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The Sixth Form Curriculum

PHS's Sixth Form offers a broad range of academic subjects and some vocational subjects.  Students usually take four subjects at Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level and three at A Level (A2).  In addition to studies for AS and A2, girls participate in a wider programme of activities within the curriculum.  The AS and A Level subjects offered can be found below.  Over the past five years we have been very pleased to considerably increase the number of subjects offered and are always prepared to discuss additional subject requests with parents and students.

Subjects offered

Art

The AS and A2 Art courses are exciting and challenging; students are able to develop their creative potential whilst developing their technical skills in a wide range of media.  There are two endorsements to choose from:  Fine Art in which students work in painting, drawing, mixed media and sculpture, and Textiles in which students will focus on creating arts using predominantly textile materials.  In both areas students are encouraged to stretch the boundaries of their artform.

Biology

Biology deals with amny questions of immediate relevance and interest to humans, such as the mechanisms of inheritance and disease.  AS and A level deepens the understanding of these and other fundamental topics, giving the student an increased power to explain the living world around and within us.

Business Studies

Business Studies encourages students to develop critical understanding of organisations.  It is an inter-disciplinary course, which ncludes elements of accountancy, management science and economics as well as social psychology and law.

      

Chemistry

The AS and A levels in Chemistry serve the needs of a wide range of students as they follow their individual routes through lifelong learning. Students will develop and use practical techniques, solve chemical problems and study the application of chemistry in selected fields.

English Literature

This course encourages students to develop interest in and enjoyment of English literature, through reading widely, critically and independently, across centuries, genres and gender, and through experience of an extensive range of views about texts and how to read them.

Geography

Geography considers in depth the relationship between man and his environment.  it is a course that is very dynamic and uses geographical theory as a means to solving everyday issues and challenges.

History

History is about real people and students develop the abilit to assess human motivations, study information and detect bias or propraganda and communicate clearly in a variety of forms.  Units include four of 15rh and 16th century British history and two of 20th century American history.

Mathematics and Further Mathematics

Modules are chosen from three different branches of Mathematics:  Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics.  There is additional scope to extend the range of modules available to offer Further Mathematics at AS level but this would depend upon the calibre of the student.

Media Studies

In AS level Media Studies, taught over two years, pupils 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 Institutions, Media Audiences and Media Representations.  Production work is an important component of the course.  The purpose of production work is for pupils to put theory into practice, by demonstrating knowledge and understanding of technical skills in their own media production, as well as to engage them in creative, imaginative and aesthetic activity.

Modern Languages:  French and German

New technology and improved travel and communications have resulted in the world becoming a much smaller place.  It is crucial, therefore that we learn to speak with and understand each other.  This can only be done effectively by learning other languages and appreciating associated cultures.  Studying a modern foreign language will teach students to communicate at a higher level in the chosen language of study, as well as developing general study, independent learning and research skills.  Students will have the chance to learn much more about a wide, varied and interesting range of aspects of the societies in which the language is spoken.

Music

The AS and A2 Music courses extend the skills of Performing, Composing and Listening, in ways which emphasise their interdependence.  There are no limits on the instruments (or voices) and types of repertoire which may be presented in performance, encouraging study of the widest possible range of music from folk, pupular and classical traditions of non-Western origin as well as those of jazz and the Western classical and popular traditions.

Physical Education

Physical Education is a multi-faceted discipline, which emcompasses a variety of practical and theoretical areas.  Students following this course will share with their fellow students and teachers a common interest in, enthusiasm for and enjoyment of the study of Physical Education and sport.

Physics

The AS and A level Physics specifications cover important physical knowledge, understanding and skills.  Social, economic, environmental, ethical, medical and technical aspects of Physics are integrated into the modules throughout the course.

Psychology

Students taking AS and A level Psychology learn to understand the reasons and motivations behind human behaviour and the facets of abnormal behaviour.  Issues specifically related to Phsychology such as ethics, culture and gender are discussed during the course, providing insight into other areas of society.

Religious Studies

This is a course for people who want to work at thinking, by exploring the classic arguments for belief and behaviour along with their classic criticisms, to develop philosophical skills.

Theatre Studies

This course would be atttractive to students who enjoy working practically and have a keen interest in theatre.  Seeing plays live in a variety of theatrical settings is a requirement of the course.  Students study the works of playwrights and practitioners who have been major influences on the theatre of the past and present.

Travel and Tourism

The fastest growing sector of the United Kingdom economy is the leisure and tourism sector.  A level Travel and Tourism not only provides an insight into the travel industry, but also into business in general.  in addition, Travel and Tourism involves a wide variety of transferable skills, which are in great demand and are recognised by employers and universities and colleges as being of great value.  A level Travel and Tourism enables students to gain a broad understanding of selected areas of the industry, and to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding needed in this area of study.  It also gives students the opportunity ot apply learning in a practical and realistic way and to gain confidence by developing independent learning skills.

      

Additional curriculum information

Games

All girls from Year 10 upwards participate in Games where a wide choice of recreational sports is offered.  Examples include rowing, aerobics, football, rounders, gym, netball and trampolining.

Chapel

There is a weekly Chapel service.  Those who are not religious have the opportunity to undertake peaceful reflection.  There is no compulsory worship for boarders at weekends.

Enrichment programme

For a double period every week, Sixth Formers have lessons to broaden their curriculum and to consider and discuss issues relating to their personal and social development.  A broad range of topics is covered, aiming to give education for life.  Sessions include politics, current affairs, philosophy, citizenship, general science, sociology, law, cultural studies and environmental studies.  There is a detailed programme of study skills to enable individuals to maximise their personal performance.  Health issues such as drug and alchohol awareness and sexual health are discussed.  Speakers are often invited to these sessions to offer students a broader perspective.  A programme of careers is also covered during these sessions.

A Critical Thinking examination at AS level is offered.