Business

About the Course

Studying Media will enable you to:

• Record, monitor and evaluate the process of your own media production from planning to outcome keeping a record of your progress as if you were working as a media professional.

• Understand how meaning is constructed by analysing a range of media, such as film, magazines, newspapers and websites.

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the media industry. You will study production processes, learning about how a film is made for example, and the range of different media organisations that exist in the UK and globally.

• Show an understanding of how social groups are represented in the media, comparing messages and values in media texts.

• Plan and construct a media production from a prescribed brief, demonstrating technical skills and showing understanding of concepts such as audience, genre, representation and form.

  You will have a great deal of opportunity to use the College\’s excellent IT resources for creative and research purposes

Media Studies is a respected subject in its own right, but it is an excellent complement to AS Level English, psychology, sociology, politics, history and art and design.

Key Units

You will study a range of media texts produced by the above industries such as advertisements, news articles, computer games, magazines and films.

You will also explore media issues and media representations, and, in year two, develop your understanding of these and other areas such as media regulation and censorship, new technologies and textual construction, as well as an individual research project.

You will also create your own media product such as creating a magazine for students, a promotional campaign for a film or a music video

Entry Requirements

To study 3 A Levels

5+ GCSEs grades 9-4 in different subjects, including English Language and Maths at a minimum of grade 4

The Sheffield Sixth Form welcomes students who have studied vocational qualifications. However, the minimum entry requirements for the A Level programme, as shown above, must be GCSEs.

Assessment

A combination of coursework and exams. Examinations for A level take place at the end of two years of study and after 1 year for AS level.

Where does this lead

Media Studies can be studied at university degree level and may lead to careers in the media, including:

• Television and radio

• Journalism

• Teaching

• Publishing

• Advertising

• Law

• Business

• Computing and design

Tell Me More

Will this subject suit me?

The ideal student would be creative, interested in the media and take an interest in current affairs, and contemporary culture. The course is ideal for students who want to develop their skills in writing, design, photography and film. You will enjoy the intellectual challenge the subject entails, enjoy reading and be prepared to grapple with abstract concepts.

Personal Study Time

A Level students are expected to devote as much time outside the classroom to their studies as in lessons. Homework will be set regularly but students are expected to undertake self- directed research as well. Students will receive effective feedback, guidance and help from their tutors.

About the Course

You will read and explore the use of language in a variety of texts including advertisements, newspaper articles, short stories, speech transcripts, letters and travel writing.

The course teaches the invaluable skills of analysis. You are also encouraged to write in different styles to meet the needs of a particular audience and then reflect on the techniques used.

The new Language in Action component (coursework) gives students the opportunity to develop their own writing skills. You have the opportunity to explore your own interests for the coursework options in inventive and original ways.

You will also study theories concerning language itself, including language change, gender, accent and dialect, teen sociolect and child language development.

The course content of this A Level includes an exploration of how people, events, places and cultures are represented in the language of newspapers, television, social media and a variety of other platforms. We explore concepts like stereotyping and the process by which a writer influences their reader

There are two examinations (worth 80% of the overall grade) and the original writing and investigation of the coursework folder comprises 20% of the final A Level grade.

The AQA syllabus can be found by visiting the examination board website.

Key Units

Paper 1 – Language, the Individual and Society

Textual analysis and essay on Child Language Development

Paper 2 – Language Diversity and Change

Essay, analysis and opinion article on change and diversity topics

Non Exam Assessment (NEA coursework)

Language Investigation and Original Writing

Entry Requirements

To study 3 A Levels

5+ GCSEs grade 9-4, including a minimum of grade 4 in English Language and Maths.

Additional Requirements

GCSE grade 9-5 in English Language

The Sheffield Sixth Form welcomes students who have studied vocational qualifications. However, the minimum entry requirements for the A Level programme, as shown above, must be GCSEs.

Assessment

The two year A Level consists of two exams and NEA (non-exam assessment).

• Exam 1: Language and the Individual

• Exam 2: Language Diversity & Change

• NEA: A Language Investigation project (2000 words) and Original Writing and Commentary (1500 words)

Where does this Lead

A good command of the English Language is an invaluable tool for any path you choose in life. In academic terms, it gives you an excellent basis for a university degree – a route pursued by many A Level students.

Common degree subjects for students who have taken English Language include:

• English Language/Literature

• Linguistics

• Speech and Language Therapy

• Journalism/Creative Writing

Future Opportunities

In terms of career, an ability to analyse text and craft your own writing for particular effect will give you the underpinning skills for a diverse range of jobs including teaching, journalism and law.

Tell Me More

Will this subject suit me?

The ideal student would take an interest in developing their reading and writing skills and have a good awareness of culture and issues in the news. You would enjoy the intellectual challenge the subject entails, enjoy creative writing and be prepared to grapple with abstract concepts.

Personal Study Time

A Level students are expected to devote as much time outside the classroom to their studies as in lessons. Homework will be set regularly but students are expected to undertake self-directed research as well. Students will receive effective feedback, guidance and help from their tutors.

About the Course

During the first year of the course you will study the content of the AS Mathematics syllabus. This level aims to build on your knowledge and skills from GCSE, and equip you with a strong knowledge base in the key areas of mathematics, such as algebra and calculus. This is assessed by two examinations in the summer term, one for each of the main topic areas of pure and applied maths. This will normally be by an internally set college paper to assess your progress on to the second year, or the formal, externally set AS exam.

During the second year (A Level) students will further develop the new concepts and techniques studied at AS. Your AS results can be used to decide whether you wish to continue for the second year. The second year content is much harder, so only those achieving a D or above at AS should usually continue.

There are 4-5 hours of lesson time each week, with regular assessments to monitor your progress and give appropriate support to ensure your success.

Personal Study Time

A Level students are expected to devote as many hours outside of college to their studies as they are given in lessons. Homework will be set regularly, but students are also expected to undertake self-directed study, this is necessary to ensure the underpinning of knowledge is learnt and understood; ensuring further concepts are more easily grasped.

Key Units

Year 1

Pure Maths

In the first year of the course this area extends the basic skills developed at GCSE and builds a strong platform of core Level 3 Maths skills, including:

• Algebra

• Calculus

• Trigonometry

• Exponentials

• Curve sketching

Applied Maths

n your first year of the course this area builds up a basic understanding of:

• Statistics

• Mechanics

You will have likely met some basic statistics and mechanics ideas in GCSE Maths/Physics. The AS Applied content helps you develop a basic understanding of probability and data handling, and the main mathematics in physics.

Year 2

Pure Maths

This further develops the new concepts and techniques you will have studied at AS. You will gain the core mathematical skills needed to study Mathematics or Science based subjects at University, such as:

• Further Calculus

• Further Trigonometry

• Functions

• Series

Applied Maths

Again, this builds on the first year studies to give you a more rounded understanding of how mathematics can be used in context.

• Further Statistics

• Further Mechanics

Entry Requirements

To study 3 A Levels

5+ GCSEs grades 9-4 in different subjects, including English Language and Maths at a minimum of grade 4. Additional Requirements GCSE grade 9-6 in Maths.

The Sheffield Sixth Form welcomes students who have studied vocational qualifications. However, the minimum entry requirements for the A Level programme, as shown above, must be GCSEs.

Assessment

A Level Mathematics is now a linear course, with the option to obtain a stand alone qualification at the end of the first year of study.

Assessment for the full A Level is by three exams in the summer of the second year (A2 level). This includes two exams for Pure Mathematics, and one for Applied Mathematics.

Pure Mathematics

2 papers, 2 hours each

Applied Mathematics

Statistics and mechanics, 2 hour paper

Where does this lead

Many students go on to university to take subjects with mathematical content, such as:

• Mathematical Studies

• Engineering

• Physics

• Computer Science

• Medicine

Future Opportunities

Mathematicians are highly sought after in many fields including

• Financial services

• Engineering

• Medicine

• Insurance

• Aerospace

• Construction

• <\/li>Education

• >Consultancies

Tell Me More

Will this subject suit me?

You need to have a keen interest in the subject and a good background in algebra. You will enjoy dealing with abstract concepts and the challenge of tackling concepts and difficult questions which require all the knowledge you\’ve amassed.

Extra Costs

Students are expected to provide their own study equipment, including scientific calculators.

About the Course

Sociology particularly concerns the study of social life, offering different explanations and evidence for what affects our social behaviour. In contrast, psychology tends to concentrate on the workings of individuals\’ minds, although there is some overlap. Sociologists are also interested in the historical development of societies.

Whilst psychologists emphasise the experimental method, and historians make great use of secondary sources, sociologists use a wider range of research techniques and sources to find out about social life. You will be expected to become familiar with these methods and answer exam questions about them.

We can all see evidence of social influences and factors, and statistically there are correlations between aspects of social life which sociologists debate. For example, it is widely known that poorer people have worse health and life expectancy than wealthier citizens – but why? It is clear that females commit fewer crimes than males – but why? These would be just two questions you might study, and there will not necessarily be any definitive answers. But there will be a lot of evidence to consider, and a lot of arguments about the topics! Sociology will make you look at everyday life in lots of new ways, so be prepared to be challenged! And be prepared to contribute, too.

Key Units

Year 1

Core Content

• Education with Theory and Methods

• Education

• Methods in Context

• Theory and Methods

• Optional Content

• Culture and Identity

• Families and Households

• Health

• Work, Poverty and Welfare

Year 2

Core Content

• Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

• Crime and Deviance

• Theory and Methods

• Optional Content

• Beliefs in Society

• Global Development

• The Media

• Stratification and Differentiation

The traditional A Level focus on thinking and analysis ensures that you will approach these topics from a number of different angles, or perspectives, with increasing emphasis on the skill of evaluation in year 2.

Units are subject to change - please check the AQA website for further information.

Entry Requirements

To study 3 A Levels

5+ GCSEs grades 9-4 in different subjects, including English Language and Maths at a minimum of grade 4.

The Sheffield Sixth Form welcomes students who have studied vocational qualifications. However, the minimum entry requirements for the A Level programme, as shown above, must be GCSEs.

Assessment

All of the above units are assessed via external examinations at the end of the second year.

Where does this Lead

Many students go on to university, where Sociology is a long-established subject with strong links to the other social sciences.

Future Opportunities

If, for example, you wished to train as one of the following then you would study some sociology as part of your professional training:

• Lawyer

• Journalist

• Doctor

• Teacher

• Social worker

• Police Officer

• Public Administrator

• Architect

Most careers which involve working with people have some sociological content within their professional training.

Tell Me More

Will this subject suit me?

The ideal student will be interested in current affairs, social, political and contemporary culture, in short, the world around us. You will enjoy the intellectual challenge of debating ideas, enjoy reading about and researching social issues, and be prepared to construct clear, written arguments. Good numerical skills would be advantageous since there will be statistical evaluation.

Personal Study Time

All students are expected to devote as much time outside the classroom to their studies as in lectures. Homework will regularly be set, but students are expected to routinely manage their self-directed study, consolidating work set or undertaken in class.

Successful students are able to apply their knowledge of theories to the real world, by referencing actual events. So you will need to keep abreast of the news, watch TV documentaries and analyse contemporary developments, both to make your study of social life much more interesting and also to gain extra credit.

Transferable Skills

About the Course

Psychology is the study of human behaviour, and aims to explain how we develop and predict patterns of behaviour by using scientific observation and experimentation.

During this A Level course you will learn about how how our behaviour is influenced by other people and external stimuli such as stress, how psychology is employed by the media and psycho pathology. You'll also study and explore different research methods and how to apply these to psychological experiments.

Although Psychology is technically considered a science related subject, is is an excellent accompanying subject to almost any combination of A Levels. Studied in conjunction with other science subjects (Biology or Chemistry) it can lead to careers in Clinical Psychology or research. It can also provide a good balance to other subjects; for example, taken alongside Media Studies or Health & Social Care/Sociology an understanding of psychology will be beneficial for careers in criminal psychology/policing or the health/social care industries.

The skills you will learn in psychology are highly transferable and will likely benefit you in higher education and employment, even if you don't choose to study Psychology as your main subject or work in the industry. For instance, you'll develop critical reasoning skills (essential for any degree course), learn to analyse and interpret data, and how to put across your point of view fluently.

Key Units

The first year offers a broad range of topics including a study of stress, abnormality and how others influence our behaviour. There is also a research component which examines the methods Psychologists use to study human behaviour.

In year two, there are a range of topic based options which bring together explanations from different approaches which engages students with issues and debates within contemporary psychology. The topics include:

• An examination of relationships

• Aggression

• Gender

• Psychology of the mass media

• Psycho pathology

• Eating behaviour/disorders and schizophrenia

Research unit

Entry Requirements

To study 3 A Levels

5+ GCSEs grades 9-4 in different subjects, including English Language and Maths at a minimum of grade 4.

Additional Requirements for Psychology

• 9-5 in English Language

• 9-5 in Maths

• 9-5 in at least one science GCSE

The Sheffield Sixth Form welcomes students who have studied vocational qualifications. However, the minimum entry requirements for the A Level programme, as shown above, must be GCSEs.

Assessment

Examinations at the end of the first year for AS Level and the end of the second year (3 exams) for the full A Level qualification.

Where does this Lead

Most A Level students go on to university, where Psychology has become a very popular subject with strong links to the other social sciences. As it is also considered a science many students opt for Psychology as a third or fourth science in preparation for Medicine, Veterinary Science, Forensic Science and Sport Science.

Some students also progress on to study Law or Criminology.

Future Opportunities

Psychology is beneficial in careers that involve working with people, such as Marketing or Advertising, where an insight into understanding why people behave the way they do is useful. Psychology is also an essential part of some teacher training.

Tell Me More

Will this subject suit me?

This A Level is designed to develop skills of analysis and evaluation through an examination of arguments and evidence put forward by psychologists. You are expected to be interested in human behaviour and the world you live in. The ideal student would enjoy discussion, reading about new ideas and challenging assumptions.

Good numeracy skills are required due to the science/mathematical nature of the subject.

Personal Study Time

A Level students are expected to devote as much time outside the classroom to their studies as in lessons. Homework will be set regularly but students are expected to undertake self-directed research as well.

About the Course

Psychology is the study of human behaviour, and aims to explain how we develop and predict patterns of behaviour by using scientific observation and experimentation.

During this A Level course you will learn about how how our behaviour is influenced by other people and external stimuli such as stress, how psychology is employed by the media and psycho pathology. You'll also study and explore different research methods and how to apply these to psychological experiments.

Although Psychology is technically considered a science related subject, is is an excellent accompanying subject to almost any combination of A Levels. Studied in conjunction with other science subjects (Biology or Chemistry) it can lead to careers in Clinical Psychology or research. It can also provide a good balance to other subjects; for example, taken alongside Media Studies or Health & Social Care/Sociology an understanding of psychology will be beneficial for careers in criminal psychology/policing or the health/social care industries.

The skills you will learn in psychology are highly transferable and will likely benefit you in higher education and employment, even if you don't choose to study Psychology as your main subject or work in the industry. For instance, you'll develop critical reasoning skills (essential for any degree course), learn to analyse and interpret data, and how to put across your point of view fluently.

Key Units

The first year offers a broad range of topics including a study of stress, abnormality and how others influence our behaviour. There is also a research component which examines the methods Psychologists use to study human behaviour.

In year two, there are a range of topic based options which bring together explanations from different approaches which engages students with issues and debates within contemporary psychology. The topics include:

• An examination of relationships

• Aggression

• Gender

• Psychology of the mass media

• Psycho pathology

• Eating behaviour/disorders and schizophrenia

Research unit

Entry Requirements

To study 3 A Levels

5+ GCSEs grades 9-4 in different subjects, including English Language and Maths at a minimum of grade 4.

Additional Requirements for Psychology

• 9-5 in English Language

• 9-5 in Maths

• 9-5 in at least one science GCSE

The Sheffield Sixth Form welcomes students who have studied vocational qualifications. However, the minimum entry requirements for the A Level programme, as shown above, must be GCSEs.

Assessment

Examinations at the end of the first year for AS Level and the end of the second year (3 exams) for the full A Level qualification.

Where does this Lead

Most A Level students go on to university, where Psychology has become a very popular subject with strong links to the other social sciences. As it is also considered a science many students opt for Psychology as a third or fourth science in preparation for Medicine, Veterinary Science, Forensic Science and Sport Science.

Some students also progress on to study Law or Criminology.

Future Opportunities

Psychology is beneficial in careers that involve working with people, such as Marketing or Advertising, where an insight into understanding why people behave the way they do is useful. Psychology is also an essential part of some teacher training.

Tell Me More

Will this subject suit me?

This A Level is designed to develop skills of analysis and evaluation through an examination of arguments and evidence put forward by psychologists. You are expected to be interested in human behaviour and the world you live in. The ideal student would enjoy discussion, reading about new ideas and challenging assumptions.

Good numeracy skills are required due to the science/mathematical nature of the subject.

Personal Study Time

A Level students are expected to devote as much time outside the classroom to their studies as in lessons. Homework will be set regularly but students are expected to undertake self-directed research as well.

About the course

As a Politics student you will develop knowledge and an informed understanding of contemporary political structures and issues in their historical context, both within the UK and globally. You will also develop a critical awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, institutions and processes, as well as develop knowledge and an informed understanding of the influences and interests which have an impact on decisions in government and politics.

This A Level will help you develop a number of new skills, including how to research, how to write persuasive arguments and convey your point of view effectively, and how to work as part of a team. You'll also have opportunities to develop your debating and presentation abilities. All of these skills will be beneficial in both further study and employment. The course also develops knowledge and an informed understanding of the rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups, the ability to critically analyse, interpret and evaluate political information to form arguments and make judgements and also develop an interest in, and engagement with, contemporary politics.

It will be expected that you will take part in the college\’s clubs and societies and take a role in either representing your local community and/or college to gain experience as a position of responsibility and further develop your political industrial skills.

Course content

You will study 3 different sections within your Politics A Level:

Government and politics of the UK

This section develops awareness of the historical developments of rights in the UK and the nature and sources of the British Constitution. You will examine the structure and role of Parliament, the Prime Minister and cabinet, the judiciary, devolution, democracy, elections and referendums, political parties, pressure groups and the European Union.

Government and politics of the USA and comparative politics

This section particular focus but their interrelationships must be understood to appreciate the complexities of the system. You will examine the constitutional framework of US government, congress, the President, judiciary, the electoral process and direct democracy, political parties, pressure groups, civil rights and comparative politics.

Political ideas

This section students develop core ideologies including liberalism, conservatism, socialism and other ideologies. <\/p>In addition, you will develop a range of skills including:

• to comprehend and interpret political information

• to critically analyse and evaluate the areas of politics studied

• to construct arguments and explanations leading to reasoned conclusions

• to identify parallels, connections, similarities and differences between aspects of the areas of politics studied

• to construct and communicate arguments and explanations with relevance, clarity and coherence

• to use appropriate political vocabulary

• to make connections between the different areas of politics studied

• to make comparisons across two political systems

Where does this lead?

The course will prepare you for continued study at university/degree level and various possible career pathways thereafter. The study of Politics is very useful for a number of careers and is a well-established subject at the most prestigious universities in the UK. There are a variety of degrees available including specific politics degrees or politics with another subject auxh as Global Development, International Relations, History, Philosophy, Law, Social Sciences.

The Sheffield College offer a variety of Higher Education courses including degree courses - this A Level can lead onto these higher level programmes.

Students may also choose to pursue a Degree Apprenticeship in areas such as:

• Financial services professional

• HR Consultant/Partner

• Improvement specialist

• Improvement leader

• Project manager

• Senior leader

• Senior professional economist

Future opportunities

An A Level in Politics can provide a springboard into a variety of career opportunities including:

• Politician

• Local government officer

• Public relations

• Human resources

• Finance

• Civil Service Fast Streamer

• Government social research officer

• Policy officer

• Political risk analyst

• Politician's assistant

• Public affairs consultant

• Public relations account executive

• Social researcher

Other popular industries include activists, fundraisers and researchers, marketing and PR, management consultancy, youth and community work, the finance industry and academic research. Politics is a very popular postgraduate subject, and so about one in six politics graduates go on to take another course to get a Masters after they finish their degree.

Assessment

There are 3 externally set exams in Year 2:

• Paper 1: Government and politics of the UK

• Paper 2: The government and politics of the USA and Comparative politics

• Paper 3: Political ideas

Each exam is 2 hours. The exams are a mixture of medium length ‘explain’ and essay style questions. You will also need to pass the 4 progression tests and 2 mock exams to move from Year 1 to Year 2.

Tell me more

Trips and visits

Educational trips and visiting speakers will support the teaching of this A Level. It is expected that students will attend any education visits and visiting speakers as due to the nature of establishments and the availability of speakers, these may be at times outside of normal timetabled classes. There may be costs associated with educational visits and students may be asked to contribute towards transport and any entry fees for places of visits.

Personal study time

A Level students are expected to devote as much time outside the classroom to their studies as in lessons. Homework will be set regularly but students are expected to undertake self-directed research as well

Students are also expected to complete work experience alongside their A Levels. This can be done in a variety of different ways including volunteering, youth work, victim support, police special.*

*Please note – some of these opportunities are age-related and may need an enhanced DBS.

About the course

The aim of the A Level Law course is to develop:

Knowledge and understanding of the English legal system and areas of both private and public law within the law of England and Wales

An understanding of legal method and reasoning as used by lawyers and the judiciary

Apply the techniques of legal method and reasoning to analyse and offer answers to problems, based on legal principles, legislation and case law

The ability to construct conclusions and communicate legal arguments by reference to appropriate legal authorities

The ability to communicate persuasive legal arguments by reference to appropriate legal authorities and to be able to demonstrate critical awareness of the influence and operation of the law in society

The Sheffield Sixth Form is one of only a few providers in the region that offer Law as an A Level. This A Level can be studied alongside Business and Criminology to form a strong base for studying subject such as law, criminology, psychology or business at university level.

A Level students are expected to devote as much time outside the classroom to their studies as they do in lessons. Homework will be set regularly but students are expected to undertake self-directed research as well. Students are also expected to complete work experience alongside their A Levels. This can be done in a variety of different ways including volunteering, youth work, victim support, police special*

*Please note – some of these opportunities are age-related and may require an enhanced DBS.

Key Units

The Legal System and Criminal Law (Component 01)

The component introduces learners to the legal system and is split in two sections:

• Section A - The Legal System

• Section B - Criminal Law

It also introduces learners to the concept of liability through an introduction to criminal law and focusses on the civil and criminal courts, the legal professions and access to justice. Learners will develop knowledge and understanding of the processes and people involved in the law and the changing nature of the legal system.

Law Making and the Law of Tort (Component 02)

This component introduces learners to the concept of liability through an introduction to the law of tort and is split into two sections:

• Section A - Law Making

• Section B - The Law of Tort

It focusses on the rules of tort, liability in negligence, occupiers\’ liability and remedies. Learners will develop knowledge and understanding of the law and tort and will further develop their skills in applying their legal knowledge to scenario-based situations, gaining a critical awareness of the present state of the law of tort.

Further Law (Component 03)

This component will enable learners to extend their study of law. They will explore and consider in more detail the nature of law and develop their legal knowledge through the study of either human rights or the law of contract.

Entry Requirements

To study 3 A Levels

5+ GCSEs grades 9-4 in different subjects, including English Language and Maths at a minimum of grade 4.

Assessment

There are 3 external examinations covering the three components/units. Each exam is 2 hours long.

Where does this lead

This A Level provides a suitable opportunity for the study of law or related courses in higher education. Equally, it is suitable for learners intending to pursue business careers or further study in business, social sciences or as part of a course of general education.

The Sheffield College offers a variety of Higher Education courses including foundation degrees, HNCs and full Bacehlors degree programmes. This A Level can lead onto these higher level programmes.

Future Opportunities

A law degree is a gateway to a career as a solicitor or barrister, but it's not the only path you can choose. Many career options are available to you beyond the legal profession, including:

• Barrister/Barrister\’s Clerk

• Solicitor

• Patent Attorney

• Chartered Legal Executive

• Paralegal

• Company Secretary

• Police

• Probation and Prison Service

• The Crown Prosecution Service

• Licensed Conveyancer

• Advice Worker

• Chartered Accountant

• Civil Service Administrator

• Data Analyst

• Data Scientist

• Mediator

• Financial Services

• Stockbroker

• Trading Standards Officer

Tell Me More

Trips and visits

Educational trips and visiting speakers will support the teaching of this A Level. It is expected that students will attend any education visits and visiting speakers, however due to the nature of certain establishments and the availability of speakers, these may be at times outside of normal timetabled classes.

Extra Costs

Please note there may be costs associated with educational visits and students may be asked to contribute towards transport and any entry fees for trips/visits.

Students in financial hardship may be eligible to apply to the Student Support Fund for help towards course related expenses.

About the course

The aim of the A Level Law course is to develop:

Knowledge and understanding of the English legal system and areas of both private and public law within the law of England and Wales

An understanding of legal method and reasoning as used by lawyers and the judiciary

Apply the techniques of legal method and reasoning to analyse and offer answers to problems, based on legal principles, legislation and case law

The ability to construct conclusions and communicate legal arguments by reference to appropriate legal authorities

The ability to communicate persuasive legal arguments by reference to appropriate legal authorities and to be able to demonstrate critical awareness of the influence and operation of the law in society

The Sheffield Sixth Form is one of only a few providers in the region that offer Law as an A Level. This A Level can be studied alongside Business and Criminology to form a strong base for studying subject such as law, criminology, psychology or business at university level.

A Level students are expected to devote as much time outside the classroom to their studies as they do in lessons. Homework will be set regularly but students are expected to undertake self-directed research as well. Students are also expected to complete work experience alongside their A Levels. This can be done in a variety of different ways including volunteering, youth work, victim support, police special*

*Please note – some of these opportunities are age-related and may require an enhanced DBS.

Key Units

The Legal System and Criminal Law (Component 01)

The component introduces learners to the legal system and is split in two sections:

• Section A - The Legal System

• Section B - Criminal Law

It also introduces learners to the concept of liability through an introduction to criminal law and focusses on the civil and criminal courts, the legal professions and access to justice. Learners will develop knowledge and understanding of the processes and people involved in the law and the changing nature of the legal system.

Law Making and the Law of Tort (Component 02)

This component introduces learners to the concept of liability through an introduction to the law of tort and is split into two sections:

• Section A - Law Making

• Section B - The Law of Tort

It focusses on the rules of tort, liability in negligence, occupiers\’ liability and remedies. Learners will develop knowledge and understanding of the law and tort and will further develop their skills in applying their legal knowledge to scenario-based situations, gaining a critical awareness of the present state of the law of tort.

Further Law (Component 03)

This component will enable learners to extend their study of law. They will explore and consider in more detail the nature of law and develop their legal knowledge through the study of either human rights or the law of contract.

Entry Requirements

To study 3 A Levels

5+ GCSEs grades 9-4 in different subjects, including English Language and Maths at a minimum of grade 4.

Assessment

There are 3 external examinations covering the three components/units. Each exam is 2 hours long.

Where does this lead

This A Level provides a suitable opportunity for the study of law or related courses in higher education. Equally, it is suitable for learners intending to pursue business careers or further study in business, social sciences or as part of a course of general education.

The Sheffield College offers a variety of Higher Education courses including foundation degrees, HNCs and full Bacehlors degree programmes. This A Level can lead onto these higher level programmes.

Future Opportunities

A law degree is a gateway to a career as a solicitor or barrister, but it's not the only path you can choose. Many career options are available to you beyond the legal profession, including:

• Barrister/Barrister\’s Clerk

• Solicitor

• Patent Attorney

• Chartered Legal Executive

• Paralegal

• Company Secretary

• Police

• Probation and Prison Service

• The Crown Prosecution Service

• Licensed Conveyancer

• Advice Worker

• Chartered Accountant

• Civil Service Administrator

• Data Analyst

• Data Scientist<\/p><\/li>Mediator

• Financial Services

• Stockbroker

• Trading Standards Officer

Tell Me More

Trips and visits

Educational trips and visiting speakers will support the teaching of this A Level. It is expected that students will attend any education visits and visiting speakers, however due to the nature of certain establishments and the availability of speakers, these may be at times outside of normal timetabled classes.

Extra Costs<\/strong>

Please note there may be costs associated with educational visits and students may be asked to contribute towards transport and any entry fees for trips/visits.

Students in financial hardship may be eligible to apply to the Student Support Fund for help towards course related expenses.

About the course

During their course of study, students will develop a critical approach to economic models and methods of enquiry. Students will have a good knowledge of developments in the UK economy and government policies over the past fifteen years.

Students will be expected to acquire competence in quantitative skills that are relevant to the subject content and be familiar with the various types of statistical and other data which are commonly used by economists. Students will be able to make relevant calculations from economic data and be able to interpret data presented in the form of index numbers. Examples of other relevant quantitative skills include: the construction and use of graphs and the application of statistical measures such as the mean and median. Students will understand the role of evidence in economic decision making and will appreciate the importance of value judgements. There are 2 units that the 3 exams will cover:

4.1 Individuals, firms, markets and market failure

Students will be required to acquire knowledge and understanding of a selection of microeconomic models and to apply these to current problems and issues, such as demand and supply, perfect competition, monopoly, the operation of the price mechanism and the causes of market failure are central to this part of the specification. Students will need to demonstrate a realistic understanding of the decisions made by firms and how their behaviour can be affected by the structure and characteristics of the industry in which they operate.

4.2 The national and international economy

Students should understand that microeconomic principles underpin the behaviour of the macroeconomy, for example, understanding of price elasticity of demand is essential when analysing the impact of changes in the exchange rate on an economy. Students should have a good knowledge of developments in the UK economy and government policies over the past fifteen years. They should also be aware of developments in the world economy.

Course content

You will study 14 units within the A Level Economics. These are:

• Economic methodology and the economic problem

• Individual economic decision making

• Price determination in a competitive market

• Production, costs and revenue

• Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly

• The labour market

• The distribution of income and wealth: poverty and inequality

• The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets The national and international economy

• The measurement of macroeconomic performance

• How the macroeconomy works : the circular flow of income, AD/AS analysis, and related concepts

• Economic performance

• Financial markets and monetary policy

• Fiscal policy and supply-side policies

• The international economy

In order to develop skills, knowledge and understanding in economics, students need to have acquired competence in the quantitative skills that are relevant to the subject content and which are applied in the context of an economics A Level, including:

• calculate, use and understand ratios and fractions

• calculate, use and understand percentages and percentage changes

• understand and use the terms mean, median and relevant quantiles

• construct and interpret a range of standard graphical forms

• calculate and interpret index numbers

• calculate cost, revenue and profit (marginal, average, totals)

• make calculations to convert from money to real terms

• make calculations of elasticity and interpret the result

• interpret, apply and analyse information in written, graphical and numerical forms

The assessment of quantitative skills will include at least Level 2 mathematical skills as a minimum of 20% of the overall A Level marks. These skills may be assessed across the assessment objectives.

Where does this lead?

An A Level in economics can be a springboard into a variety of further educational opportunities, including degrees in economics, business studies, business management, accountacy, politics, social sciences and engineering.

Some degrees offer a combination such as Economics and a language or Politics and Economics or Economics and Management. Some degrees also offer a placement year to improve your industrial knowledge and practice.

The Sheffield College offer a variety of Higher Education courses including degree courses. This A Level (in combination with others) can lead onto these higher level programmes.

Future opportunities

As an Economics graduate with critical thinking, analytical and communication skills, there are a variety of careers available to students including:

• Economist

• Chartered account

• Investment analyst

• Financial risk analyst

• Management consultant

• Government officer

• Accountant

• Economic researche

• Financial consultant

Assessment

There are 3 externally set exams in Year 2:

Paper 1: The operation of markets and market failure

Paper 2: The national economy in a global context

Paper 3: Economic principles and issues

Each exam is 2 hours. The exams are a mixture of data response analysis, multi-choice questions and essay questions. You will also need to pass the 4 progression tests and 2 mock exams to move from Year 1 to Year 2.

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Trips and visits

Educational trips and visiting speakers will support the teaching of this A Level. It is expected that students will attend any education visits and visiting speakers as due to the nature of establishments and the availability of speakers, these may be at times outside of normal timetabled classes. There may be costs associated with educational visits and students may be asked to contribute towards transport and any entry fees for places of visits.

Personal study time

A Level students are expected to devote as much time outside the classroom to their studies as in lessons. Homework will be set regularly but students are expected to undertake self-directed research as well.

Students are also expected to complete work experience alongside their A Levels. This can be done in a variety of different ways including volunteering, youth work, victim support, police special*

*Please note – some of these opportunities are age-related and may require an enhanced DBS