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K i n g E d w a r d V i C o l l e g e<br />
p r o s p e c t u s<br />
S t o u r b r i d g e<br />
2 0 1 3
Welcome to<br />
<strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s<br />
Contents<br />
Pages<br />
Welcome to <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s 3<br />
About the college 4<br />
<strong>College</strong> Facilities 4<br />
Choosing your A Levels 6<br />
20 Reasons why students<br />
recommend <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s 8<br />
How we will support you 10<br />
Student Union 12<br />
Student Profiles 14, 19, 39, 49<br />
A Level Courses 15<br />
Results, Destinations &<br />
Student Recognition 42<br />
<strong>College</strong> Trips 44<br />
<strong>College</strong> Admissions -<br />
How Do I Apply 46<br />
General Information 48<br />
Transport Links &<br />
How to find us 50<br />
2 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
I am delighted that you are thinking about<br />
studying your A levels at <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s.<br />
The next two years are a crucial stage in<br />
your education as you prepare to enter<br />
university or choose a profession. As you<br />
read this <strong>prospectus</strong>, you will appreciate the<br />
many ways in which we can help and<br />
support you to fulfil your aspirations.<br />
What makes us different?<br />
As a sixth form college, <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s will provide you with<br />
a fresh start after GCSE. You will move into a new social<br />
environment where you will mix exclusively with people of<br />
your own age and with similar goals. Because we specialise<br />
in A levels, the range and the combination of subjects that<br />
can be studied are both very much wider than at school.<br />
And because we have a large number of A level students,<br />
we can offer you lots of additional activities to make your<br />
time with us as stimulating and enjoyable as possible.<br />
But don’t just take our word for it! Talk to past and present<br />
students to find out more about life at <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s. They<br />
will tell you why we are so popular and explain why we have<br />
been recognised as one of the outstanding colleges in the<br />
country. If you can, look up our Ofsted report to see why<br />
inspectors awarded us their top grades.<br />
An outstanding college<br />
Our examination results have been consistently outstanding<br />
for many years and keep getting better. In 2012 our A level<br />
pass rate in core subjects was 99.5%. A high proportion of<br />
our students gain top grades: two thirds of A level passes in<br />
core subjects were at A*, A or B, with almost a third of<br />
passes at A* or A including 46 students gaining four or<br />
more A or A* grades at A level. But exams are just a part of<br />
what makes <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s a good place to study. Students<br />
are very happy here so that we also have outstanding<br />
retention. When you put pass rates, high grades and<br />
retention rates together, our students are amongst the most<br />
successful in the country and can move on to the next<br />
stage of their careers well qualified and confident.<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
Only at <strong>King</strong> Ed’s<br />
In addition to A levels, our students have access to extracurricular<br />
activities such as sports, music and drama,<br />
offering a richness of experience comparable to that in<br />
independent schools. <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s students go on to the<br />
best universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. Our<br />
student support team ensure that each and every student<br />
rapidly settles into college life and is enabled to fulfil his or<br />
her potential. Most importantly, <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s offers an<br />
intellectually challenging, supportive and stimulating<br />
community of like-minded individuals, an ideal preparation<br />
for university.<br />
Will I get in?<br />
With all that we have to offer, you might think that it is very<br />
difficult to gain admission. You would be wrong! We make<br />
around a thousand offers of places each year. Whilst most<br />
places go to students from our partner schools throughout<br />
the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, around a fifth of our<br />
places go to students from outside this area. Although we<br />
are oversubscribed each year, we still have enough places<br />
to be able to take most suitable applicants. So, if you<br />
believe that <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s is the right place for you, do<br />
apply!<br />
Principal<br />
3<br />
welcome
KING EDWARD <strong>VI</strong> COLLEGE<br />
About the college<br />
<strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong> <strong>VI</strong> <strong>College</strong>, recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted<br />
and as one of the top performing sixth form colleges nationally<br />
based on government statistics, is situated in the centre of<br />
<strong>Stourbridge</strong> within easy walking distance from the main bus and<br />
rail stations. As all teaching is situated on a single, compact<br />
campus students do not have to travel between sites.<br />
Our past<br />
<strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s was granted its charter as a grammar school in 1552 and has<br />
celebrated 460 years of education on the site. It became a sixth form college<br />
in 1976. Since then its popularity and success has led to an on-going<br />
programme of development and expansion, blending cutting edge teaching<br />
methods and classroom experiences on our historic site.<br />
Past students include distinguished writers from Dr Samuel Johnson to the<br />
current day international best-selling author Steve Watson and renowned<br />
musicians of all genres, including the classical composer Clint Mansell and<br />
rock legend Robert Plant. The college also has a long tradition of excellence in<br />
the sciences, as reflected in the pioneering work of many past students<br />
including Sir Maurice Wilkes, a Fellow of the Royal Society and an Emeritus<br />
Professor at Cambridge University credited with many developments in<br />
computing, the rocket scientist Richard Stanton-Jones, and Basil Lythall CB,<br />
former Chief Scientist of the Royal Navy. <strong>Form</strong>er students have also excelled in<br />
a range of sports at international and Olympic level including rugby, cricket,<br />
cycling, swimming and sailing.<br />
Our present<br />
Today the college is a vibrant, inclusive and exciting community with over 1700<br />
students from a variety of cultural and social backgrounds, united in their<br />
enthusiasm for learning. A staffing ratio of approximately one member of staff<br />
for every nine students helps ensures the college provides outstanding<br />
pastoral care and academic support. Every student meets regularly with their<br />
‘Personal Tutor’ who takes a special interest in their progress throughout their<br />
time at college, offering encouragement and support along the way, as<br />
needed. All subject tutors are experts in their respective subjects and<br />
passionate about preparing students for the challenges and the increased<br />
independence that university and working life will bring.<br />
Our extensive range of subjects combined with our flexible timetable (we do<br />
not operate a blocking system) provides students with unrivalled choice when<br />
building their programme. Daily sessions begin at 8.45 am and classes<br />
generally finish at 4.00 pm. Individual timetables vary a great deal, but most<br />
students average one out of five lessons free each day, time they are strongly<br />
encouraged to use for private study.<br />
Our results make <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s the leading college in the Midlands and one<br />
of the most successful colleges in the country, we remain at the top of the<br />
Dudley league tables by over two hundred points. Our students earn more<br />
A level points than a student at Eton!<br />
Our future<br />
Each Autumn half of our students<br />
embark upon a university degree,<br />
the first stage of their working life, or<br />
perhaps an organised gap year<br />
activity, making way for a fresh<br />
intake of new students who will<br />
spend two years developing and<br />
maturing at what may seem like a<br />
‘destination’ but is, in reality, a<br />
stepping stone to the next stage of<br />
life. This means you will join with<br />
hundreds of other students - just<br />
like you. Every year we look forward<br />
to welcoming our next batch of<br />
keen, bright students, enthusiastic<br />
to learn, make new friends and plan<br />
for an exciting future.<br />
Outstanding results at <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s<br />
4 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
t: 01384 398100<br />
<strong>College</strong> Facilities<br />
The college’s campus continues to be sympathetically developed<br />
to deliver cutting edge teaching and learning experiences within an<br />
historic setting in which students have thrived for generations.<br />
Behind the traditional facades the college provides state-of-the-art A Level<br />
laboratories, outstanding access to Apple Mac and Microsoft computers, Wi-Fi<br />
classrooms and mobile technology, a modern canteen and free internet café. The<br />
on-site gym and Sports Hall is complemented by extensive <strong>College</strong> sports fields<br />
nearby in <strong>Stourbridge</strong>. Current expansion includes the development of new<br />
purpose-built classrooms designed to enhance the learning experience whilst<br />
preparing students for the world of work and top flight universities. This is an<br />
inclusive environment in which all areas of the college used by students have<br />
disabled access.<br />
Learning resources<br />
All students are encouraged to use their college email accounts in college and at<br />
home to communicate with each other and their tutors.In addition to the college’s<br />
online learning platform, which enables students to receive and submit work when<br />
away from college, to work through interactive resources, to discuss complex<br />
theories or topics through discussion forums and to reflect upon their own<br />
learning.<br />
As we are a specialist institution our library and learning resource centre are able to<br />
offer three floors of traditional and modern quiet space incorporating over a<br />
hundred work stations, netbooks and tablets, thousands of books and a host of<br />
magazines, newspapers, and free access to on-line licensed academic journals –<br />
all of which will complement your A level studies.<br />
Student facilities<br />
The ‘Junior Common Room’ is the main student social area, a buzzing hub in<br />
which you can relax, play games such as table football, listen to music and buy a<br />
variety of food. The cafeteria is open for most of the day serving breakfast, snacks<br />
and lunch to eat in or takeaway. Areas for acts of worship are also available for<br />
student use, as is the college garden.<br />
When not in lessons, students manage their time completing independent study,<br />
socialising on-site or in <strong>Stourbridge</strong> town centre. The town library, multiple eateries<br />
and coffee shops are all within a few minutes walking distance. <strong>Stourbridge</strong> town<br />
bus and train station, with good links to the Black Country, Birmingham, Worcester<br />
and the surrounding areas is conveniently located approximately five minutes’ walk<br />
from college.<br />
5<br />
king edward vi college
Choosing your a levels<br />
‘A level’ is the most understood,<br />
respected, and accepted sixth<br />
form qualification in terms of<br />
academic rigour and transferable<br />
skills. At <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s we will<br />
help you build a four or five<br />
subject programme from over 40<br />
different A level subjects that will<br />
lead you successfully into higher<br />
education, professional training,<br />
or employment. The ability to<br />
specialise is a key feature of AS<br />
and A level courses and is<br />
attractive to many students and<br />
universities. A levels are often<br />
more beneficial than the<br />
International Baccalaureate (IB)<br />
for careers such as veterinary<br />
science, as they provide the<br />
opportunity for more focus on<br />
maths and science across both<br />
years. If you aspire to attend a<br />
top ‘Russell Group’ university or<br />
have a very specialist career in<br />
mind such as dentistry, medicine<br />
or teaching then your choice of A<br />
levels can be as important as the<br />
grades you ultimately achieve.<br />
Our team of experts will provide<br />
advice and assistance through<br />
our interview process and<br />
beyond.<br />
Most students will study four<br />
advanced subsidiary (AS) subjects in<br />
the first year before taking three<br />
forward in their second year. This<br />
flexible pattern gives students a<br />
broad sixth form education without<br />
sacrificing depth. Our flexible<br />
approach means you are free to<br />
request the subjects most appealing<br />
to you. We do not operate a<br />
blocking structure for students<br />
selecting their subjects. The AS and<br />
A2 courses are modular, all subjects<br />
have public examinations at the end<br />
of both years and some will be<br />
supplemented either by January<br />
exams or coursework during the<br />
year.<br />
6 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
How to create<br />
your programme<br />
In addition to your specialist A levels,<br />
you will benefit from the added<br />
breadth of studying for A level<br />
General Studies in your second year,<br />
studying partly on-line via the<br />
college’s virtual learning environment<br />
(VLE), and partly through face to face<br />
sessions with experienced tutors.<br />
This combination will give most<br />
students four A levels plus one AS at<br />
the end of their course. Some<br />
students may opt to study Critical<br />
Thinking in year 13, or the Certificate<br />
in Financial Studies which can be<br />
very useful for those needing to take<br />
additional online tests such as BMAT<br />
or LNAT(for degrees in medicine or<br />
law). Other students may opt, in year<br />
13, to complete an Extended Project.<br />
The Extended Project Qualification is<br />
equivalent to an AS qualification<br />
which gives students the opportunity<br />
to pursue their own research in an<br />
area of their choosing, supported by<br />
a supervisor and some taught<br />
research methods sessions. The<br />
independence required for this<br />
qualification makes it ideal for<br />
students aspiring to one of the<br />
country’s top ‘Russell Group’<br />
universities.<br />
How will I choose my subjects?<br />
The first questions you should<br />
ask yourself are:<br />
● Which of my current year<br />
11 subjects do I like best?<br />
● Which am I best at?<br />
● Do I have a career in mind which<br />
requires particular subjects?<br />
Are there any new subjects that<br />
interest me?<br />
Your choice of subjects is an<br />
important decision - your future<br />
career could depend upon it. Take<br />
account of the preferences of the<br />
universities and degree courses you<br />
may be interested in. Think carefully<br />
about the advice of your own<br />
teachers and careers advisers and of<br />
the college’s staff and the UCAS<br />
website who can advise you either<br />
before you make an application or<br />
during interview. Before you make<br />
your final decision, you should also<br />
read the subject description sheets<br />
which will be available at open<br />
evenings, via the website, or from the<br />
college admissions team.<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
How shall I decide which subjects<br />
to do at AS and which to do at full<br />
A level?<br />
One of the main advantages of a<br />
modular system is that you can wait<br />
until you have largely completed your<br />
AS studies before deciding which<br />
subjects to continue at A2. It is quite<br />
common for students to take a<br />
subject into the second year that they<br />
originally intended to drop, some<br />
even go on to study their “fourth<br />
subject” at university. Here again, this<br />
flexibility is a key feature of A levels,<br />
not shared by any of the alternative<br />
programmes.<br />
In choosing your subjects, you<br />
should consider university<br />
departments’ admissions policies.<br />
These are published in the university<br />
and department <strong>prospectus</strong>es and<br />
websites. The most popular and<br />
prestigious universities and subjects<br />
may well declare preferences for<br />
particular subjects. If you wish to<br />
keep your options open to apply to<br />
these courses, you are strongly<br />
advised to take these into account;<br />
the admissions area of our website<br />
includes some links to advice<br />
published by universities.<br />
Which subjects go best together?<br />
Some combinations may be<br />
desirable or even essential for a<br />
particular career. Some subjects<br />
support each other well, while you<br />
may wish to think about other<br />
combinations very carefully because<br />
of the large amount of practical work<br />
they entail outside lesson time. The<br />
fourth AS subject (which is usually<br />
studied for only one year) could be<br />
chosen to support the other three.<br />
However, do consider getting extra<br />
breadth by doing a contrasting<br />
subject – for instance a language or<br />
humanities subject with sciences. All<br />
these issues will be discussed at<br />
interview.<br />
How much time will I spend<br />
studying?<br />
Most AS and A2 courses will occupy<br />
4 hours 20 minutes per week of<br />
formal teaching time, supplemented<br />
by time for individual tutor / student<br />
work and workshops providing<br />
support, stretch and challenge. In<br />
addition to class time, you will be<br />
expected in all subjects to spend at<br />
least the same amount of your own<br />
time working either at home or in<br />
college.<br />
Can I take more than four AS<br />
subjects in the first year?<br />
Yes, if you are able to cope with five,<br />
you will be allowed to do so –<br />
especially if it could support a future<br />
possible career path for instance. You<br />
can discuss this at interview.<br />
Can I mix AS and A2 courses in<br />
the same year?<br />
Yes. If you are studying an AS in year<br />
11 we can enrol you on the A2<br />
course in year 12 provided your<br />
grade is good enough and the<br />
specifications (syllabuses) are<br />
compatible. In Year 13 some<br />
students choose to do one or more<br />
new AS subjects alongside their A2<br />
courses.<br />
Can I take A level General Studies?<br />
Yes, all students follow this course in<br />
year 13, acquiring a useful extra<br />
qualification which also provides<br />
welcome breadth to your studies.<br />
Can I take GCSE subjects?<br />
Yes. We offer GCSE courses for<br />
students who have not achieved<br />
GCSE Grade C or higher in English or<br />
Mathematics and would benefit from<br />
these courses, and for students<br />
aspiring to very competitive university<br />
courses who require an improved<br />
GCSE grade in order to apply. In<br />
addition, all students joining the<br />
college without a GCSE level ICT<br />
qualification will have the opportunity<br />
to take a three month course to<br />
boost their skills and gain an<br />
equivalent qualification, if required.<br />
Is that it?<br />
Not quite. In addition to your A level<br />
studies, we provide many<br />
opportunities for educational<br />
enrichment and to develop your own<br />
skills and experiences. Details of<br />
these are given overleaf.<br />
7<br />
choosing your a levels
20 reasons why students<br />
recommend <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s<br />
<strong>Sixth</strong> form study is extremely important not just in terms of which type of qualification and which subjects you<br />
choose, but also the type of environment in which you choose to study. You need to ensure you will receive the<br />
right balance of support and guidance to suit your needs, coupled with inspirational teaching and an atmosphere<br />
that will help you develop the independence essential for success at university or in your first full time job.<br />
We asked our students why they chose <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s, below are some of their responses:<br />
1. Friendly supportive learning<br />
environment<br />
We understand that a happy<br />
student is a productive student.<br />
We organise the learning<br />
environment and our support<br />
systems around our students.<br />
Our approachable staff will guide<br />
and support you throughout your<br />
time at college, especially during<br />
your first few weeks when lessons<br />
are structured to help students<br />
get to know each other and<br />
settle into college life.<br />
2. Outstanding results<br />
Our students consistently gain<br />
the highest A level results in<br />
the region, confirming the<br />
college’s position as one of the<br />
most successful colleges in the<br />
country. Our students achieve<br />
a higher total average points<br />
score – a measure of<br />
performance across all<br />
subjects studied – than those<br />
at most private schools<br />
including Eton. In addition, we<br />
ensure all students progress at<br />
a similar rate, regardless of<br />
gender or ethnicity, meaning<br />
<strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s offers fantastic<br />
opportunities for all.<br />
3. A stepping stone to<br />
university or a career<br />
We consider ourselves a<br />
stepping-stone rather than a<br />
destination. This means that<br />
we’re committed to providing a<br />
range of support outside your<br />
academic programme, from<br />
the day you join until the day<br />
you leave, and beyond.<br />
4. Cambridge university<br />
partnership<br />
<strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s has worked<br />
closely with Cambridge<br />
University to create a regional<br />
hub providing high achieving A<br />
Level students from all<br />
backgrounds direct experience<br />
of Cambridge University.<br />
Being host and lead organiser<br />
for the Midlands hub means<br />
our students enjoy unrivalled<br />
access to exciting programmes of<br />
extension classes in eleven<br />
subject areas, in addition to advice<br />
on Oxford and Cambridge<br />
courses, colleges and individual<br />
interview preparation.<br />
5. A financial career in the<br />
Square Mile<br />
<strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s offers high flying<br />
future financiers the opportunity to<br />
follow a structured programme of<br />
two A levels preferred by<br />
investment banks alongside<br />
additional finance qualifications<br />
required by finance professionals,<br />
a financially focussed project, and<br />
work experience on London’s<br />
trading floors. This opportunity,<br />
supported by the Royal Bank of<br />
Scotland, Leeds University and<br />
the London School of Economics<br />
is only available through <strong>King</strong><br />
<strong>Edward</strong>’s and colleges or schools<br />
approved by the college.<br />
6. Excellent preparation for<br />
Russell Group universities<br />
With rising tuition fees and<br />
increasingly discerning employers<br />
it is vital that students going to<br />
university select their course<br />
wisely. Each year we help<br />
hundreds of students achieve<br />
places on the most respected<br />
degree courses in the most oversubscribed<br />
universities,<br />
helping ensure that university<br />
remains a wise financial<br />
investment, as well as a place to<br />
develop academically and socially.<br />
7. Leadership development<br />
Top universities and employers<br />
expect to recruit students with<br />
clear leadership potential. We<br />
provide a host of leadership<br />
development opportunities<br />
including an intensive one day<br />
management course with industry<br />
experts, Duke of Edinburgh Gold<br />
Award, Young Enterprise, Student<br />
Ambassador, Student Governor,<br />
Student Union and Student<br />
Representative roles, and the<br />
opportunity to develop and deliver<br />
structured enrichment<br />
programmes to other students.<br />
8. Large and varied enrichment<br />
programme<br />
The <strong>College</strong> offers a host of extra<br />
activities which are fun, can add<br />
breadth to your study, and<br />
support a future career.<br />
Opportunities available include<br />
team and individual sports,<br />
musical and theatre activities,<br />
languages such as Arabic, new<br />
hobbies such as yoga or scuba<br />
diving, and much more. There is<br />
something for everyone.<br />
9. Working with other keen<br />
students<br />
We carefully select all our students<br />
taking care to ensure we recruit<br />
students who enjoy learning. This<br />
means you will share lessons with<br />
students who want to work hard<br />
and who support each other.<br />
10. Specialist tutors & resources<br />
All our tutors are experts in their<br />
subject and focus their efforts on<br />
A level delivery, meaning you<br />
receive the best possible support<br />
from committed and enthusiastic<br />
tutors. Our tutors include authors<br />
of A level textbooks, A Level<br />
exam board markers, and<br />
experienced coursework<br />
assessors.<br />
11. Outstanding musical<br />
opportunities<br />
<strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s attracts excellent<br />
musicians from across the West<br />
Midlands. This concentration of<br />
talented performers allows us to<br />
run two choirs, symphony<br />
orchestra, string orchestra, wind<br />
band and a wide range of<br />
smaller groups from classical<br />
string quartet to rhythm and<br />
blues band, a range that would<br />
not be possible in any other sixth<br />
form environment. Subsidised<br />
lessons are available for students<br />
participating in the musical life of<br />
the college.<br />
8 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
12. Sporting opportunities<br />
The college has a well equipped<br />
sports hall complete with a<br />
climbing wall, four indoor cricket<br />
nets, fitness suite and an offsite<br />
facility, ‘The Green Fields’, with<br />
four football pitches, cricket<br />
square and pavilion. Students<br />
who come to us with an existing<br />
talent are given support and<br />
encouragement to develop in<br />
their chosen sport. The college is<br />
a member of BCS ‘British<br />
<strong>College</strong>s Sport’ which provides<br />
additional cup and league<br />
competitions across a much<br />
wider spectrum of sports and<br />
activities that lead to both<br />
regional and national finals.<br />
All the major team sports are<br />
offered and our teams compete<br />
in both local, regional and<br />
national leagues and cup<br />
competitions. Team sports<br />
include rugby, football,<br />
basketball, hockey, volleyball,<br />
tennis, cricket, netball and<br />
swimming. Current and recent<br />
students include a range of<br />
Olympic athletes, a World<br />
Champion and numerous<br />
students representing the<br />
country at national level. We are<br />
very experienced working with<br />
top athletes in a flexible manner<br />
to achieve the correct balance<br />
between their sporting<br />
commitments and studies.<br />
13. Nationally recognised dance<br />
company<br />
Pointe <strong>VI</strong> KE is the college’s own<br />
dance company, open to all<br />
experienced dancers. The<br />
company develops an exciting<br />
and challenging repertoire in a<br />
variety of dance styles, with<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
opportunities for performances,<br />
both within college and beyond<br />
14. Work experience placements<br />
Many university courses and<br />
careers require you to have done<br />
appropriate work experience.<br />
Our reputation means that many<br />
of the local hospitals, schools,<br />
and top businesses are pleased<br />
to offer placements to our<br />
students. With a growing<br />
programme of national and<br />
international placements<br />
including London, France<br />
and Germany, <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s is<br />
the college of choice for many<br />
with specialist career aims.<br />
15. Workshops and 1:1 support<br />
All subjects offer drop-in<br />
workshop sessions where staff<br />
offer individual guidance and<br />
support to reinforce classroom<br />
work or stretch more able<br />
students, as required. In<br />
addition, students benefit from<br />
an on-going programme of<br />
individual support in each<br />
subject area and periodic<br />
reviews with their Personal<br />
Tutors and subject tutors. Staff<br />
and students access a range of<br />
perfomance and personal data<br />
when setting and reviewing<br />
targets. Parents can access<br />
attendance and assessment<br />
data for their child via a secure<br />
online college area.<br />
16. Over 140 trips and visits<br />
each year<br />
That is more than three a week<br />
each term! Activities outside the<br />
classroom are a key part of<br />
college as our tutors are<br />
passionate about bringing<br />
learning to life. Most subjects<br />
will offer a range of opportunities<br />
and experiences outside the<br />
classroom. Trips such as the<br />
annual ski trip are open to all<br />
students.<br />
17. Extended Project Qualification<br />
(EPQ)<br />
Our experience in this area<br />
means you will receive expert<br />
advice, guidance and support,<br />
whatever area you are looking to<br />
explore through this qualification,<br />
we have a tutor who can guide<br />
and support you.<br />
18. Ability to mix and match<br />
preferred A Levels<br />
Our students are free to select<br />
any six subjects for consideration<br />
at interview. We do not use a<br />
blocking structure that can<br />
restrict subject choice. Simply<br />
select the subjects you are<br />
interested in.<br />
19. Community partnerships<br />
You can make a huge difference<br />
to your local community and we<br />
will encourage and support you<br />
in your efforts. There are lots of<br />
opportunities for students to<br />
support a variety of charities<br />
either through participation, or<br />
helping organise key events.<br />
Students organise a series of<br />
whole college activities, often<br />
involving themed dress codes,<br />
and smaller group activities such<br />
as performances in the Rye<br />
Market, working with the<br />
<strong>Stourbridge</strong> food bank, and<br />
organising lunches for local<br />
pensioners. We encourage a<br />
caring outlook and encourage<br />
students looking to help ‘make a<br />
difference’. Each year the college<br />
awards bursaries to students<br />
wishing to spend a gap year<br />
supporting a worthy cause.<br />
20. Dynamic theatre productions<br />
Staff and students work together<br />
creating a vibrant and exciting<br />
programme of drama activities<br />
throughout the year, welcoming<br />
all students from across the<br />
college to participate as actors,<br />
set designers, technicians, and<br />
to help either front of house or<br />
designing publicity materials.<br />
9<br />
20 reasons why students...
How we will support you<br />
At <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s we will work hard getting to know you as an<br />
individual and providing all the support and encouragement you<br />
need to excel during the next vital and formative two years of your life.<br />
We have a comprehensive set of systems in place which are<br />
designed to guide and support you, happily and<br />
successfully, on every part of your journey<br />
through college.<br />
Our journey with you starts at the interview<br />
stage. Our staff will take time to guide and<br />
advise you about your subject choices in<br />
light of both your strengths and career<br />
aspirations. If you are offered a place,<br />
you will be invited to a Welcome Day<br />
in June 2013 during which you will<br />
meet some of your teachers and<br />
fellow students. The induction<br />
process continues in the first few<br />
weeks of term in September when<br />
lessons are structured to help you<br />
make new friends and develop your<br />
independent learning skills. We will<br />
work with you to keep you happy,<br />
healthy and safe. We will guide and<br />
support you as you make the important<br />
choices for the next step after <strong>King</strong><br />
<strong>Edward</strong>’s.<br />
providing support<br />
and encouragement<br />
“We want to thank you and all staff at<br />
<strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>s, for enabling Tom to join<br />
you recently. We appreciate that you went<br />
the extra mile in helping to<br />
accommodate him.<br />
Since he started at <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>s<br />
everyone (without exception) has made<br />
him feel very welcome and made sure he<br />
has settled in really well.<br />
Your admin team have made sure we have<br />
been included in all college events and<br />
news. All teaching staff have made sure<br />
Tom is able to catch up on any work<br />
he has missed.<br />
He is very happy at <strong>King</strong>s <strong>Edward</strong>s and<br />
we are really pleased that he is now in an<br />
environment where he is able to contribute<br />
fully and enjoy his life as a student - in<br />
the widest sense.”<br />
10 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
Personal Tutor<br />
Upon joining the college you will be<br />
assigned a Personal Tutor, known<br />
informally as your PT. Your PT will<br />
provide on-going support and<br />
guidance throughout your two year<br />
programme. You will meet with the<br />
other members of your PT group on a<br />
regular basis to engage in a range of<br />
activities including individual 1:1<br />
reviews to explore how you are getting<br />
on, set targets and address any issues<br />
you may have.<br />
Subject Teachers<br />
Your subject tutors are experts in their<br />
respective areas. They provide<br />
focussed support on all aspects of the<br />
curriculum area, including specialised<br />
study skills support through<br />
workshops, individual appointments,<br />
and formal attendance and assessment<br />
data published through a secure area<br />
on the college website.<br />
Lead Tutors<br />
Your Lead Tutor works closely with<br />
your PT and has responsibility for your<br />
pastoral care whilst you are a student<br />
at the college. Lead Tutors have an<br />
array of services and advisors whose<br />
help can be called on for additional or<br />
specialised support. Lead Tutors are<br />
dedicated to ensuring every individual<br />
student receives the right support and<br />
encouragement in order to ensure they<br />
thrive and succeed at college. A<br />
comprehensive rota ensures that there<br />
is always someone available for<br />
students to sit down and talk to.<br />
<strong>College</strong> Counsellor<br />
The college employs a qualified<br />
counsellor, providing you free and easy<br />
access to confidential support on a<br />
wide range of issues during your<br />
college day. Counselling provides an<br />
opportunity to explore and express<br />
what is happening in your life and to<br />
consider your choices. Counselling<br />
can also increase confidence and selfesteem.<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
Additional<br />
Learning<br />
Support<br />
The<br />
Additional<br />
Learning<br />
Support<br />
team at<br />
<strong>King</strong><br />
<strong>Edward</strong>’s offers physical and sensory<br />
support for recognised needs in a<br />
supportive, motivating, and high<br />
achieving environment. Recent leavers<br />
to benefit from our specialist support<br />
are currently studying at a variety of<br />
prestigious universities including Oxford<br />
University, and developing successful<br />
careers in a variety of business<br />
settings. Every year our expert staff<br />
work closely with feeder school staff to<br />
plan the provision of specialist<br />
equipment and support for applicants<br />
both at interview and once enrolled. If<br />
you suspect that you have a learning<br />
difficulty, or have a pre-diagnosed<br />
condition, please declare this on your<br />
application form. <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s is an<br />
equal opportunities college with a<br />
commitment to helping all students<br />
reach their maximum potential.<br />
Study Skills<br />
Specialised support is offered through<br />
every subject area through a variety of<br />
activities including workshops and<br />
individual meetings. In addition, more<br />
general study skills support, including<br />
advice on time management and<br />
revision techniques, is offered to all<br />
students through a centralised system.<br />
Careers advice and higher education<br />
guidance<br />
The careers team are available<br />
throughout each week, guiding you<br />
through the vital research and decision<br />
making processes that enable you to<br />
successfully move on to the next stage<br />
of your life. In addition to our specialist<br />
software, individual guidance sessions<br />
and extensive network of contacts the<br />
college offers a range of unrivalled<br />
opportunities. The college organises<br />
trips to various Russell Group<br />
universities, helps match students to<br />
university bursary funds and study<br />
grants, hosts parental information<br />
evenings and an annual HE conference<br />
including masterclass sessions from<br />
dozens of universities, and manages<br />
events whereby returning Oxford &<br />
Cambridge students pass on their<br />
application, interview, and first year<br />
experiences to our current students.<br />
Our reputation and heritage means we<br />
are able to place students requiring<br />
work experience with many of the most<br />
successful and established employers<br />
in the region including hospitals,<br />
schools, solicitors, and accountants.<br />
Indeed, many of the most respected<br />
employers in the region have numerous<br />
ex-students among their senior<br />
managerial staff so understand the<br />
benefits of recruiting a <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s<br />
student, either for work experience or a<br />
full time career direct from A level study<br />
or post degree. Our pioneering work<br />
with the finance sector means able<br />
students aiming for a career in<br />
investment banking can benefit from<br />
blue chip experiences in the Square<br />
Mile.<br />
Learner Support Fund<br />
Financial support may be available to<br />
students in need of assistance for a<br />
number of purposes whilst studying at<br />
the college. The broad focus of the<br />
support is to help those students in<br />
financial hardship to start and complete<br />
their chosen college course. If you<br />
wish to make an application for<br />
assistance, further details and an<br />
application form area available on the<br />
college website.<br />
Equality and Diversity<br />
<strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s is committed to creating<br />
and maintaining an inclusive<br />
environment that is pro-active in the<br />
ways it promotes equality and diversity<br />
for all.<br />
11<br />
how we will support you
Student union<br />
In school, have you ever felt as if<br />
students should have a forum to<br />
express their views? Have you<br />
ever felt you wanted to make a<br />
difference? Well, at <strong>King</strong><br />
<strong>Edward</strong>’s the students have the<br />
chance to do this through an<br />
elected body of representatives<br />
called the Student Union (SU).<br />
What does the Student Union do?<br />
We represent all students within the<br />
college. We listen to your views and<br />
develop ideas and activities to meet<br />
your needs. This year we have raised<br />
thousands of pounds for charity,<br />
helped support a number of<br />
students, and raised the profile of the<br />
PT reps, making communication<br />
easier. The Student Union meet on a<br />
weekly basis to discuss ideas and<br />
activities which really matter to<br />
students.<br />
The Student Union is led by the<br />
Executive Committee which is<br />
comprised of elected positions such<br />
as the Chairperson, Vice-Chair<br />
Person, Entertainments Officer,<br />
Secretary, Charities Officer, Equality<br />
and Diversities officer and Treasurer.<br />
There are also many committees<br />
students can join.<br />
So if you would like to get involved<br />
and help make your mark on the<br />
student experience of such a large<br />
and prestigious college, then why not<br />
roll your sleeves up, and help make<br />
<strong>King</strong> Ed’s an even better place?<br />
The Student Union<br />
12 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
A big ‘Hello’ from our<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
Student Union!<br />
I have really enjoyed my time at <strong>King</strong><br />
<strong>Edward</strong>’s. I was able to take all of the<br />
subjects I wanted and the extra<br />
opportunities offered at the college, including<br />
HE+, KE+ Villiers Park cources and<br />
university masterclasses have been brilliant.<br />
I am especially grateful for all the support I<br />
received at the start of year 13 with my<br />
Cambridge application.<br />
My mock interview, organised by the college,<br />
was very useful as were practice interview<br />
sessions and discussions about my personal<br />
statement, essays etc.<br />
I was able to ask for advice whenever I felt I<br />
needed it and my teachers, PT and other<br />
members of staff were incredibly helpful.<br />
13<br />
student union
student profiles<br />
student profiles<br />
Student Profiles<br />
What makes <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s such a<br />
vibrant, exciting and stimulating place<br />
to study are those around you - your<br />
fellow students. There is no such thing<br />
as the typical <strong>King</strong> Ed’s student,<br />
although all seem united in their efforts<br />
to make the most of every opportunity,<br />
to help and support others and to<br />
achieve their maximum potential. The<br />
following profiles provide a brief insight<br />
into what life at <strong>King</strong> Ed’s is really like,<br />
from a student perspective.<br />
Morgan<br />
Name:<br />
Morgan Lowther<br />
<strong>Form</strong>er School:<br />
Ounsdale School<br />
A2 Subjects:<br />
Maths & Mechanics<br />
Chemistry<br />
Physics<br />
Why I chose KE:<br />
Wanted a esh start and it seemed more<br />
like a half way house between school<br />
and university than ordinary sixth<br />
forms.<br />
Describe your involvement with the<br />
HE+ scheme:<br />
Attended Physics extension classes. I<br />
found the visit to Cambridge University<br />
really useful as it opened my mind to<br />
applying.<br />
What I hope to do next year<br />
Natural Sciences (Physical) at<br />
Cambridge University<br />
What words or phrases would you<br />
use to sum up what is good about<br />
KE?<br />
Confidence boost, excellent opportunity,<br />
high standard of teaching & great<br />
support.<br />
Zoe<br />
Name:<br />
Zoe Emery<br />
<strong>Form</strong>er School:<br />
Redhill School<br />
A2 Subjects:<br />
Biology<br />
Geology<br />
English Literature<br />
Spanish<br />
Why I chose KE:<br />
It is considered one of the best sixth<br />
form colleges in the country and its<br />
record of achieving high results<br />
provided the greatest attraction.<br />
My favourite subject, and why:<br />
Geology & Spanish – in both subjects<br />
there are a wide variety of teaching<br />
methods, lessons are interactive and<br />
relaxed, but help you develop and not<br />
just teach you the skills needed to pass<br />
exams.<br />
What words of advice would you<br />
offer new students about to start at<br />
the college?<br />
Talk to everyone! Don’t worry if you are<br />
the only person om your old school<br />
here; it’s such a relaxed and iendly<br />
environment that you will soon get into<br />
the swing of things and make new<br />
iends. Choose subjects you enjoy but<br />
have a plan for university before you<br />
come so the activities you choose will<br />
enhance university applications.<br />
What words or phrases would you<br />
use to sum up what is good about<br />
KE?<br />
Attracts like minded students, good<br />
working atmosphere, offers a wide range<br />
of subjects.<br />
What next?<br />
<strong>College</strong> bursary supporting my gap year<br />
in Peru.<br />
Simon<br />
Name:<br />
Simon Baldwin<br />
<strong>Form</strong>er School:<br />
Earls<br />
A2 Subjects:<br />
English Language & Literature<br />
Maths<br />
Music<br />
How do you think coming to<br />
KE has helped you most?<br />
KE has helped me to study more<br />
independently, providing me with<br />
essential skills needed in preparation for<br />
university education.<br />
What I hope to do next year (and<br />
where at)<br />
Maths & Music joint Honours degree<br />
at Birmingham University.<br />
Describe your involvement with the<br />
HE+ scheme:<br />
It gave me access to information about<br />
making an Oxbridge application. I<br />
partook in English master-classes to<br />
extend my depth of knowledge in this<br />
subject.<br />
What words of advice would you<br />
offer new students about to start at<br />
the college?<br />
Work hard; you will only get out of the<br />
experience what you put into it. Enjoy<br />
it; the two years will go very quickly!<br />
What words or phrases would you<br />
use to sum up what is good about<br />
KE?<br />
Confidence building<br />
High standards of tuition<br />
Life-long iends<br />
14 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
A Level courses options by area<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
page<br />
Arts<br />
Art 17<br />
Art History 17<br />
Graphics 18<br />
Textiles 18<br />
Performing Arts, Music & Physical Education<br />
Dance 20<br />
Drama & Theatre Studies 21<br />
Music 22<br />
Music Technology 23<br />
Physical Education 24<br />
Business Related & IT<br />
Accounting 26<br />
Business Studies 26<br />
Economics 27<br />
ICT 27<br />
English, Film & Communications<br />
English Language 28<br />
English Language & Literature 28<br />
English Literature 28<br />
Communication & Culture 29<br />
Film Studies 29<br />
Historical, Political & Religious<br />
Classical Civilisation 30<br />
History 30<br />
Government & Politics 30<br />
Philosophy 31<br />
Religious Studies 31<br />
Mathematical<br />
Pure with Statistics 32<br />
Pure with Mechanics 32<br />
Pure with Decision & Statistics 33<br />
Statistics 33<br />
Maths & Further Maths 33<br />
Modern Languages & Earth Sciences<br />
French 34<br />
German 34<br />
Spanish 34<br />
Geography 35<br />
Geology 35<br />
Science, Computing & Product Design<br />
Biology & Human Biology 36<br />
Chemistry 37<br />
Physics 37<br />
Product Design 38<br />
Computing 38<br />
Social Sciences<br />
Law 40<br />
Psychology 40<br />
Sociology 41<br />
15<br />
A Level courses
16<br />
ARTS<br />
www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
Art and Design<br />
Art & Design is an excellent course for those students who wish to develop<br />
their creative skills in a range of traditional and contemporary practical<br />
disciplines. These include drawing and painting, a variety of printmaking<br />
methods, digital photography and applications, and 3 dimensional works.<br />
You will be exposed to, and experiment with, diverse techniques; building on your<br />
existing skills and adding new practical approaches to creating artworks. In the AS<br />
year, you will work towards producing an exploratory portfolio, focusing on developing<br />
your creative abilities through observational drawing and painting, practical<br />
workshops, criticism and tutorials. The A2 year requires a more independent working<br />
ethos with a self-directed project. Throughout the course you will look at the way<br />
other creative people work and gain greater understanding into your own practice,<br />
keep sketchbooks as records of your ideas, and learn how to present your work to a<br />
high standard.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
Many students go on to foundation and degree courses. We know that the work our<br />
students produce has impressed Higher Education institutions with the breadth and<br />
depth of study and application of techniques.<br />
Additional Information<br />
A good GCSE grade in Art & Design, or your own portfolio of work to a similar<br />
standard, is required to take this course. Enthusiasm and the desire try new<br />
techniques and explore your own creativity are essential!<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
Art History<br />
In the Art History course you will<br />
study a wide range of painting,<br />
sculpture, architecture and design.<br />
The topics covered range from Early<br />
Renaissance art and architecture to<br />
contemporary craft and design.<br />
The theoretical study of art involves<br />
looking at aspects, like the historical<br />
backgrounds to movements and<br />
individual works of art, how to<br />
critically analyse an art work and the<br />
achievements of key artists and<br />
designers.<br />
The lessons involve teacher-led and<br />
group discussions, with a range of<br />
activities designed to develop skills of<br />
critical analysis. Students are<br />
encouraged to work independently in<br />
order to develop their knowledge and<br />
understanding of topics covered in<br />
lessons. Visiting art galleries is seen<br />
as important!<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
Art History is considered by universities<br />
to be a rigorous academic subject and<br />
through its study you will develop many<br />
transferable skills. Past students have<br />
gone on to study related subjects at the<br />
Barber Institute, Cambridge University,<br />
and Central St. Martins <strong>College</strong> of Art.<br />
Additional Information<br />
Art History has something for everyone.<br />
It will inform and inspire you own artwork,<br />
it will deepen your historical<br />
understanding, and it will show you how<br />
scientific, mathematical and literary<br />
developments influence art.<br />
17<br />
ARTS
ARTS<br />
Graphic Design<br />
This course is ideal for students considering pursuing<br />
a career in the design world, as students develop their<br />
creative skills using some of the best equipment<br />
available for prospective young designers.<br />
A good level of drawing from observation will be required,<br />
as will a desire to explore a wide range of graphic<br />
activities. Photographic skills will also form an important<br />
aspect of the course. The course will cover graphics<br />
media and techniques, computer graphics, illustration,<br />
printmaking processes, advertising and packaging. Our<br />
facility includes a dedicated suite of Apple Macs.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
Many of our students study Foundation courses after<br />
college or go on to study visual communications at degree<br />
level. The skills that you will gain from this course are much<br />
sought after in industry and will support other areas of<br />
study and employment. If you are serious about a career in<br />
design you should consider combining Graphic Design<br />
with Product Design or another visual arts subject.<br />
What else?<br />
Your sessions will be divided into practical graphics and<br />
digital graphics, enabling you to explore a full range of skillbased<br />
activities. You will also be required to attend field<br />
trips and extended study days. You will have the<br />
opportunity to explore changing styles and traditions<br />
relevant to graphic design. A visual awareness of text and<br />
image and contemporary graphic design is crucial to<br />
success in this area.<br />
Textiles<br />
This course is perfect for students<br />
passionate about textiles and fashion<br />
design. It incorporates lots of practical<br />
work and culminates in an annual<br />
exhibition showcasing student work.<br />
The AS course concentrates on textile surfaces. You will keep a<br />
sketchbook of drawings, photography, textile samples and<br />
design ideas, which will lead you towards designing clothing or<br />
other items, using the techniques you have learnt. Lessons in<br />
digital image manipulation and research into other artists and<br />
designers support this work. During both years you complete<br />
your own personal projects, focusing on particular subjects and<br />
techniques that interest you.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
After A level, many students opt for an art foundation course,<br />
before studying design at degree level. Some students apply<br />
directly for textiles, fashion or other related degrees, including<br />
theatre, costume, interior design, fashion buying, fashion<br />
marketing, brand management, fashion journalism, or fashion<br />
photography.<br />
Additional information<br />
Trips and visits can include prestigious national events such as<br />
the Knitting & Stitching Show and New Designers exhibitions,<br />
both in London. Drawing days are also held at a range of<br />
interesting venues to gather inspiration for project work. In<br />
addition you will be encouraged to visit other exhibitions<br />
independently and enter external competitions.<br />
At the course end, you will take part in the annual college<br />
exhibition showcasing your best work.<br />
18 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
student profiles<br />
Manpreet<br />
Name:<br />
Manpreet Chahal<br />
<strong>Form</strong>er School:<br />
Bristnall Hall Technology <strong>College</strong><br />
A2 Subjects:<br />
Chemistry<br />
Human Biology<br />
Maths<br />
Why I chose KE:<br />
Brilliant reputation, everyone was<br />
super iendly and the courses seemed<br />
well organised. Fab vibes on open day!<br />
How do you think coming to<br />
KE has helped you most?<br />
Made me realise my true potential!<br />
What words of advice would you<br />
offer new students about to start at<br />
the college?<br />
Be iendly! Make as many iends as<br />
possible and enjoy yourself. A levels are<br />
hard, so be prepared.<br />
Which enrichment activities have<br />
you been involved in?<br />
Debating society, life support and<br />
voluntary work. I also helped run the<br />
Ethics Society.<br />
What I hope to do next year<br />
Gap year in India to do a Medical<br />
Internship, then on to study Medicine<br />
at <strong>King</strong>s <strong>College</strong>, London.<br />
What words of advice would you<br />
offer new students about to start at<br />
the college?<br />
Be iendly! Make as many iends as<br />
possible and enjoy yourself. A levels are<br />
hard, so be prepared. Work hard, play<br />
harder.<br />
What words or phrases would you<br />
use to sum up what is good about<br />
KE?<br />
Amazing iendly atmosphere, great<br />
prospects and JCR brownies!<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
Chris<br />
Name:<br />
Chris Nzacahayo<br />
<strong>Form</strong>er School:<br />
Windsor High School<br />
AS Subjects:<br />
Maths and Mechanics<br />
Physics<br />
Philosophy<br />
Psychology<br />
How do you think coming to<br />
KE has helped you most?<br />
My A level choices have always been a<br />
passion of mine. <strong>King</strong> Ed’s has helped<br />
me explore these in greater depth<br />
ensuring my subjects will help me<br />
achieve my career aims in the future.<br />
Why I chose <strong>King</strong> Ed’s?<br />
I enjoyed the atmosphere on open<br />
evening and I liked the way they teach<br />
here. e college environment<br />
encourages independence which has<br />
helped prepare me for university.<br />
What I hope to do next year<br />
Electrical Engineering.<br />
What words of advice would you<br />
offer new students about to start at<br />
the college?<br />
Work hard and never settle for less than<br />
your best. You know what you are<br />
capable of better than anyone and you’ll<br />
be the first to know when you have<br />
achieved it<br />
Laura<br />
Name:<br />
Laura Tibbetts<br />
<strong>Form</strong>er School:<br />
Leasowes Community <strong>College</strong><br />
A2 Subjects:<br />
Accounting<br />
Business Studies<br />
Maths<br />
Why I chose KE:<br />
It has a good reputation in respect of<br />
teaching and grades, but also when I<br />
came to an open evening the staff and<br />
students were really iendly and I liked<br />
the atmosphere.<br />
How do you think coming to<br />
KE has helped you most?<br />
It gave me experiences that have<br />
enabled me to gain my dream job. For<br />
example, work experience, opportunities<br />
to visit several accountancy firms and<br />
trial material for a finance<br />
baccalaureate.<br />
What words of advice would you<br />
offer new students about to start at<br />
the college?<br />
Take every opportunity you get as it will<br />
enable you to differentiate yourself om<br />
others, whether you are applying for a<br />
job or university.<br />
What words or phrases would you<br />
use to sum up what is good about<br />
KE?<br />
Lots of opportunities, supportive<br />
teaching staff.<br />
Where next?<br />
I have been offered a job at Grant<br />
ornton, an accountancy firm, as an<br />
Audit Associate. Alongside working I<br />
will also complete my AAT and ACA<br />
which are professional accountancy<br />
qualifications.<br />
student profiles<br />
19
20<br />
Performing Arts, Music & Physical Education<br />
Dance<br />
Dance is an exciting subject that challenges you<br />
physically, academically and creatively. Throughout the<br />
course you will explore the ideas of others and widen<br />
your experience and knowledge of dance through<br />
practical sessions and theoretical analysis.<br />
In the AS year you will complete practical coursework where<br />
you will be required to choreograph and perform a solo piece<br />
and perform in a choreographed duet or trio. You will also<br />
complete a written examination assessing your knowledge of<br />
professional dance works and ability to analyse the<br />
performance in relation to the subject matter or dance idea. In<br />
addition you will examine the dancer as a choreographer and<br />
performer, exploring the tools and skills needed to create<br />
dances and how you train and rehearse for performance. The<br />
A2 year builds on these skills and becomes more focused on<br />
an area of study and a set dance work.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
There are many higher education courses available in dance<br />
in universities and specialist dance schools. Future careers<br />
include becoming a performer, choreographer, teacher,<br />
community dance practitioner, arts administrator, production<br />
technician, publicist, physiotherapist, alternative therapist,<br />
writer or academic.<br />
Additional information<br />
No specific qualifications<br />
are required for this<br />
course, but you should:<br />
• Have recent<br />
experience in dance<br />
from a dance or<br />
theatre school or<br />
have taken GCSE<br />
Dance<br />
• Enjoy performing<br />
and be willing to<br />
contribute to<br />
college<br />
performances<br />
• Have a genuine passion for and commitment to<br />
the subject<br />
• Be willing to rehearse in your own time as well as<br />
in college<br />
• Be prepared to dance in other students’<br />
choreography<br />
• Enjoy watching live and recorded performances<br />
www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
Drama & Theatre Studies<br />
Drama and Theatre Studies is a creative, active and demanding course<br />
– intellectually, physically and emotionally. There is a strong emphasis<br />
on working together as a team.<br />
In Year 12 you will be examined on your interpretation of a set play from a<br />
performance perspective and on your response to a piece of live theatre. In<br />
the spring, you will collaborate on a performance of an extract from a<br />
published play and produce a set of supporting notes on their work. In<br />
Year 13, there is the opportunity to study two set plays and to devise your<br />
own piece of theatre. In all practical modules, you can opt to be examined<br />
on acting, directing or an aspect of design.<br />
The course aims to develop practical theatre skills, creative group work,<br />
knowledge and understanding of theatre, skills of analysis, interpretation,<br />
response, personal awareness and interpersonal development.<br />
Students should expect to visit the theatre regularly and to support the<br />
college theatre production programme.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
This course can lead to the study of a variety of practical or academic<br />
degree courses, including careers in the theatre, teaching and related<br />
areas.<br />
Additional information<br />
Prospective students should recognise that this is a course which entails<br />
serious written analysis and sets high academic standards. A GCSE in<br />
Drama is not required, but we would expect students to have experience<br />
of stage or design work.<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
21<br />
PERFORMING ARTS...
Music & music technology<br />
Music<br />
Music A level is a unique blend of the practical and<br />
academic. You will develop skills not just as a composer<br />
and performer but also as a historian and analyst of music.<br />
You will:<br />
• Write music inspired by the study of composers<br />
both old and new – the work is more structured<br />
and technical than most GCSE composition,<br />
offering new and exciting challenges (30%)<br />
• Perform around 15 minutes of music in a public<br />
recital at the end of A2, with a shorter examination<br />
performance at AS (30%)<br />
• Analyze and listen to a wide range of music in<br />
order to understand how it is put together, how<br />
styles have changed from 1550 to the present day, and<br />
how music is used, for example, for film, dance and<br />
religious purposes (40%)<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
Studying music at A level gives you the power to understand<br />
music better as a performer, composer and listener. There are<br />
many courses available at universities and conservatoires,<br />
from which music graduates enter a diverse range of<br />
professions both in and out of the world of music and the<br />
creative arts. Although A level Music involves a lot of creative<br />
work, the theoretical study of music history and theory is<br />
sufficiently rigorous that it is accepted as a serious academic<br />
subject for entry to most university courses. Recent music<br />
students have gone on to study languages and humanities<br />
(and of course music) at Oxbridge, and an even wider range<br />
of courses, including sciences and social sciences, at<br />
prestigious Russell Group universities. Each year we also<br />
send a number of students to top conservatoires such as the<br />
RNCM, Birmingham Conservatoire and the Royal Academy of<br />
Music.<br />
Additional Information<br />
As one of the largest A level music providers in the area, we<br />
attract excellent musicians from across the West Midlands,<br />
which allows us to run a variety of high quality ensembles,<br />
including two choirs, symphony orchestra, string orchestra,<br />
wind band, as well as a number of jazz and soul bands.<br />
Specific entry requirements<br />
Before starting the course you should have reached grade 5<br />
standard on your instrument or voice. Your music theory<br />
should be at around the same level, which includes the ability<br />
to read music fluently - guitar tablature or chords, for instance,<br />
will not be sufficient for this course.<br />
22 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
Music Technology<br />
The majority of music produced today is brought to the<br />
listener via technology. The aim of this course is to gain<br />
an understanding of the impact of technology on a wide<br />
range of music.<br />
The three areas of study underpinning the qualification are:<br />
• The principles and practice of music technology<br />
• Popular music styles since 1910<br />
• The development of technology and how it is<br />
manipulated within popular music.<br />
The course is designed to develop your listening skills and<br />
your ability to make expressive use of musical elements,<br />
structures and resources through three coursework<br />
assignments each year, all within the realm of popular music.<br />
You will develop music from a skeleton score, multi-track<br />
recordings, arrangements to a specified style and a<br />
composition based on a set brief.<br />
At AS level, students are required to listen to a variety of<br />
popular music and analyse its musical, stylistic and<br />
technological features. At A2, students are required to listen<br />
to and construct a piece of music from specified audio files,<br />
identify discrepancies, comment on musical elements and<br />
technological processes and, finally, produce a stereo mix.<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
Music Technology can support various higher education<br />
courses ranging from Music, to Music Technology at<br />
conservatoire level, Mechanical Engineering and Human<br />
Biology. Careers can then be accessed in a number of<br />
industries encompassing music, broadcasting as well as<br />
other areas.<br />
Additional information<br />
Before starting the course, you should be able to play an<br />
instrument and understand music theory at about grade three<br />
standard. Intending students will be asked to take a<br />
preliminary assessment to confirm this. It is essential that you<br />
are familiar with standard musical notation.<br />
23<br />
music & music technology
physical education<br />
Physical Education<br />
Physical education takes a multi-disciplinary approach, encouraging the<br />
development of different methods of enquiry, drawn from a wide range of<br />
disciplines, with the focal point being the performer and the performance.<br />
The specification is based on the interaction between the theory and<br />
practice of physical education.<br />
Topics covered in AS include:<br />
• Applied anatomy and physiology<br />
• Acquiring, performing and teaching movement skills<br />
• Contemporary issues in PE and sport<br />
• Performance and its improvement via the demonstration of acquired and<br />
developed skills in two practical activities, and an oral presentation<br />
evaluating a live performance in one of your two activities.<br />
Topics covered in A2 include:<br />
• Historical studies<br />
• Psychology of sport performance<br />
• Exercise physiology<br />
• Improvement of effective performance in one activity and an oral<br />
presentation evaluating a live performance in your practical activity.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
A level Physical Education is rapidly becoming an essential qualification for study<br />
in PE and sports studies/science related courses in higher education and is a<br />
foundation for pursuing careers in PE teaching, coaching, the leisure industry,<br />
physiotherapy, medical, health and fitness fields, professional sport and<br />
recreational management.<br />
Additional information<br />
A revision day over one weekend is arranged as part of the course in Year 12.<br />
GCSE Physical Education is NOT essential.<br />
24 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
t: 01384 398100<br />
25<br />
physical education
26<br />
Business Related & IT<br />
Accounting<br />
In today’s world, money talks.<br />
Managers in all walks of life are<br />
expected to have a sound<br />
understanding of accounting<br />
terminology and procedures in<br />
order to make informed judgements<br />
and commercial business<br />
decisions, as well as meet financial<br />
reporting requirements.<br />
You will be introduced to key<br />
accounting concepts and principles<br />
which you will apply in a range of<br />
accounting situations, from small<br />
owner-managed businesses through<br />
clubs and societies to large<br />
companies. You will learn how to<br />
operate the double entry bookkeeping<br />
system and compile profit and loss<br />
accounts and balance sheets. You<br />
will also be introduced to management<br />
techniques used to help businesses to<br />
improve efficiency. You will develop<br />
numeracy, written communication<br />
and analytical skills and develop your<br />
capacity for methodical and critical<br />
thought.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
The qualifications are widely<br />
acceptable to universities in the UK for<br />
all types of degree. Many students<br />
who take this course follow a degree<br />
in Accounting and Finance or<br />
Business Management. Some<br />
students make a career choice<br />
immediately, benefitting from school<br />
leavers’ programmes with some of the<br />
most established accountancy firms in<br />
the country, and a chartered<br />
accountancy qualification.<br />
Additional information<br />
No prior knowledge of accounting is<br />
needed; however, an interest in<br />
working with numbers is required.<br />
A good GCSE in Maths is desirable,<br />
although the ability to do basic<br />
arithmetic methodically and accurately<br />
is most important. This course will<br />
develop your logical and analytical<br />
skills, and can be studied alongside<br />
other qualifications that develop<br />
business skills, or it can be chosen<br />
alongside creative subjects in order to<br />
help students develop and<br />
demonstrate a broad range of skills.<br />
Business Studies<br />
From Apple to Amazon, the actions of businesses around the world affect us<br />
all. So what makes some businesses more successful than others? Business<br />
Studies provides you with an insight into the management of large<br />
corporations, enabling you to learn how you can motivate staff and equipping<br />
you with the skills to manage budgets, strategy, and major projects.<br />
You will have the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge to live business<br />
situations through class discussions, group presentations, trips to organisations such<br />
as the Bank of England, and talks with visiting speakers. Topics covered include<br />
business finance, marketing, organising and managing staff, understanding the<br />
economy, and developing business strategy. You will develop your analytical,<br />
presentational, team-working and inter-personal skills through a variety of classroom<br />
activities. Assessment is by examination, there is no coursework.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
Business Studies supports a variety of career or university degrees as most people<br />
will either work in an organisation or start their own business. The course provides<br />
access to a variety of career opportunities including management, accounting, law,<br />
personnel, and marketing. Business Studies is a popular and well-established degree<br />
choice for students, both as a degree in its own right and when combined with<br />
subjects such as a modern language.<br />
Additional information<br />
No previous knowledge of the subject is assumed but an interest in current business<br />
affairs is essential. This course develops entrepreneurial skills and as such is<br />
especially popular with students wishing to join the college’s Young Enterprise<br />
scheme as well as students considering their own business start-up.<br />
www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
Economics<br />
In Economics you will look at the<br />
fundamental forces affecting our<br />
lives such as employment, prices,<br />
international trade and poverty.<br />
Economics ultimately considers the<br />
allocation of society’s scarce<br />
resources amongst the many<br />
alternative uses to which they could be<br />
put. Individuals, firms and<br />
governments have to make choices.<br />
You will form opinions on a variety of<br />
issues: Should the UK government<br />
interfere with markets such as alcohol<br />
or energy? What are the best austerity<br />
measures? How are we affected by<br />
the Greek and German economies?<br />
Why is there an inflation target?<br />
Theories will be studied to enable a<br />
greater understanding of the working<br />
of economies. The global and<br />
European Union context is also<br />
discussed.<br />
You will develop a range of skills<br />
relating to, for example, research,<br />
analysis, evaluation, communication<br />
and working with others. Debating<br />
competitions, conferences and off-site<br />
visits also make a valuable contribution<br />
to learning.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
Economics is well established in higher<br />
education and provides opportunities<br />
for careers within government and the<br />
private sector in areas such as<br />
banking, accountancy, management<br />
and investment. It is also regarded as<br />
being a valuable support in careers<br />
such as marketing, law, journalism or<br />
teaching.<br />
Additional Information<br />
No previous subject specific<br />
knowledge is assumed, however an<br />
interest in current affairs and a good<br />
standard in English and Mathematics<br />
would be an advantage. Economics<br />
can be combined with a wide variety<br />
of subjects. Studying A level<br />
Mathematics is important for those<br />
who wish to continue Economics at<br />
degree level.<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
ICT<br />
ICT is an interesting and empowering course that provides you with the<br />
practical skills needed to use the advanced functions within a wide range of<br />
applications including spreadsheets and multimedia presentational packages.<br />
The course builds upon, and is similar to GCSE ICT. It takes a user’s approach to<br />
computers and ICT rather than the developer’s approach of computing (see page 38).<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
This course gives you the skills needed to analyse and present different types of data,<br />
skills you can utilise during your other A levels and any future degree or career. It can<br />
lead to employment in the ICT industry or improve your effectiveness when using<br />
technology in the workplace.<br />
Additional information<br />
ICT does not require any specific GCSEs, however you should have a natural interest<br />
in the subject. The course builds upon the various ICT courses undertaken at school<br />
so a good working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentational<br />
software is expected.<br />
27<br />
Business Related & IT
28<br />
English, Film & Communications<br />
Students wishing to study English can choose between English Literature, English Language and Literature and English<br />
Language. All include 40% coursework at both AS and A2. The differences between the courses are explained below.<br />
Through your study of a variety of differing texts, English will broaden your experience of literature, help you to discover how writers<br />
use language to explore and communicate human experience and improve the accuracy and fluency of your own written style.<br />
Best selling author SJ Watson “Before I go to sleep” and award winning poet Liz Berry are both former students of the college.<br />
English<br />
Language<br />
This course is an analytical and<br />
technical study of the English<br />
language. You will study how<br />
documents are constructed to<br />
persuade or influence the reader.<br />
You will learn about how texts work<br />
for different audiences and<br />
purposes, and explore a variety of<br />
texts, closely looking at meanings,<br />
structure and grammar in detail.<br />
You will find the course more technical<br />
and detailed than GCSE English<br />
Language. You will analyse a variety of<br />
texts across the broad spectrum of<br />
written and spoken English including<br />
newspapers, reviews, letters, diaries,<br />
instructional writing, travel writing,<br />
speech, creative writing and analyse<br />
how language changes over time.<br />
Coursework on this course is split<br />
between creative writing and individual<br />
language investigations on topics of<br />
your own choice.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
English Language can lead to the<br />
study of linguistics or English language<br />
at degree level, possibly in conjunction<br />
with Modern Foreign Languages, Arts,<br />
Social Sciences or Humanities<br />
subjects. It is also an excellent<br />
qualification for a very wide range of<br />
professions.<br />
Additional information<br />
English language is a good choice to<br />
combine with a wide variety of other<br />
subjects, including Modern Foreign<br />
Languages. It will not, however qualify<br />
you to study English Literature at<br />
degree level.<br />
English<br />
Language<br />
& Literature<br />
Do you enjoy all aspects of English<br />
at GCSE? If so, this course could<br />
be perfect as it combines the best<br />
of Literature and Language.<br />
You will study how language works<br />
and why writers make certain choices<br />
when writing descriptively. You will<br />
have opportunities to develop<br />
characters and plots through the<br />
popular creative writing coursework<br />
modules.<br />
In the AS year you will study a poetry<br />
anthology of around 30 poems, which<br />
represent a range of poetry from<br />
Chaucer to the present day. You will<br />
also study two modern novels and<br />
develop three pieces of creative<br />
writing. During your A2 year you will<br />
study additional texts and produce<br />
your own creative writing such as a<br />
script or screenplay.<br />
Throughout the course you will<br />
encounter a range of learning methods<br />
and styles including discussion,<br />
reading, note making, group work,<br />
watching films of texts, drafting<br />
coursework and exam essays.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
This course can lead to the study of<br />
English at degree level, possibly in<br />
conjunction with modern languages,<br />
classics, arts, social sciences or<br />
humanities subjects. It is also an<br />
excellent qualification for a very wide<br />
range of professions, including<br />
journalism and teaching.<br />
Additional information<br />
In addition to visits and talks from<br />
professional writers you will have the<br />
opportunity to see relevant theatrical<br />
productions and bring your learning to<br />
life through trips to Stratford-Upon-<br />
Avon and The Globe Theatre, London.<br />
English<br />
Literature<br />
A-level English literature is an<br />
exciting and student centred course<br />
involving a good deal of discussion<br />
work, individual reading and<br />
research, as well as group and pair<br />
work leading to student<br />
presentations.<br />
At both AS and A2 you will study a<br />
range of poetry, prose and drama<br />
texts. You will be encouraged to be<br />
an active reader and to offer opinions<br />
and ideas based on your own<br />
interpretations of literary texts, as well<br />
as considering the opinions of others.<br />
You will read a wide variety of texts<br />
from different social and historical<br />
contexts including Shakespeare. You<br />
will also have the opportunity to write<br />
creatively in response to your own<br />
choice of prose text, as well as<br />
comparing texts across a range of<br />
genres and time periods. You will be<br />
supported by a teacher in individual<br />
consultation sessions when working<br />
on coursework and will be encouraged<br />
to read independently and choose<br />
your own focus of study. You also<br />
have opportunities to watch<br />
performances of texts studied and<br />
benefit from study days.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
This course can lead to the study of<br />
English at degree level, possibly in<br />
conjunction with Modern Languages,<br />
Classics, Arts, Social Sciences or<br />
Humanities subjects. It is also an<br />
excellent qualification for a very wide<br />
range of professions, including<br />
journalism and teaching.<br />
Additional information<br />
If you are intending to apply to one of<br />
the top universities nationally, it is often<br />
the case that an A level in literature is<br />
looked upon particularly favourably by<br />
these universities as you will have<br />
carried out extensive reading and<br />
critical analysis during the course.<br />
www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
Film Studies<br />
This course offers you the opportunity to develop a range of analytical and<br />
creative skills by studying the British and American film industry, whilst also<br />
producing your own creative work.<br />
You can expect to study a range of film genres such as horror, science fiction and<br />
social satire, in addition to analysing the role of film stars, how films are produced and<br />
marketed, and the differences between the British and American film industries. You<br />
will also analyse film experiences through topics such as ‘Empowering Women’ and<br />
‘Urban Stories’ and study the emotional impact of popular cinema on audiences, at<br />
an advanced level. A large coursework element accompanies exams in both AS and<br />
A2. At AS you will create a short film project or storyboard and analyse a short<br />
sequence of film of your choice. At A2 you produce a film or short script and<br />
research a specific area of the film industry, agreed with your tutor.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
Film Studies can lead to a variety of media and film courses at degree level, possibly<br />
in conjunction with arts, social sciences or humanities subjects. It is also an excellent<br />
introductory qualification for a range of creative and media professions, such as<br />
animation, though further training would often be required.<br />
Additional information<br />
You will need an eye for detail, a natural interest in the film medium and good written<br />
English skills. Many top universities see Film Studies as a desirable alternative to<br />
Media Studies, as amongst other skills, it encourages independent learning within<br />
critical frameworks.<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
Communications<br />
& Culture<br />
If you are interested in understanding<br />
the dynamism and diversity of<br />
contemporary culture, then this is the<br />
course for you. You will evaluate the<br />
cultural practices of everyday life,<br />
including the meaning and function of<br />
music, television, dress codes, forms<br />
of personal communication and modern<br />
technology.<br />
In Communication and Culture you<br />
discuss and debate the nature and<br />
definition of ‘communication’ and ‘culture’,<br />
assessing what we often take for granted<br />
in a critical, academic way. You will be<br />
expected to share your own life<br />
experiences and roles you perform in<br />
different social contexts whilst acquiring<br />
the skills to evaluate these acts of<br />
communication. You will also develop<br />
your understanding of culture through<br />
theoretical perspectives such as Marxism<br />
and Feminism. The coursework in both<br />
AS and A2 is 50% of the course.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
This course can lead to the study of a<br />
variety of media, communication and<br />
cultural studies courses at degree level,<br />
possibly in conjunction with arts, social<br />
sciences or humanities subjects. It is an<br />
excellent introductory qualification for a<br />
range of creative and media professions.<br />
Additional information<br />
This subject combines well with a variety<br />
of A level subjects such as English,<br />
Sociology, Psychology, Government and<br />
Politics, Film Studies and Philosophy, and<br />
is an excellent preparation for further, high<br />
level academic studies.<br />
29<br />
english. film & communications
30<br />
Historical, Political & Religious<br />
Classical<br />
Civilisation<br />
“I’ll hate you women...some say I<br />
talk of this eternally, yes, but eternal<br />
too is women’s wickedness. Either<br />
let someone teach them to be<br />
chaste, or suffer me to trample on<br />
them forever.” So spoke Hippolytus<br />
in Euripides’ classic play. Classical<br />
Civilisation is the study of the<br />
civilisation, arts and ancient history<br />
of Greece and Rome, and therefore<br />
the foundations of the modern<br />
western world; you will be surprised<br />
how many of the themes of the<br />
classical world are relevant to our<br />
world today!<br />
The AS level course covers the<br />
following topics:<br />
• The Life and Times of Cicero<br />
(broadly, the fall of the Roman<br />
Republic)<br />
• <strong>Home</strong>r’s epic ‘The Iliad’<br />
• Greek Tragedy<br />
• Alexander the Great<br />
What does it lead to?<br />
Classical Civilisation is an excellent<br />
course to combine with English,<br />
History, Art or Modern Languages. It<br />
can be a fascinating contrast to the<br />
Sciences or to Mathematics. Those<br />
who are interested in archaeology or<br />
anthropology would almost certainly<br />
enjoy this course. Always engaging<br />
and often challenging, the course will<br />
develop your ability to appreciate, and<br />
analyse aspects of these civilisations.<br />
As an academic subject it is highly<br />
regarded by universities.<br />
What else?<br />
As well as acquiring many new skills<br />
such as literary criticism, you will also<br />
hone your existing analytical and<br />
evaluative abilities. Visits to museums,<br />
the theatre and classical sites (Greece<br />
or Italy) will be a feature of this course,<br />
where possible. There is no<br />
coursework element.<br />
No knowledge of Latin or Greek is<br />
required, nor do you need to have<br />
studied Classical Civilisation previously.<br />
History<br />
History takes as its subject, human<br />
experience in the past. We offer a<br />
choice of two AS and A level<br />
courses, enabling you to choose<br />
the time period that most interests<br />
you.<br />
Modern History (19th and 20th<br />
centuries) focusing on Britain,<br />
Russia and Germany<br />
Or<br />
Early Modern History (16th and<br />
17th centuries) focusing mainly on<br />
England, France and Spain<br />
We aim to:<br />
• Develop your understanding of<br />
how and why societies change<br />
• Stimulate your thinking and your<br />
powers of analysis<br />
• Develop your ability to express<br />
your views on a range of questions.<br />
You will experience a wide range of<br />
teaching and learning approaches<br />
during the course, and you will develop<br />
important academic and career skills:<br />
research; analysis; synopsis; argument<br />
and synthesis. For both courses the<br />
A2 year includes a coursework element,<br />
but there is no coursework at AS level.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
History combines well with all other<br />
arts and social sciences, but many<br />
students also take History alongside<br />
the Sciences and Mathematics. It is<br />
considered a keystone academic<br />
subject by competitive universities and<br />
is a recognised route into a wide range<br />
of careers, notably journalism, the law,<br />
business and the civil service. <strong>Form</strong>er<br />
<strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s historians have gone on<br />
to careers in academia, the law,<br />
politics and the media.<br />
Additional<br />
information<br />
No previous<br />
knowledge of<br />
history is<br />
assumed,<br />
although a<br />
GCSE in History<br />
can be helpful.<br />
What is essential<br />
is a lively interest<br />
in your work and<br />
a willingness to<br />
read widely and<br />
engage in your<br />
own research.<br />
Government<br />
& Politics<br />
The last couple of years have seen<br />
scandal, controversy and dynamic<br />
change in British politics; if you have<br />
been intrigued, angered or excited by<br />
this, then politics will answer your<br />
questions and test your ideas.<br />
At AS you will study Parliament, the<br />
Prime Minister, the parties, pressure<br />
groups, the courts, elections and much<br />
more. At A2 you will examine major<br />
political ideologies like Conservatism,<br />
Socialism and Liberalism and the<br />
responses of the parties to current<br />
issues including education, the<br />
economy and the environment.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
Politics students go on to degree<br />
courses at the most competitive<br />
universities, studying everything from<br />
politics and international relations to<br />
History, Law, English, Psychology,<br />
Modern Languages and Medicine.<br />
Politics is a particularly good preparation<br />
for journalism, advertising, administration<br />
and the legal profession, but fosters<br />
skills of debate and research, and of<br />
adapting to constantly changing<br />
circumstances, which are useful in many<br />
types of work.<br />
Additional information<br />
Politics students at <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s see<br />
their subject matter developing first<br />
hand; we go to Parliament and party<br />
conferences and meet visiting MPs,<br />
professors and journalists. This course<br />
immerses its students in the<br />
controversies of the day enabling them<br />
to get a serious understanding of how<br />
we are governed.<br />
www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
Philosophy<br />
Whilst Philosophy literally means<br />
‘love of wisdom’, it is not, generally,<br />
a subject with a body of truths or<br />
theories to be learnt, but an activity<br />
in which you engage when trying to<br />
answer questions that go to the<br />
heart of the meaning of life itself. To<br />
get the most out of studying this<br />
subject you will need an enquiring<br />
mind, an ability to express yourself<br />
clearly and coherently and a<br />
willingness to question everything<br />
you ever thought was real or true.<br />
What does the course cover?<br />
During the AS year you will explore<br />
questions such as:<br />
• What is real?<br />
• What is God?<br />
• Who am I?<br />
• Why do I suffer?<br />
• Where do I find the meaning<br />
of life?<br />
A2 study allows you to develop a<br />
deeper knowledge of some of the<br />
themes you studied in your AS year.<br />
You will explore topics such as<br />
philosophy of mind and philosophy of<br />
religion. The A2 course will provide an<br />
opportunity for an in-depth study of a<br />
philosophical text – currently<br />
Descartes ‘Meditations’ – which<br />
explores many of the themes<br />
examined in year 12.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
A significant number of students go on<br />
to study this subject at university.<br />
Additional information<br />
There is no coursework option for this<br />
subject.<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
Religious Studies<br />
Religion is fascinating and can be studied by anyone with an open mind. No<br />
religious faith is assumed, nor need you have taken Religious Studies at GCSE,<br />
but it is an ideal choice if you enjoyed it at school. For anybody who has ever<br />
been interested in finding out more about God, the Bible, learning how to live<br />
and the ‘Big Questions’ of life, this course is for you!<br />
The AS course includes the following topics:<br />
Unit 1. The New Testament: birth narratives, miracles, parables, passion and<br />
resurrection narratives.<br />
Unit 2: Philosophy of Religion: 'Can we prove God's existence? How 'good' is<br />
God? If God is all-loving, why do we suffer? Does the presence of alleged design in<br />
the world 'prove' that God designed it? What should we make of religious<br />
experiences?'<br />
The A2 course addresses the following questions:<br />
Unit 3. Philosophy of religion: Is religious faith rational? How can we talk about<br />
God? What sense can be made of miracle claims? How ‘free’ are we?<br />
Unit 4. Religious experience: a synoptic study. Is it possible to directly experience<br />
God? What should be made of people’s claims to religious experience?<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
A third of students each year continue with the subject at university degree level,<br />
such is their enthusiasm for the subject.<br />
Additional information<br />
There is no coursework option for this subject. The department provides full notes for<br />
you on all modules and teaching takes place in a stimulating setting using a rich<br />
range of teaching styles and methods.<br />
31<br />
Historical, Political & Religious
32<br />
Mathematics<br />
Mathematical subjects are very highly respected by both Russell Group<br />
universities and employers for their academic rigour and the logical, problemsolving<br />
approach these courses develop.<br />
Mathematical courses can develop the skills to complement science or social<br />
science courses, yet also contrast well, giving breadth of study to students<br />
studying creative, artistic or humanity based subjects. All courses are taught<br />
in specialist rooms, by specialist staff, and make full use of interactive<br />
whiteboard technology.<br />
There are 5 courses you should consider. Firstly, Maths and Further Maths, a two A<br />
level course representing half a students’ timetable and highly recommended for all<br />
students considering a mathematics degree. The intensive and demanding nature of<br />
this course means A* at GCSE Mathematics is strongly recommended. Secondly,<br />
Statistics, a course focussing purely on methods of statistical analysis, an ideal<br />
supporting subject for those taking two sciences or any social science requiring<br />
substantial data analysis. Finally, there are three mathematical courses. The pure<br />
mathematical elements of each course - algebra, trigonometry and graph work - is<br />
identical and represents two thirds of each course, the remaining third focuses on<br />
either statistics, mechanics, or decision-making. Which to choose will depend on<br />
your other subject choices as well as your natural preferences. The pure maths<br />
element of all three mean a grade A in GCSE Mathematics is highly desirable.<br />
What can Mathematics courses lead to?<br />
Studying Mathematics at AS/A level will give you the basic tools of a working<br />
mathematician, opening doors to, and in a wide variety of courses and careers in<br />
accountancy, defence, design, education, engineering, finance, management,<br />
production, quality control, research, software development, science… the list goes<br />
on and on. You may be able to do one of these careers without Mathematics, but it<br />
will almost certainly be beneficial. Research shows that students with an A level in<br />
Mathematics earn 10% more on average than others in similar jobs.<br />
Additional information<br />
The demands of university courses are changing quite rapidly and if you have a<br />
particular course in mind you should do some research on the UCAS or university<br />
web sites to keep up to date. We are currently seeing an increase in the number of<br />
courses requiring or recommending Further Mathematics. If you have already studied<br />
Mathematics modules at AS level in year 11 you may be able to progress directly to<br />
A2. Please make this clear on your application form.<br />
Mathematics<br />
Pure with Statistics<br />
Statistics concentrates on interpreting<br />
data and trying to make sense of<br />
variations in measurements and<br />
responses in an uncertain and<br />
changing world. It is popular with<br />
students taking subjects such as<br />
Sociology, Psychology, Biology,<br />
Chemistry, Geography and Economics<br />
which themselves use statistical<br />
techniques. Most people will use<br />
statistics at sometime in their lives,<br />
which makes this a generally useful<br />
application and our most popular<br />
course. If you want Mathematics AS/A<br />
level and don’t have clear reasons for<br />
choosing one of the other courses,<br />
then choose this one.<br />
Both years comprise of three modules,<br />
two of pure mathematics and one of<br />
statistics, there is no coursework.<br />
www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
Mathematics<br />
Pure with Mechanics<br />
Mechanics studies the way things<br />
move and the forces involved, from<br />
accelerating a <strong>Form</strong>ula 1 car to safely<br />
building a sky scraper. This course is<br />
strongly recommended for students<br />
studying Physics because of the<br />
complementary nature of both<br />
specifications.<br />
Both years comprise of three modules,<br />
two of pure mathematics and one of<br />
mechanics, there is no coursework.<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
Statistics<br />
Statistics studies a wide range of<br />
research methods applied in many<br />
other subjects including Biology,<br />
Chemistry, Sociology, Psychology,<br />
Geography and Economics, going<br />
much further than you are able to do in<br />
the Mathematics – Pure with Statistics<br />
course. If you want a course that<br />
primarily concentrates on statistical<br />
research methods or mainly to support<br />
your studies in another subject, this is<br />
the one for you.<br />
Three statistics modules are studied in<br />
each year, there is no coursework. The<br />
Statistics course at <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s has<br />
scored consistently highly for “value<br />
added” and has at times been<br />
identified as the top Statistics course<br />
in the country. Many medical schools<br />
requiring Mathematics will accept A<br />
level Statistics instead and a top grade<br />
may be easier to achieve.<br />
Mathematics<br />
and Further<br />
Mathematics<br />
This double option choice is the most<br />
rigorous and academically demanding<br />
and, if studied, would represent two of<br />
your subjects. The course includes a<br />
small amount of coursework for all<br />
students, along with flexibility over<br />
module choice in the A2 year. If you<br />
are a gifted mathematician, have a<br />
love of the subject, or intend to go on<br />
to study mathematics or a closely<br />
related subject at a top university, then<br />
this could well be the course for you.<br />
As well as studying pure mathematics<br />
in greater depth you will also study<br />
both statistics and either mechanics or<br />
decision mathematics.<br />
Mathematics<br />
Pure with Decision<br />
and Statistics<br />
Decision Mathematics (or operational<br />
research) studies methods used to<br />
solve practical problems and make<br />
processes more efficient. You will learn<br />
about topics such as critical path<br />
analysis or linear programming,<br />
important for managers following a<br />
wide variety of careers. There is a lot of<br />
numerical work, rather than algebra,<br />
and diagrams are used frequently. It is<br />
popular with students studying<br />
subjects where decision-making<br />
models are used, such as business<br />
studies and computing.<br />
Three modules are studied each year,<br />
two of pure mathematics and one of<br />
decision mathematics in year 12,<br />
followed by a statistics module in year<br />
13, there is no coursework.<br />
33<br />
mathematics
34<br />
Modern Languages & Earth Sciences<br />
The words "graduate with a foreign<br />
language" on your CV will have many<br />
recruiters going back for another look.<br />
That's because a relatively small pool of<br />
Brits have foreign language credentials, so<br />
they stand out from the crowd and,<br />
consequently, have far healthier career<br />
options, according to a recent Independent<br />
article. So why not make yourself more<br />
desirable to employers, and give yourself the<br />
chance of earning up to 10% more?!<br />
German<br />
Germany has the fourth largest<br />
economy in the world, and is the<br />
biggest exporting nation for iconic<br />
brands such as Adidas and<br />
Porsche. So if you want to find out<br />
more about this crucial European<br />
economic powerhouse, why not<br />
study German ?<br />
The first year course at AS enables<br />
you to revise skills and knowledge<br />
gained and GCSE, and to build on<br />
them. You will have the opportunity to<br />
discover many fascinating topics, and<br />
to discuss and write about them at a<br />
high level. You will also have regular<br />
contact with a native speaker and<br />
sessions with the German assistant, to<br />
help you with your conversational<br />
fluency. The second year enables you<br />
to take this work further, and can bring<br />
in literature and film options.<br />
What can it lead to ?<br />
All universities are well aware of how<br />
demanding it can be to navigate<br />
around the challenges of word order,<br />
cases or adjectival endings. German is<br />
therefore a highly respected and<br />
prestigious subject to take. German<br />
can be studied on its own at university,<br />
and it also combines well with other<br />
subjects such as Chemistry, Business,<br />
Law and even a new language such<br />
as Japanese.<br />
Language graduates don’t ‘just’ go into<br />
teaching, in fact they mainly go into<br />
business, tourism, retail, the armed<br />
forces... any occupation which<br />
requires contact with the global<br />
market.<br />
Additional information<br />
A grade B in German at GCSE is<br />
desirable. Studying German can be a<br />
life-changing experience, so why not<br />
come and see for yourself ?<br />
Spanish<br />
Spanish is becoming an increasingly<br />
valuable commodity. It's the official<br />
language of 21 countries worldwide<br />
and after English, it's the most<br />
commonly used language, with over<br />
500 million Spanish-speakers<br />
worldwide. It makes sense then -<br />
both from a business and a cultural<br />
perspective - to learn this language<br />
of growing importance.<br />
AS Spanish gives you a deeper<br />
understanding of the language,<br />
developing your vocabulary, grammar<br />
and grasp of tenses so that you can<br />
hold a discussion, write essays, read<br />
and understand newspaper articles,<br />
listen to interviews and news<br />
broadcasts and translate to and from<br />
Spanish. It’s not just about the<br />
language, however, as you will<br />
broaden your knowledge of social and<br />
political issues, and in year 13 cover<br />
an aspect of culture, such as a novel.<br />
What can it lead to ?<br />
Modern Languages are always highly<br />
sought after by top universities and<br />
employers. They combine well with<br />
any subject. Scientists who study a<br />
language show a greater breadth of<br />
knowledge, budding journalists can<br />
learn more about their own language<br />
by studying another, would-be lawyers<br />
can hone their debating skills. In fact<br />
Spanish leads comfortably into any<br />
career you can think of!<br />
Additional information<br />
A grade B in Spanish at GCSE is<br />
desirable. Spain offers a profound<br />
culture, excellent quality of life and a<br />
modern society with open, friendly<br />
people. Join us, and see for yourself!<br />
French<br />
French, along with English is the<br />
official working language in many<br />
international organizations, such as<br />
the United Nations, UNESCO, the<br />
EU. It is the second most frequently<br />
used language on the internet.<br />
France is ranked 2nd most<br />
influential in the world in terms of<br />
culture, art, cuisine, dance and<br />
fashion. Tempted ? The read on….<br />
Studying French at AS/A2 level will<br />
provide you with an in-depth<br />
knowledge of the language and<br />
involves the study of the four linguistic<br />
skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading<br />
and Writing through themes. It is,<br />
however, much more than that! This<br />
course will give you an awareness of<br />
the people, their history and culture.<br />
With the French exchange, you will<br />
have the opportunity to live with a<br />
French family, do a work placement<br />
and not only further enhance your<br />
competence in the language, but<br />
enhance your life skills too.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
France plays a leading role in aviation,<br />
aerospace, physics, electronics and<br />
medicine. French companies continue<br />
to be household names such as<br />
Peugeot, Lacoste and Dior. French<br />
thus remains an important tool for<br />
scientists, businessmen, journalists,<br />
lawyers. In fact it can be useful for any<br />
profession! At A level, it combines well<br />
with any subject, and is considered to<br />
be a prestige subject by top<br />
universities.<br />
Additional information<br />
If you want to join us then a grade B at<br />
GCSE is desirable. French is the<br />
largest donor of foreign words in<br />
English, so why not make the most of<br />
this advantage, and study French ?<br />
www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
Geography<br />
As a geographer, you will examine environmental, social<br />
and economic changes and issues in both human and<br />
physical environments, as well as gaining an appreciation<br />
of the challenges that contrasting environments present<br />
both now and in the future.<br />
You will develop your knowledge and understanding through<br />
various means, including: discussion; written resources;<br />
analysis of maps, diagrams, graphs, photos; information<br />
technology; DVD/video extracts and fieldwork at a local and<br />
regional scale (possibly at an international scale).<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
Apart from subject knowledge, geographers develop a wide<br />
range of key skills that make them very employable,<br />
particularly in the following fields:<br />
• Sustainability e.g. environmental impact officer,<br />
conservation officer<br />
• Environmental systems e.g. flood protection manager,<br />
climate analyst<br />
• Business e.g. location analyst, GIS information specialist<br />
• Settlement e.g. urban regeneration planner, surveyor<br />
• Travel and tourism e.g. expedition leader, heritage<br />
manager.<br />
Additional information<br />
GCSE Geography is not essential, providing that you are<br />
inquisitive about the world around you and would enjoy<br />
working in a practical situation outside the classroom.<br />
Geography is a multi-disciplinary subject and can be studied<br />
in combination with many other subjects.<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
Geology<br />
Geology is a detective story where the evidence is old,<br />
fragmented and tortured by the earth’s heaving. In this<br />
course, you will develop the skills and techniques to solve<br />
some of the earth’s puzzles.<br />
The AS course introduces you to the ideas of geology and is<br />
equally divided between theory and practical. The A2 course<br />
develops the AS ideas further and includes modules on natural<br />
resources and climate change.<br />
Fieldwork is a vital component and you will spend several days<br />
out locally as well as on residential trips in the Lake District and<br />
North Wales. There will also be the opportunity to join the annual<br />
field courses further abroad – recent trips have been to the<br />
Himalayas, Iceland and Kenya.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
A level Geology leads readily to a degree in the subject and from<br />
there the world is literally at your feet. You have a passport to<br />
work anywhere in the world – to wild and lonely places or<br />
metropolitan excesses! If you like variety in your studies and<br />
enjoy the outdoors, try geology.<br />
Additional information<br />
We do not expect you to have studied Geology before and there<br />
are no specific GCSE subjects required, but it combines well<br />
with either Geography or the Sciences.<br />
35<br />
modern languages & earth sciences
science, computing & product design<br />
Biology & Human Biology<br />
“Dans la nature rien ne se crée, rien ne se perd, tout<br />
change.’<br />
In nature nothing is created, nothing is lost, everything<br />
changes.”<br />
(Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier)<br />
Learn about other living things, learn about yourself. We<br />
offer two Biology courses: Biology and Human Biology.<br />
Both cover the same basic biological principals, however<br />
human biology delivers these through a study of humans,<br />
both healthy & ill, while biology focuses on a wider range<br />
of living things including animals, plants & microorganisms.<br />
Both courses are equally acceptable for entry to a wide<br />
range of higher education courses including medicine, with<br />
the exception of veterinary science degrees where biology<br />
must be taken.<br />
The AS Biology course in Year 12 introduces you to some<br />
fundamental aspects of modern biology including cell<br />
structure, the heart, transport in plants & animals, cell division,<br />
biochemistry and other topics. AS Human Biology also looks<br />
at key aspects of biology but through a study of the human<br />
body & its diseases. In both Biology & Human Biology there is<br />
extensive practical work, some of which is assessed &<br />
contributes to the final AS grade.<br />
The A2 course develops AS ideas further through the study of<br />
homeostasis, biotechnology & ecology in biology &<br />
reproduction, genetics, ecology & human physiology in the<br />
human biology course. Practical coursework is<br />
again assessed and counts<br />
for 10% of the final A2 marks<br />
in both subjects.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
A good grade in Biology or<br />
Human Biology, in conjunction<br />
with the correct choice of other<br />
A levels, allows access to a<br />
wide range of careers such as<br />
medicine, veterinary science,<br />
dentistry, nursing, horticulture,<br />
teaching, fisheries and<br />
conservation work.<br />
Additional information<br />
Good GCSE grades (Bs or higher)<br />
in Additional Science or separate<br />
sciences with a strong maths<br />
background are essential for entry<br />
to both courses.<br />
Unfortunately, experience shows that<br />
GCSE Applied Science does not<br />
adequately prepare students for<br />
success in AS Biology and Human<br />
Biology.<br />
36 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
chemistry<br />
Two chemistry courses are offered,<br />
both OCR specifications. The<br />
chemical knowledge you will attain is<br />
similar so that they are equally<br />
acceptable to all universities for any<br />
degree course, but they differ<br />
significantly in their approach to the<br />
subject matter.<br />
OCR B (Salters) takes an integrated<br />
approach; units such as "The Polymer<br />
Revolution" and "The Atmosphere" will<br />
introduce you to the ideas needed to<br />
understand the chemistry involved. The<br />
chemical concepts are met in one unit,<br />
revised and then further developed in<br />
subsequent units. OCR A (traditional)<br />
teaches the three main branches of<br />
chemistry (organic, inorganic and<br />
physical) separately. Organic chemistry<br />
covers the chemistry of carbon<br />
compounds, such as alkanes, alkenes<br />
and alcohols; norganic chemistry covers<br />
other elements and physical chemistry<br />
covers topics such as energy changes<br />
and rates of reaction.<br />
Internally assessed practical work in<br />
both specifications, at AS level,<br />
accounts for 20% of your AS grade.<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
At A2 level Salters students undertake<br />
an individual investigation over a fiveweek<br />
period; students taking the<br />
traditional course undertake more<br />
assessed practicals.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
A large number of our students go on to<br />
study a chemistry-related degree at<br />
university, while others study a range of<br />
subjects that include medicine,<br />
pharmacy, dentistry and veterinary<br />
medicine.<br />
Additional information<br />
Salters students enjoy a visit to the<br />
National Gallery to look at the chemistry<br />
behind the restoration of paintings, there<br />
are also regular evening visits to<br />
Birmingham University for topical lectures.<br />
Enrichment classes are held for students<br />
entering the Chemistry Olympiad.<br />
Good GCSE grades (Bs or higher) in<br />
Additional Science or separate<br />
sciences, with a strong maths<br />
background are essential for entry to<br />
both courses. Unfortunately, experience<br />
shows that GCSE Applied Science<br />
does not adequately prepare students<br />
for success in AS Chemistry.<br />
Physics<br />
In an increasingly technical age, the<br />
laws of physics are at the heart of<br />
everything we do. An A level Physics<br />
qualification is extremely flexible and<br />
shows that you have a logical and<br />
numerate mind; employers in all kinds<br />
of fields seek out students who have<br />
these skills.<br />
Physics AS and A2 modules have been<br />
designed to build on the knowledge,<br />
understanding and skills developed<br />
during a double award-bearing science<br />
or single award GCSE course. The<br />
course will further develop the core<br />
principles already learnt and then go on<br />
to introduce new ideas in areas such as<br />
quantum theory, nuclear and particle<br />
physics, cosmology and medical<br />
physics. Hands-on practical experience<br />
and practical demonstrations are used<br />
throughout in order to develop an<br />
understanding of the link between theory<br />
and practice. The subject benefits from<br />
operating in a newly refurbished suite of<br />
rooms, including a computer room and a<br />
technology workshop.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
Physics is highly respected A level that is<br />
essential for most physics and<br />
engineering degree courses. The<br />
analytical, numerate and critical appraisal<br />
skills that physics courses develop, open<br />
up a wealth of career opportunities from<br />
the obvious mathematical, scientific,<br />
medical and computing areas to the<br />
business and financial professions.<br />
Additional information<br />
Invited speakers from universities<br />
regularly give talks to both AS and A2<br />
students, and local universities provide<br />
enrichment opportunities for both year<br />
groups. AS students studying both<br />
maths and physics, and interested in a<br />
career in engineering, can take part in<br />
the Engineering Education Scheme in<br />
which a small team design and<br />
manufacture a solution to a real life<br />
problem set by a local engineering<br />
company.<br />
The mathematical aspects of this course<br />
make Maths with Mechanics a very<br />
suitable and popular complementary<br />
A level choice. Good GCSE grades (B or<br />
higher) in Additional Science or separate<br />
sciences must be achieved and<br />
students must be competent<br />
mathematicians in order to flourish in<br />
physics at this higher level. Unfortunately,<br />
experience shows that GCSE Applied<br />
Science does not adequately prepare<br />
students for success in AS Physics.<br />
37<br />
science, computing & product design
science, computing & product design<br />
Design & Technology:<br />
Product Design (3D Design)<br />
When you admire the sensuous lines of a sports car or the<br />
way your mobile phone feels in your hand, you are<br />
admiring the work of a product designer. Innovative<br />
designers, such as James Dyson, can become household<br />
names and create products sold throughout the world.<br />
This course aims to increase your knowledge of 3D Product<br />
Design and to develop your creative and inventive talents.<br />
Operating in two newly refurbished and well-equipped<br />
technology rooms, the course will provide you with the design<br />
skills and technical know-how required to produce new<br />
products to meet everyday needs.<br />
As part of both the AS and A2 courses you will undertake<br />
substantial design and manufacturing projects to put your<br />
skills to the test. Coursework accounts for 50% of both<br />
courses. No previous knowledge of the subject is expected.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
The course is particularly suited to students wishing to follow a<br />
degree or career in either design or engineering. It is regarded<br />
by most university engineering departments as a useful<br />
subject for students to do along with maths and physics for<br />
entry onto their degree courses. Problem solving skills will help<br />
in many aspects of any future career.<br />
Additional Information<br />
Students taking this subject and intending to follow a career in<br />
engineering can apply for an Arkwright scholarship, worth<br />
£500 over two years. Contact the teacher in charge of<br />
product design via the college for further details by early<br />
January 2013 at the latest.<br />
Computing<br />
Computing is a technical science-like subject with a large<br />
practical element, quite different to the ICT courses<br />
studied at school.<br />
Computing introduces you to programming and its use within<br />
applications. You will develop your programming skills through<br />
a series of engaging tasks and scenarios, whilst also<br />
benefitting from opportunities such as participating in the British<br />
Informatics Olympiad – a great way to showcase your skills.<br />
The course adopts a developer’s approach, meaning theory<br />
elements examine how computers and programs work, rather<br />
than the applications they run. Examples of areas covered<br />
include problem solving, software engineering and networking.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
A large number of students continue to study computer<br />
science or related courses at university, whilst gifted students<br />
with computer science degrees compete for careers in the<br />
lucrative computer gaming sector. Computing can lead to<br />
employment in the ICT industry or careers requiring modelling<br />
and simulation work; it also provides proof of a logical mind, a<br />
skill valued by universities and employers alike. University<br />
courses combining sciences and computing are becoming<br />
increasingly popular, for example Bioinformatics.<br />
Additional information<br />
This course combines especially well with maths and physics.<br />
No previous programming experience is required however a<br />
natural interest in the area and a grade B in GCSE Maths is<br />
highly desirable. A level Mathematics is recommended for<br />
students considering a computer science or related degree.<br />
The programming you create through coursework represents<br />
30% of your AS qualification.<br />
38 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
Student profiles<br />
Amber<br />
Name:<br />
Amber Davies<br />
<strong>Form</strong>er School:<br />
Wolverhampton Grammar School<br />
A2 Subjects:<br />
Art History<br />
Art<br />
Dance<br />
Mathematics<br />
Why I chose KE:<br />
I chose <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>s because I really<br />
wanted to take Dance and Art History<br />
at A level and not many institutions<br />
offer these subjects.<br />
What I hope to do next year (and<br />
where at) ?<br />
I have gained a place at the Royal<br />
Academy of Dance (RAD), London to<br />
study BA (hons) Ballet education.<br />
What words of advice would you<br />
offer new students about to start at<br />
the college?<br />
Remain focused and organised and<br />
then you will be able to get the most out<br />
of the excellent teaching at <strong>King</strong><br />
<strong>Edward</strong>s.<br />
What words or phrases would you<br />
use to sum up what is good about<br />
KE?<br />
<strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>s has helped me to study<br />
and research independently. ere is<br />
also a very positive atmosphere and<br />
iendly students and staff. .<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
Huw<br />
Name:<br />
Huw Hides<br />
<strong>Form</strong>er School:<br />
St Peter’s<br />
A2 Subjects:<br />
Economics<br />
French<br />
Maths with Statistics<br />
Extended Project Qualification<br />
How do you think coming to<br />
KE has helped you most?<br />
e support of staff and other students<br />
has really helped me develop and grow<br />
in confidence.<br />
Where next?<br />
With some financial support om the<br />
college, I’m spending six months of my<br />
Gap Year in Italy working with those<br />
truly in need. I’ll help run a soup<br />
kitchen for young homeless people in the<br />
evenings whilst also providing other<br />
practical assistance, including 1:1<br />
support and encouragement to help<br />
young people get back on their feet. I’ll<br />
spend a month training for this<br />
followed by two months travelling<br />
around the UK to help raise awareness<br />
of the issues facing many young adults.<br />
What words of advice would you<br />
offer new students about to start at<br />
the college?<br />
Don’t be a spectator watching life pass<br />
you by. Get involved, your life begins<br />
outside your comfort zone.<br />
Ellie<br />
Name:<br />
Ellie Newis<br />
<strong>Form</strong>er School:<br />
Redhill School<br />
A2 Subjects:<br />
English Literature<br />
Government & Politics<br />
Art & Design<br />
Film Studies<br />
How do you think coming to<br />
KE has helped you most?<br />
e HE+ scheme and my teachers –<br />
especially English teachers – convincing<br />
me I was good enough to apply to<br />
Oxford. I never considered it before<br />
coming here.<br />
What words of advice would you<br />
offer new students about to start at<br />
the college?<br />
Make sure you pick the subjects you<br />
genuinely love, that way you will want<br />
to work at them and not get bored.<br />
What words or phrases would you<br />
use to sum up what is good about<br />
KE?<br />
I think the independence is really good<br />
and really helps me work my best. e<br />
teachers are very supportive and helpful.<br />
Which enrichment activities have<br />
you been involved with?<br />
KE TV, ‘Have I got news for you!’ and<br />
Book club.<br />
What I hope to do next year (and<br />
where at)<br />
Mansfield <strong>College</strong>, Oxford University<br />
to study English, then hopefully into<br />
journalism.<br />
39<br />
student profiles
Law<br />
Law & Social Sciences<br />
If you are interested in how the laws<br />
that affect all our lives are<br />
developed and implemented, if you<br />
are interested in a legal career then<br />
A level Law is for you. This course<br />
involves the study of the main<br />
principles of the English legal system.<br />
Where does our law come from? How<br />
does the law work? What powers do<br />
the police have? What is the role of<br />
judges, barristers, solicitors? Who<br />
funds litigation? There will be visits to<br />
the courts in Birmingham to watch the<br />
law ‘in action’ and the Old Bailey and<br />
Supreme Court in London. At A2, you<br />
will specialise in one of the substantive<br />
areas of tort, crime or contract law.<br />
Studying Law will enable you to<br />
develop your analytical and evaluative<br />
skills whilst also improving your<br />
communication skills through<br />
classroom discussions and group<br />
work. There is no coursework.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
An A level in Law is especially useful if<br />
you are considering a law degree or a<br />
career in the legal profession, because<br />
it allows you to better understand what<br />
law is and the training and academic<br />
demands of joining the legal<br />
profession. Law also provides career<br />
opportunities in business, commerce<br />
and local government.<br />
Additional information<br />
You will need to be interested in, and<br />
prepared to discuss current legal<br />
issues. Students can take part in the<br />
‘Bar National Mock Trial’. This is an<br />
opportunity to develop advocacy skills<br />
and put them to the test in Birmingham<br />
Crown Court. Many of our students go<br />
on to become lawyers. No previous<br />
knowledge of law is needed.<br />
Psychology<br />
Mental illnesses such as schizophrenia can affect around 1% of the population.<br />
Psychology is the theoretical study of the human mind and behaviour that is<br />
helping improve our understanding of all sorts of issues from mental illness to<br />
personal phobias. Are you interested in learning why the brains of males<br />
function differently to those of females, why some people are racist or whether<br />
your dreams have meaning? If so, psychology could be for you.<br />
The course develops your communication, data analysis and information technology<br />
skills, making psychology relevant to a wide variety of courses and careers, as well as<br />
a great subject to help create a balanced programme.<br />
During the AS year you will conduct a number of practical investigations which you<br />
will be expected to report upon, and refer to, during exams. The A2 year further<br />
develops your theoretical knowledge through options such as criminal, child and<br />
clinical psychology. Outside the classroom you will deepen your understanding of<br />
concepts taught through activities such as prison visits and trips to the Freud<br />
Museum in London and a visit to Vienna, the birthplace of Freud.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
Psychology can lead into many varied careers ranging from health and social welfare<br />
occupations and teaching, through to commercially focussed careers including<br />
advertising, marketing, sales and staff recruitment. High grades combined with<br />
specialist degrees open up opportunities for professional psychologist roles such as<br />
educational, clinical, or forensic psychologists.<br />
Additional information<br />
No previous knowledge of psychology is required, just a critical mind, a willingness to<br />
work hard, and a natural interest in human behaviour.<br />
40 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
Sociology<br />
Sociology aims to develop a critical<br />
understanding of human societies in<br />
the 21st century. If you are interested<br />
in society, the reasons for your<br />
behaviour or discovering explanations<br />
for the inequalities in the world, then<br />
Sociology is for you.<br />
Some Sociological questions to consider:<br />
• Who are you? How has your culture<br />
influenced your identity?<br />
• How are your chances in life affected<br />
by your social class, gender and<br />
ethnic background? What about your<br />
age, disability or sexuality? Do these<br />
factors make a difference?<br />
• Why are some groups likely to achieve<br />
more rewards than other groups?<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
• Is Society a fair place to live?<br />
• How has Globalisation affected you<br />
and other people?<br />
Sociology gives you the opportunity to<br />
debate, analyse, and evaluate a variety<br />
of possible answers to these and other<br />
issues. You will also have the<br />
opportunity to become be involved in<br />
educational trips over the course, such<br />
as visiting the Slavery Museum in<br />
Liverpool, and hear from professional<br />
Sociologists about their research first<br />
hand.<br />
What can it lead to?<br />
Sociology is recognised by all<br />
universities as a popular A level and<br />
degree subject. Sociology graduates are<br />
well prepared for careers in social work<br />
and nursing, health and welfare,<br />
marketing, and all aspects of the media<br />
as well as medicine, the legal profession,<br />
criminology and social research.<br />
Additional information<br />
A good standard of written English and a<br />
readiness to read around the issues<br />
covered are strongly recommended. You<br />
should also be genuinely interested in<br />
contemporary and social issues and the<br />
world around you.<br />
41<br />
law & social sciences
42<br />
results & destinations<br />
Outstanding<br />
Results<br />
2012 was another outstanding year<br />
during which the college maintained<br />
its position as one of the very best in<br />
the country, and the most successful<br />
local provider of A level courses in<br />
terms of pass rates and achievement<br />
per student.<br />
Over 780 students at <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong> <strong>VI</strong><br />
<strong>College</strong> in <strong>Stourbridge</strong> gained<br />
outstanding A level results, key<br />
highlights include;<br />
• An incredible 99.5 pass rate for<br />
subject-based A levels.<br />
• Half our students achieving a<br />
prized A or A* grade<br />
• Two thirds of passes in subject<br />
based A levels being at grades<br />
A*, A or B, in comparison with<br />
52.6% nationwide.<br />
• 100% pass rates in 38 subjects<br />
• 60 students gaining four or more<br />
A or A* grades at A level<br />
• 130 students gaining 3 or more<br />
A grades.<br />
• 17 students passed 5 or more<br />
subjects at grade A or A*<br />
• 89% Oxford & Cambridge<br />
applicants achieved their required<br />
grades.<br />
Congratulations!<br />
“Congratulations to<br />
Alice Childs (Thorns),<br />
Matthew Fenn (Pedmore) and<br />
Kathryn Stewart (Summerhill)<br />
who all gained A*, A*, A*, A*<br />
in their four subjects”.<br />
229 students achieve A*<br />
66% of grades were A*, A or B<br />
130 students achieved 3 or more A*<br />
or A grades<br />
Student destinations<br />
We recognise that your time with us is part of your journey and not your final<br />
destination. As a result of this we operate like a mini-university; we will help<br />
develop your academic expertise, your independent learning skills, and you as a<br />
person in preparation for your next challenge.<br />
This year students joining colleges at Oxford and Cambridge will read a variety of<br />
arts and science related courses, having gained an insight into life at each<br />
university through our popular HE+ scheme, college trips, and meetings with<br />
previous <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s students now at Oxbridge colleges. Students starting<br />
medical, veterinary science and dentistry courses at a variety of Russell Group<br />
universities leave having benefitted from our extensive work experience<br />
placements and supporting events organised by the college such as our optional<br />
Medical Ethics course. Students with a passion for Art, Music or the Performing<br />
Arts join nationally renowned colleges such as the Birmingham Conservatoire.<br />
The outstanding regional reputation the college enjoys allows our Careers Team to<br />
work with some of the best employers in the area. Students who have chosen to<br />
start their career straight from college are joining some of the most respected<br />
employers on fast-track development schemes such as the accountancy and<br />
consultancy training provided by Grant Thornton.<br />
www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
Student Recognition<br />
As you would expect there are plenty<br />
of student successes to celebrate.<br />
Twice a year formal Prize Evenings<br />
recognise the academic achievements<br />
of our students. These are<br />
complemented by a series of Student<br />
Commendation events throughout the<br />
year celebrating a range of student<br />
achievements including work of<br />
exceptional standard or originality,<br />
service to the college community, and<br />
excellent progress. These<br />
commendations enable staff, students<br />
and their families to come together to<br />
celebrate, discuss and share the<br />
achievements of each student in an<br />
informal atmosphere.<br />
Students’ leadership, organisational and<br />
inter-personal skills are recognised and<br />
rewarded in a variety of ways. Students<br />
can become ‘course reps’ and work<br />
with tutors to continually improve the<br />
student learning experience, seek<br />
election to the Student Union and<br />
manage whole college charity work,<br />
student events and social occasions,<br />
become PT reps, work on and off site<br />
as <strong>College</strong> Ambassadors, develop and<br />
deliver a series of enrichment classes to<br />
other students, or lead sporting teams<br />
through captaincy awards.<br />
A measure of the company you will be<br />
keeping can also be gleaned through<br />
the achievements of students outside<br />
college. In 2011-12 our Student<br />
Governors received official praise and<br />
recognition for their work at a London<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
awards ceremony, another student won<br />
a prestigious design competition whilst<br />
on a college trip to Paris, our Young<br />
Enterprise team scooped 3 regional<br />
awards, Tim Hickman became World<br />
Champion in his Karate class and<br />
Dudley sports personality of the year,<br />
Jack Mathews became captain of the<br />
England U17 volleyball team, three<br />
students won Silver medals in the UK<br />
U18 biathlon finals, two students carried<br />
Olympic torches, a student won a<br />
national BBC 999 award, and many<br />
more completed a range of charity and<br />
community work, including our Duke of<br />
Edinburgh Gold students, our Three<br />
Peaks charity walkers, our Help for<br />
Heroes students, students working with<br />
the local foodbank, to name but a few.<br />
Students with a passion for helping<br />
others can also earn recognition through<br />
the <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong> <strong>VI</strong> <strong>College</strong> Award for<br />
Community Service at home or abroad,<br />
these are bursary awards to help<br />
finance charitable gap year activities.<br />
Past beneficiaries include students<br />
teaching Spanish and English to<br />
impoverished children in remote<br />
Peruvian mountain villages, and<br />
distributing mosquito nets to families in<br />
Gambian villages. In 2012 the main<br />
recipient of this award was a student<br />
who will spend much of 2012-13<br />
working with young, vulnerable people<br />
in the suburbs of a major Italian city.<br />
Whatever your strength, it will be<br />
recognised and encouraged at <strong>King</strong><br />
<strong>Edward</strong>’s.<br />
Finance<br />
Baccalaureate<br />
The large number of very talented<br />
students seeking careers in the<br />
financial sector, combined with a<br />
distinct lack of opportunity to gain<br />
‘city’ experience, led to the college<br />
spearheading a pioneering project<br />
developing a national programme for<br />
the most talented A level students<br />
around the country wishing to pursue<br />
a career in the Square Mile.<br />
Working with Royal Bank of Scotland,<br />
the Institute of Financial Services,<br />
London School of Economics, Leeds<br />
University, and a handful of top<br />
schools and colleges cleared by the<br />
college, <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s now offers<br />
selected high-flyers the opportunity to<br />
follow a structured programme<br />
including numerical work at degree<br />
level, additional qualifications used in<br />
the banking sector, and direct<br />
exposure to the Square Mile and<br />
trading floors through work experience<br />
with RBS. These exciting opportunities<br />
form part of a ‘finance baccalaureate’<br />
to prepare top flight students for fasttrack<br />
career opportunities in<br />
commercial banking.<br />
“I have nothing but praise for<br />
the Immersion Day at the<br />
Royal Bank of Scotland.”<br />
“I thoroughly enjoyed the trip<br />
to RBS headquarters.<br />
The shadowing of the<br />
graduates was one of the<br />
highlights of the day.”<br />
43<br />
results & Destinations
college trips<br />
Geology -<br />
trip to Kenya<br />
History - trip to Berlin<br />
Geography - trip to Kenya<br />
Languages -trip to Paris<br />
44 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
Psychology - trip to Vienna<br />
French exchange<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
<strong>College</strong> ski trip to France<br />
45<br />
college trips
college admissions - How do i apply<br />
Step 1: Research our college<br />
Learn about the opportunities available<br />
to you through our college by attending<br />
one of our Open Evenings or Mornings,<br />
visiting our website and Twitter account,<br />
and through discussions during year 11<br />
pathway events hosted by Dudley<br />
schools. We provide information and<br />
guidance through stands at every local<br />
school, willing to accommodate our<br />
expert staff.<br />
Step 2: Research possible subjects<br />
Decide which subjects you would like to<br />
study based upon subjects required or<br />
preferred for specified degree courses,<br />
universities, and careers, as well as your<br />
own strengths and personal<br />
preferences. Our staff will provide<br />
impartial advice and guidance at<br />
progression events and interview.<br />
Choosing your subjects is a personal<br />
decision, however the right combination<br />
is essential if you are to reach your<br />
maximum potential, so do ask others for<br />
advice: teachers, career advisors, the<br />
UCAS website and your family are often<br />
very helpful. Some subjects require<br />
good GCSE knowledge, some assume<br />
no prior knowledge, and others are best<br />
studied alongside a complementary<br />
subject. Please see pages 16 to 41 and<br />
the subject information on our website,<br />
for more details of the choices available.<br />
Step 3: Apply online or by post<br />
Apply by completing the application form<br />
provided at our Open Evening / Morning<br />
events, by downloading and completing<br />
a copy of this form from our website, or<br />
electronically by completing and<br />
submitting an application online.<br />
If you apply using a paper-based form<br />
you must hand your completed<br />
application to the nominated person<br />
within your school. Your school will<br />
attach their reference and deliver your<br />
application form to college. If you are<br />
applying online you must submit your<br />
form electronically, we will then contact<br />
your school and obtain a reference. We<br />
treat all references confidentially,<br />
however predicted grades may be<br />
shared with the applicant during the<br />
application process.<br />
Whichever route you choose, you must<br />
specify six possible subjects. Interviews<br />
will be used to provide further advice<br />
and guidance, enabling you to make an<br />
informed decision regarding your<br />
preferred subjects from this shortlist. We<br />
do not operate a blocking structure for<br />
course options, meaning you are free to<br />
select any combination of subjects.<br />
Step 4: Shortlisting for interview<br />
Decisions regarding whether or not to<br />
interview an applicant are complex and<br />
require each application form to be<br />
considered by several staff. All<br />
applicants will receive either a written<br />
invitation to interview or a letter stating<br />
that, on the basis of the application form<br />
and the number of applications received,<br />
the college will not be offering an<br />
interview. We recognise that students<br />
who we turn down may have very good<br />
AS/2 potential, and we strongly advise<br />
these students to continue their<br />
academic studies elsewhere.<br />
We endeavour to match every shortlisted<br />
applicant to an interviewer with<br />
experience of their career or degree<br />
preference, meaning the period of time<br />
between receipt of application and the<br />
shortlisting decision varies with each<br />
applicant. The time period between<br />
applying and our reply has no bearing on<br />
the eventual decision.<br />
Step 5: The interview<br />
All interviews are conducted in a friendly<br />
and supportive atmosphere. Interview<br />
questions are structured to enable our<br />
staff to learn more about your strengths<br />
and ambitions, whilst also ensuring your<br />
final subject choices support your long<br />
term ambitions. There will also be an<br />
opportunity to ask any questions you<br />
may have about college life.<br />
Step 6: The interview decision<br />
Interview decisions are made in one<br />
of the two following ways:<br />
First pathway:<br />
The highest calibre applicants will be<br />
offered a provisional place based upon<br />
the information contained in their<br />
application form. Once they have been<br />
interviewed they will usually be given a<br />
formal offer of a place, provided we have<br />
confirmed their suitability and their<br />
course choices. When there are any<br />
doubts as a result of the interview, the<br />
applicant will be reconsidered in the<br />
second wave of decisions as below.<br />
Second pathway:<br />
Other very impressive applicants will be<br />
invited to meet with a member of staff to<br />
discuss their application, ambitions, and<br />
proposed courses. These interviews will<br />
take place between November and April.<br />
The timing of the interview has absolutely<br />
no influence on the outcome. Some<br />
interviews (early, as well as late) will lead<br />
to an offer of a place whilst others will be<br />
unsuccessful. Decisions will only be<br />
made once all interviews are completed.<br />
These decisions are taken by a team of<br />
senior and experienced staff who check<br />
application forms and interview notes for<br />
each applicant several times. Once all<br />
decisions are made, all successful and<br />
unsuccessful interviewees are informed,<br />
in writing, on Friday 22nd March. In<br />
addition, some borderline candidates will<br />
be placed in a pool for further<br />
consideration after Easter, by which time<br />
additional space may have been created<br />
by some applicants declining their offer.<br />
Step 7: Appeals<br />
Applicants who are not offered a place<br />
may appeal, in writing. Details of the<br />
appeals process are automatically sent<br />
to each applicant we decline.<br />
Step 8: Welcome to <strong>College</strong> Day<br />
All incoming students are warmly invited<br />
to join staff and a selection of current<br />
students to experience college life for a<br />
day. You will make lots of new friends,<br />
whilst enjoying a variety of activities<br />
during introductory sessions to each of<br />
your chosen subjects.<br />
Step 9: Enrolment Day<br />
All incoming students will enrol at college<br />
by providing proof of their level 2 exam<br />
results during a short meeting with one<br />
of our enrolment tutors.<br />
Step 10: Induction Day<br />
All new students meet and spend time<br />
with their Personal Tutor and other<br />
students in their tutor group. The day<br />
includes a series of interactive activities<br />
designed to help you make new friends<br />
and familiarise you with the campus.<br />
46 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
Will I be accepted?<br />
Offer decisions are based on a variety of<br />
factors including predicted final grades<br />
for level 2 courses and evidence of other<br />
interests, activities, and personal<br />
qualities as reflected on the application<br />
form and in the interview. Every Easter<br />
we are contacted by students who wish<br />
they had applied but who chose not to,<br />
so if in doubt, you are encouraged to<br />
apply in order to learn more about the<br />
opportunities on offer. Our admissions<br />
team are happy to talk through any<br />
dilemmas or concerns you may have.<br />
What are the minimum entry<br />
requirements?<br />
All offers made are conditional upon a<br />
student achieving stated minimum<br />
grades for their level 2 courses. These<br />
requirements are confirmed when<br />
making an offer. As a minimum we would<br />
hope you would achieve A or B grades<br />
in the subjects you want to study at AS<br />
and A level, with a range of good grades<br />
in your other subjects.<br />
Access to <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s (A2K)<br />
If you have experienced significant<br />
hurdles in your education which may<br />
result in your actual GCSE results not<br />
Key Dates<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
reflecting your true potential, for example<br />
prolonged illness or moving between<br />
schools, our admissions process will<br />
take account of your individual<br />
circumstances, provided you complete a<br />
short additional form detailing these.<br />
Please see our website for more details<br />
of our A2K scheme. The college will<br />
interview all students who correctly<br />
complete and submit an A2K form<br />
provided their application includes<br />
supportive references.<br />
Looked after children<br />
The college welcomes applications from<br />
able students who have experienced<br />
challenging personal circumstances and<br />
will interview all students who are in care<br />
or have recently left care, provided their<br />
application includes supportive<br />
references.<br />
Who do I contact for more<br />
information?<br />
You should find all the information you<br />
need on our website. If you have a<br />
specific enquiry which is not answered<br />
there you should contact Elsie<br />
Whitehouse or Catherine Oakes in<br />
admissions, both will be happy to help.<br />
Liaison visits to schools - September – November<br />
Interviews and First Pathway decisions posted home - November - March<br />
Open Evenings - 17th & 18th October 6.15pm-9.00pm<br />
1st Open Morning - 21st November (9.30am - 12noon)<br />
2nd Open Morning - 17th December (9.30am - 12noon)<br />
3rd Open Morning - Booking essential, limited places available 8th January (9.30am - 12noon)<br />
Closing date for applications - 8th February<br />
Majority of Second Pathway decisions posted home - 22nd March<br />
All remaining decision letters posted home - 19th April<br />
Welcome to college day (please keep this date free) 28th June<br />
Enrolment Day (please keep this date free) 30th August<br />
Induction Day (please keep this date free) 4th September<br />
www.twitter.com/KE_Admissions<br />
www.facebook.com/#!/<strong>King</strong><strong>Edward</strong><strong>VI</strong><strong>College</strong><strong>Stourbridge</strong><br />
47<br />
college admissions
General information<br />
Principal Sharon Phillips<br />
Deputy Principal Mark Kent<br />
Vice Principal Remley Mann<br />
Director of Admissions & Learning Support Peter Gray<br />
Admissions Administrator Elsie Whitehouse 01384 398100<br />
ew@kedst.ac.uk<br />
The Governors<br />
There are eighteen members of the<br />
board under the chairmanship of Chris<br />
Painter. The parents of current students<br />
elect two parent governors and two<br />
student governors.<br />
Charter day<br />
This is an official evening church service<br />
in the summer term, commemorating<br />
the granting of the college charter in<br />
1552. All members of the college<br />
attend this function once, normally in<br />
year 12, unless they have a<br />
conscientious objection.<br />
The college fund<br />
This is a voluntary contribution from<br />
parents, paid either termly or annually.<br />
Further information is available on the<br />
college website.<br />
Equal opportunities<br />
The college is committed to treating all<br />
staff, students and applicants equally.<br />
Examination results<br />
The most recent figures available at the<br />
time of going to press are for summer<br />
2012 leavers. The pass rate was 99.5%<br />
for subject-based A levels and two<br />
thirds of A level grades were either A*,<br />
A or B. In 2011 <strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong>’s students<br />
achieved the highest average points<br />
score per student (1070) in any<br />
Midlands sixth form or further education<br />
college, 145 more points than any other<br />
local school or college. At the time of<br />
going to press 2012 comparison figures<br />
were not available. Once published<br />
these may be obtained from the<br />
Department of Education website, our<br />
website, or upon request.<br />
Musical instrumental and vocal lessons<br />
generous subsidies are available to all<br />
students who have passed grade 4 or<br />
above, and who regularly attend an<br />
appropriate college performing group.<br />
There are generous subsidies for<br />
standard, individual vocal and<br />
instrumental music lessons for AS and<br />
A level music students. Further details<br />
are available via the college website, at<br />
open evening, and from Tom<br />
Pankhurst, subject leader for music.<br />
Learner Support Fund<br />
The college is committed to supporting<br />
students in financial hardship. All<br />
students who are in care, leaving care,<br />
in receipt of Income Support, or<br />
disabled and in receipt of Disability<br />
Living Allowance will receive a bursary<br />
of £1200 for each full year of study<br />
completed. Additional discretionary<br />
awards will also be made to students<br />
suffering financial hardship, the amount<br />
payable being dependent upon<br />
household income and the number of<br />
applicants for these bursaries. All<br />
awards made are subject to good<br />
attendance, progress and behaviour.<br />
Fees and charges<br />
Tuition fees are not charged to 16-19<br />
year old students, who have been<br />
resident in the EU for at least three<br />
years, for A level classes. Enrichment<br />
studies classes are normally free but a<br />
charge is made where special facilities<br />
are required off-site, such as for scuba<br />
diving. Textbooks and other learning<br />
materials are normally provided without<br />
charge, but sometimes contributions<br />
are required for equipment and special<br />
purchases. A refundable deposit of £50<br />
against the loss of, or damage to<br />
books, equipment, etc., lent to<br />
students during their courses and for<br />
other avoidable expenses such as<br />
clearing lockers, is charged at the start<br />
of the student’s first year.<br />
A charge of £5 per year is made for the<br />
use of a designated locker.<br />
Examination fees are not normally<br />
charged to students sitting their first<br />
examinations, except where students<br />
have failed to meet college<br />
expectations regarding work and<br />
attendance, as set out in the student<br />
charter, and in their learning<br />
agreements. In this case the college<br />
reserves the right to charge students,<br />
as for re-sit exams (see next<br />
paragraph).<br />
The college seeks voluntary<br />
contributions from parents to cover the<br />
cost of trips, visits and residential<br />
courses in order to preserve the range<br />
of experiences appropriate to the post-<br />
16 age group and their academic work.<br />
As part of its equal opportunities policy,<br />
the college provides financial support<br />
for students who have difficult personal<br />
circumstances. Students whose<br />
parents/ guardians are in receipt of<br />
income support or family credit may<br />
discuss the matter confidentially with<br />
their personal tutor; or parents<br />
themselves may approach the college<br />
finance office for direct advice on fee<br />
remissions and relief from charges.<br />
Insurance<br />
The college has full liability cover.<br />
Personal accident insurance covers<br />
students for death and permanent<br />
disabling injuries whilst attending official<br />
organised courses or activities,<br />
including work experience placements,<br />
and directly connected travel.<br />
Additionally, travel insurance is arranged<br />
to cover both students and their<br />
personal effects when taking part in<br />
trips and visits which involve an<br />
overnight stay. Parents may, of course,<br />
choose to take out additional individual<br />
cover with their own insurance<br />
companies.<br />
What will be expected of me?<br />
<strong>Sixth</strong> form colleges provide a bridge<br />
between tightly structured school life<br />
and the freedom that you will<br />
experience when entering university or<br />
your first job. To help you bridge this<br />
gap the college provides outstanding<br />
pastoral support in an environment that<br />
encourages students to balance<br />
freedom and responsibility, leisure and<br />
work. You are expected to dress<br />
appropriately for lessons (there is no<br />
uniform) and to manage your noncontact<br />
lesson time wisely; you do not<br />
have to be on campus unless you have<br />
a scheduled lesson. You will usually be<br />
on first name terms with your tutors,<br />
and quickly develop the high trust<br />
relationships needed in a highly<br />
productive working environment.<br />
48 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
Student profiles<br />
Sam<br />
Name:<br />
Sam Allan<br />
<strong>Form</strong>er School:<br />
High Arcal School<br />
AS Subjects:<br />
Human Biology<br />
Chemistry<br />
Music<br />
French<br />
Why I chose KE:<br />
It has a great welcoming atmosphere<br />
and challenging classes.<br />
How do you think coming to<br />
KE has helped you most?<br />
Apart om the academic side of college,<br />
my enrichment cources have enhanced<br />
my communication and leadership<br />
skills.<br />
Which enrichment activities have<br />
you been involved with?<br />
Christian Union and choir.<br />
What I hope to do next year<br />
Medicine or Pharmacology and<br />
Physiology at Manchester University.<br />
What words of advice would you<br />
offer new students about to start at<br />
the college?<br />
Remember to focus on your goals, plan<br />
ahead, be organised and balance fun<br />
with work.<br />
t: 01384 398100<br />
Funmi<br />
Name:<br />
Funmi Olubiyo<br />
<strong>Form</strong>er School:<br />
Ounsdale School<br />
A2 Subjects:<br />
Biology<br />
Maths & Statistics<br />
Chemistry<br />
Also doing the EPQ<br />
Why I chose KE:<br />
To become a more independent person<br />
academically and personally.<br />
How do you think coming to<br />
KE has helped you most?<br />
It has helped me develop my<br />
organisational and other skills that will<br />
help me in the future.<br />
What words of advice would you<br />
offer new students about to start at<br />
the college?<br />
Breathe and focus; it’s a two year<br />
journey, enjoy yourself, be happy and<br />
motivated.<br />
Which enrichment activities have<br />
you been involved in?<br />
Life support and I helped lead<br />
e Apprentice.<br />
What I hope to do next year<br />
Medicine at Birmingham University.<br />
What words or phrases would you<br />
use to sum up what is good about<br />
KE?<br />
Diverse, helpful community. You will<br />
meet many different people with<br />
different interests, it makes the college<br />
experience more unique.<br />
Randeep<br />
Name:<br />
Randeep Moman<br />
<strong>Form</strong>er School:<br />
Ridgewood<br />
A2 Subjects:<br />
Economics<br />
Maths<br />
Psychology<br />
Why I chose KE:<br />
e quality of teaching at <strong>King</strong><br />
<strong>Edward</strong>’s is second to none. Staff are<br />
iendly and supportive and<br />
approachable, they always go the extra<br />
mile and get the best out of you.<br />
How do you think coming to<br />
KE has helped you most?<br />
Tutors have really helped me develop<br />
my independent thinking skills,<br />
enabling me to fluently structure,<br />
analyse and present arguments to<br />
others, whilst also teaching in a manner<br />
that helps me overcome my visual<br />
impairment.<br />
What words of advice would you<br />
offer new students about to start at<br />
the college?<br />
Take advantage of every opportunity the<br />
college has to offer, there are so many<br />
but the more you put in, the more you<br />
get out.<br />
49<br />
student profiles
local transport links<br />
50 www.kedst.ac.uk admissions@kedst.ac.uk
How to find us<br />
Local<br />
road<br />
map<br />
central<br />
stourbridge<br />
map
<strong>King</strong> <strong>Edward</strong> <strong>VI</strong> <strong>College</strong><br />
<strong>Stourbridge</strong>, West Midlands DY8 1TD<br />
T: 01384 398100<br />
F: 01384 398123<br />
E: admissions@kedst.ac.uk<br />
www.kedst.ac.uk