POST-16 PROSPECTUS UPDATE SEP 11.cdr

The Unit 3 exam will require students to answer two data response style questions and complete one essay. The
paper is 2 ½ hours and accounts for 60% of the A2 mark and is sat in June.
Unit 4B: Geographical Issues Evaluation
For this module, students study pre-released material by the exam board which is on a topic area the links to the
syllabus.
The Unit 4B exam tests their understanding and their ability to discuss and issue with which they are familiar,
rather than just their knowledge and memory of the topic. The paper is 1 ½ hours and is sat in January (with the
opportunity to re-sit in June).
Entry requirements
GCSE Grade C or better in Geography or Geology is the minimum requirement. Students also need to be willing
to take part in the residential visit to Coniston in the Lake District during Year 12.
GEOLOGY
Curriculum Leader: Mr B Wilson
Year 12 – AS
This course revisits much of the work covered at GCSE and the vast majority of questions are data response
questions.
Unit 1: Foundation Geology. This module essentially covers the basics of the subject and largely revisits much
of the work covered at GCSE. It includes a look at the earth's structure, minerals, the three rock types
and minerals and fossils.
Unit 2: The Practical Exam. This module is based on the same subject content as the Foundation Module, only
it is based on practical investigation of actual specimens within the context of a geological map problem.
Unit 3: Geology and the Human Environment. In this module the students look at many issues of civil
engineering such as the suitable sites for roads, bridges, tunnels and reservoirs and the engineering
strategies designed to cope with hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes and landslides. The students
sit this module in January or May of Year 12.
Method of Assessment
Three exams – one per unit.
Year 13 – A2
This course revisits much of the work covered at AS and the vast majority of questions are data response
questions – indeed there is only one essay question which is in Module 3.
Unit 4: Interpreting the Geological Record. This module builds on the work covered in the AS Foundation
module, but in significantly greater detail.
Unit 5: Geological Themes. The students investigate two aspects of the subject – we study the impact of the Ice
Age on Britain and the Lithosphere (the earth's crust).
Unit 6: Geological Investigations. This module consists entirely of two pieces of coursework – one based on
fieldwork and one on lab work. The former is completed following the week's residential to
Northumberland in Year 12 and the latter on an experiment performed during Year 13.
Method of Assessment
Two exams (Units 4 and 5) and two pieces of coursework (Unit 6).
Additional Information
The course builds on GCSE knowledge and skills. Much of Units 1 and 2 simply cover the same ideas in more
detail. A2 is significantly more involved and challenging.
Entry requirements
Grade C GCSE in Geology useful – but not essential.
Interest and motivation plus a willingness to work in the field in any weather and remain focussed and cheerful.
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
Curriculum Leader: Ms C Nealon
This Edexcel A Level course has 6 units across Year 12 and 13. In both years assessment is based on two thirds
coursework and one third examination. Students will learn the theory behind Health and Social Care and apply
this to a vocational context.
OPPORTUNITY AND ACHIEVEMENT FOR ALL
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