 7-9 in Combined Science; 6-9 in Maths.

Physics A Level

Content

Physics is a subject for the curious, for those who ask the deepest questions about the universe but who also want to know about the workings of the physical world in everyday life. You will develop the ability to plan, implement, analyse and evaluate practical exercises. You will learn strategies for successful problem-solving and gain an understanding of the use of IT for analysis of results, data gathering and research. You will also become skilled at communicating difficult concepts clearly. The course is useful for those who wish to go on to study Engineering or Physics and prepares you for a range of other related degrees such as Architecture or Natural Sciences.

Topics:

· Measurements and their errors

· Particles and radiation

· Waves

· Mechanics and materials

· Electricity

· Further mechanics and thermal physics

· Fields and their consequences

· Nuclear physics

· Astrophysics

· Medical physics

· Engineering physics

· Turning points in physics

· Electronics

Assessment

Physics assessment- 34%, 34%, 32%

Entry Requirements

Grade 6-9 in GCSE Physics or 7-9 in Combined Science; grade 6-9 in Math

Drama & Theatre A Level

Creative learners are able to access a vast range of skills, leading to a vast array of exciting careers. Sedgehill’s drama department delivers to a very high standard the kind of learning experience which will equip students with independence and a depth of knowledge to carry them confidently into their next chosen step, as evidenced in the pathways of many of our alumni.

The A-Level Drama and Theatre course gives the opportunity for students to be challenged and work at a sophisticated level, both practically and academically, empowering students to work in real depth as an actor, designer and/or director while developing advanced analytical skills which transfer directly into other A Levels, particularly English, Sociology, Art, Philosophy and History. Sedgehill’s fully equipped studios are the perfect base for you to experiment and hone your craft whilst gaining a rich breadth of knowledge in various fields of performance. You will study the methods and theories of various practitioners and put their understanding into practice in the 3 components below.

Assessment

Component 1: Devising (40%)

Create an original piece of drama based on a performance text and a theatre practitioner studied in opening workshops. Performance 20 marks; Written Portfolio 60 marks

Component 2: Text in Performance (20%)

Perform a group extract (24 marks)

Perform a monologue (24 marks) from a play script

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice (final written exam, 40%)

Section A: Live Theatre Evaluation; students will answer one question relating to a live production they have seen during the A Level course, analysing and evaluating the production values (20 marks)

Section B: Page to Stage: Realising a Performance Text; students answer two questions relating to their choices for the play as a performer and as a designer (36 marks)

Section C: Interpreting a performance text; students answer a question on their own concept for staging a set text in the style of a practitioner (24 marks)

Entry Requirements

Grade 6-9 in GCSE drama. (Non-GCSE drama students require grade 6-9 in English plus an acting audition.)

Fine Art A Level

Content

This course will spend a significant amount of time on building and mastering Art & Design skills, alongside deepening analytical and critical thinking skills. You will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of ideas, materials and processes. Throughout the course you will focus on a range of drawing and visual communication techniques. For your coursework, you will explore a variety of themes and artists, responding to their work and deepening your own skills and understanding. You will increase and improve your use and understanding of chosen media, such as: photography, painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture. From this you will create a body of work called your Personal Project and work over longer periods of time exploring set themes, through investigating the working practices of artists and experimenting with materials to support the generation and development of your personal ideas. You will also create a personal study where you will explore and write about the work of a range of relevant artists. For your exam, you will be set a theme by the exam board: you will explore this theme and develop a series of ideas in response to the work of artists and experiment with materials. You will create your final piece in an exam over a period of days at the end of April or beginning of May.

Assessment

You will be formatively assessed on a regular basis and expected to act on the feedback given. In Year 1 you will have a range of internal deadlines that you will be set by your teachers. In Year 2 you will have a coursework deadline in January (60% of final grade) and an exam deadline in April (40%), and you will be formally assessed and graded against the exam board criteria at these times. The criteria you are assessed against are: A01 Develop your ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding. A02 Experiment with and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining your ideas as your work develops. A03 Record in visual and/or other forms ideas, observations and insights relevant to your intentions, demonstrating an ability to reflect on your work and progress. A04 Present a personal, informed and meaningful response demonstrating critical understanding, realising intentions and, where appropriate, making connections between visual, oral or other elements.

Entry Criteria

Grade 6-9 in GCSE Art & Design (or equivalent)

Content

In Paper 1, you will learn about the political, economic and social transformation of the USA in the twentieth century (c1917-80), and how this was shaped by the challenges of inequality and involvement in international conflicts.  While the focus is on development over time, this paper also includes a depth study of historical interpretations of the Reagan presidency and its impact on the USA, 1981-96.

In Paper 2 you will explore the transition of India from a colony to independence between 1914 and 1948.  You will gain an in depth understanding of the changing relationship between Britain and India and the reasons for this, with particular reference to Indian nationalism.  This paper includes source evaluation and analysis.

In Year 13 you will study the relationship between authority and mass protest in England, the struggle for representation and the ways that individuals shaped society.  This paper covers the period from c1780-1928 and considers broad themes as well as aspects in depth focussing in detail on key episodes such as the Chartists, (1838-c1850) and the Suffragettes, (1903-14).  This unit is primarily political history but also explores the economic and social contexts of these episodes, and their influence on developments and the pressure for change.

The coursework essay completed during Year 13, is an internally-assessed (externally moderated) 3000-4000 word essay focussing on an issue that has caused disagreement among historians and requires you to engage directly with historical scholarship and reach a substantiated judgement.

Assessment

Paper 1: Breadth study

2 hours 15 minutes, 30% of A-Level

Paper 2: Study in depth  

1 hour 30 minutes, 20% of A-Level

Paper 3: Themes in breadth, aspects in depth

2 hours and 15 minutes, 30% of A-Level

Coursework: Topic-based essay, 20% of A-Level

Entry Requirements

Grade 7-9 in GCSE History

A Level Geography