Writing

About the Course

Fine art requires engagement with aesthetic and intellectual concepts through the use of traditional and/or digital media, materials, techniques and processes for the purpose of self-expression. Fine art may be created to communicate ideas and messages about the observed world, or can also be used to explore personal and cultural identity, society and how we live, visual language, and technology. Fine Art allows us to consider and reflect on our place in the world, both as individuals and collectively.

The Art & Design A Level is a comprehensive course that will allow you to learn and experiment with new techniques in order to develop as an artist. In addition to experimenting with a whole range of drawing and painting materials you will also have the opportunity to try printmaking, collage, photography and mixed media.

Throughout the course you will also learn by looking at the work of a number of modern and contemporary artists and will gain the confidence to analyse and understand their ideas and techniques and to use this knowledge to develop your own work.

To begin with, coursework projects are teacher directed but as the course progresses, you will increasingly become a more independent learner and develop work based on your own interests and ideas.

There will be various course enrichment opportunities offered throughout the course, largely comprising of visits to exhibitions, both locally and nationally.

Key Units

Component 1: Personal Investigation

This component incorporates three major elements: supporting studies, practical work, and a personal study. You will create a portfolio of development work and outcomes based on themes and ideas developed from personal starting points.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment

This unit incorporates two major elements:

preparatory studies

15–hour period of sustained focus

Preparatory studies will comprise a portfolio of practical and written development work based on the Externally Set Assignment. During the 15–hour period of sustained focus under examination conditions, students will produce final outcome(s) extending from their preparatory studies in response to the Externally Set Assignment.

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 9-4 \/ A*-C in an art related subject.

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 practical coursework is assessed. There is a project, with a theme set by the exam board, ending with the production of a final (exam) piece of work. All work is assessed by your tutors and by a visiting examiner.

In addition, you will be expected to produce a 2,000 word essay that will be graded and assessed as part of your coursework.

Where does this lead?

Students who decide to specialise in Art and Design can apply to the UAL (18+) Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at The Sheffield College.

In some cases you are able to progress straight to a university degree course in Art & Design after A Levels.

Tell Me More

Will this subject suit me?

An ideal student for this course would be one who is willing to experiment with new ideas, materials and techniques and who is really interested, not only in developing their own work but in looking at that of other artists.

Personal Study Time

A Level students are expected to devote a minimum of 5 hours to their studies outside of the classroom, as well as lessons. Homework will be set regularly but students are expected to undertake self-directed research as well.

Extra Costs

Although some students like to purchase some of their own materials (particularly for use at home) most materials/equipment are provided.

A Level Art students are asked to pay a £15 studio fee at the start of the year to contribute towards this. You will also need a hard backed A3 sketchbook (approx £12) and to pay for trips/visits (approx £30 for the first year and approx £40 for the second year).

Students in financial hardship can apply to the Student Support Fund for help towards these costs.

About the Course

You will learn to use professional digital camera technologies and industry standard software to produce a creative portfolio. In addition to this you will be trained to use professional studio lighting in our purpose built photography studios, where you will learn to shoot fashion, portraits, still life and advertising/editorial work.

Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of photographic media, techniques and processes, including the use of both traditional and new technologies. You will explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to a range of art, craft and design, from the past and from recent times, including European and non-European examples. This will be integral to the investigating and making processes. You will be encouraged to respond to these ideas through practical and critical activities that demonstrate your understanding of different styles, genres and traditions.

Key Units

Students are required to work in one or more area(s) of photography, such as those listed below. You may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas:

• portraiture

• landscape photography (working from the urban, rural and/or coastal environment)

• still life photography (working from objects or from the natural world)

• documentary photography, photojournalism

• fashion photography

• experimental imagery

• multimedia

• photographic installation

• moving image (video, film, animation)

  
  

  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 9-4 in an art related subject

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 A Level specification is designed to be taken over two years with all assessments taken at the end of the course.

There is synoptic assessment in both components of the A Level:

Component 1 - Extended Collection of Work

Students develop work based on an idea, issue, concept or theme leading to a finished outcome/series of related finished outcomes. Practical elements should make connections with some aspect of contemporary or past practice of artist(s), designer(s), photographers or craftspeople and include written work of no less than 1000 and no more than 3000 words which supports the practical work.

Component 2 - Response to a Stimulus

Students respond to a stimulus (provided by the exam board), to produce work which evidences their ability to work independently within specified time constraints, developing a personal and meaningful response and which leads to a finished outcome/series of related finished outcomes.

Where does this lead

The next step could be to our own Foundation Degree in Photography or other Higher Education course in this field.

Future Opportunities

Career opportunities include:

• Advertising

• Photo journalism

• Freelance photography

Many of our students experience live projects whilst studying; taking on commission for local industry and personal clients.

Tell Me More

Will this subject suit me?

An ideal student for this course is someone who is motivated, has a desire to learn and wants to express their ideas visually. You will want to explore and research different topics and themes and will need to show your increasing acquisition of techniques and skills.

Extra Costs

Visits to Paris, London and local exhibitions are arranged during the course in order for you to broaden your understanding and appreciation of photography.

You will be required to pay for printing of sketchbooks and portfolios before final submission, this can cost between £50 and £80 depending on quality of output selected. Those in financial hardship can apply for help from the college\’s Student Support Fund.

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 engage with a wide range of different kinds of films, developing skills of observation, critical analysis and personal reflection. You will have the ability to develop your creativity and practical skills, by storyboarding and developing films either in audio-visual or written form.

Film Studies is a respected subject in its own right, but it is an excellent complement to A Level English Literature/Language, Psychology, Sociology, Politics, Law, History and Art and Design.

Key Units

Year 1

In your first year you will attend production and theory classes, and study:

• A comparative study of the Classic Hollywood era and the New Hollywood era<\/p><\/li>

• A study of American film with focus on two key films

• A study of British film with focus on two key texts

• You will also begin work on a practical film production which will be completed in year 2 after 16 weeks. In your production session you will undertake research into film and develop a creative production based on your work

Year 2

In your second year you will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of world cinema, film genre and audiences.

Your theory sessions will cover Global film. This involves analysis of one European and one produced outside Europe; Documentary film and Film movements including Silent cinema and Experimental film.

Entry Requirements

To study 3 A Levels

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or higher, including English Language and Maths

Assessment

• Production

• Written exams

Where does this lead?

Film 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

• Design<\/p>

Tell Me More

Will this subject suit me?

You will enjoy this course if you are a creative and curious student interested in developing your knowledge of cinema, learning about how the industry works and how films are made. In the first year you will have the opportunity to produce a digital storyboard and a production, and in year 2 you will create a script or produce a film (as a group) aimed at a specific audience.

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

The study of English not only develops your reading, writing and analytical ability, but it also enables the development of integral skills such as communication, problem solving and team building that you will find applicable for higher education, employment and the wider community

You will look at the way writers shape meaning through form, structure and language and how texts relate to their historical and social contexts. The course develops your powers of analysis and your reading and writing skills. It also encourages personal response and engagement with texts and, hopefully, a love of literature.

The core content of the course includes exploring texts in the key areas of Love through the Age, Texts in Shared Contexts (WW1 and its Aftermath) and Independent Critical Study (coursework). The course involves studying prose, drama and poetry. There are 2 exams (80%) and one extended coursework essay (20%). The two coursework texts are negotiated with tutors and we encourage you to choose suitable texts which you will enjoy. Please visit the AQA website for more information.

The important study skills needed for this course are literacy: reading and writing. The key intellectual skills are an enquiring mind and a willingness to engage in literary debate.

Key Units

Paper 1 – Love Through the Ages

One Shakespeare text

One prose

One poetry tex

Paper 2 – Texts in Shared Contexts (WW1 and its Aftermath)

One prose

One drama

One poetry text In addition, both exams include a response to unseen texts

Students will also complete a Non Exam Assessment (NEA - coursework) – comparative essay on two texts.

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 Requirement

Students wishing to study English Literature at A Level must have a minimum of grade 5 in GCSE 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

Two exams (80% of the overall grade)

One extended coursework essay (20% of the overall grade)

Where does this Lead

A Level English Literature is a highly regarded qualification. Past students have gone on to study literature either as a single subject or in combination with others at a wide range of universities across the country.

Future Opportunities

The Literature student\’s skills are highly valued in a variety of careers including:

• Law

• Journalism

• Theatre production

• Teaching

• Business

• Public service

Tell Me More

Will this subject suit me

The ideal student would enjoy reading all types of novels, plays, and poetry. You would enjoy discussing meanings in literature and be able to write coherently.

You will enjoy this course if you have an enquiring mind, enjoy reading and want to learn more about how great works of literature convey their ideas. If you are a creative person you will especially enjoy writing inspired by your reading.

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.

Extra Costs

There will be opportunities to attend various trips to venues such as the theatre and university lectures, which may have a small cost attached.

Students are also expected to purchase their books for study.

Students in financial hardship may apply to the Student Support Fund for help towards these expenses.

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.