Course Duration
2 Years
Entry Criteria
GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 or above.
GCSE Grade 5 or above in DT Related Subject.
Qualification Aims and Objectives
Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of three-dimensional media, processes and techniques. They should be made aware of both traditional and new media.
Students will explore the use of drawing for different purposes, using a variety of methods and media on a variety of scales. Students may use sketchbooks/workbooks/journals to underpin their work, where appropriate.
Students 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 should be integral to the investigating and making process. Students’ responses to these examples must be shown through practical and critical activities that demonstrate their understanding of different styles, genres and traditions.
Students will be aware of the four assessment objectives to be demonstrated in the context of the content and skills presented. They should be aware of the importance of process as well as product.
Career Opportunities and Future Study
- Graphic Design
- Advertising and Marketing
- Education
- Web Design
- Product Design
Assessment
Component 1: Portfolio
- 96 marks
- 60% of AS
The emphasis of this component will be on the development of understanding and skills using an appropriate range of materials, processes and techniques. Students should produce a collection of materials that exemplifies work carried out during the AS course.
Each student must include in their portfolio:
- A selection of thoughtfully presented work that demonstrates the breadth and depth of the course of study
- At least one extended collection of work or project, based on an idea, concept, theme or issue. This should demonstrate the student’s ability to sustain work from an initial starting point to a realisation.
It should include evidence of their ability to research and develop ideas and link their work in a meaningful way to relevant critical/contextual materials
Component 2: Externally set assignment
- Preparatory period + 10 hours supervised time
- 96 marks
- 40% of AS
Separate question papers will be provided for each title. These will consist of a choice of five questions to be used as starting points. Students are required to select one. Students will be provided with examination papers on 1 February, or as soon as possible after that date.
Entry Criteria
GCSE Combined science grade 66 or above or two of GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry, GCSE Physics at grade 6 or above.
GCSE Mathematics at Grade 6 or above
GCSE English = Grade 5 or above
Qualification Aims and Objectives
A-level Biology is a stepping stone to future study, which is why we also consulted universities to ensure these specifications allow students to develop the skills that they want to see.
This approach has led to specifications that will support you to inspire students, nurture a passion for Biology and lay the groundwork for further study in courses like biological sciences and medicine.
Like you, we believe that Biology is fundamentally an experimental subject. This specification provides numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality, and equip students with the essential practical skills they need.
Career Opportunities and Future Study
- Forensic Scientist
- Research Scientist
- Doctor
- Pharmacologist
- Nutritionist
- Biochemical Engineer
- Ecologist
- Paramedic
Assessment
100% Examination for a grade
- Paper 1 – 30%
- Paper 2 – 30%
- Paper 3 – 40%
Practical Endorsement – They must be passed to be accepted by universities.
Course Duration
2 Years
Entry Criteria
GCSE Combined science grade 66 or above or two of GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry, GCSE Physics at grade 6 or above.
GCSE Mathematics at Grade 6 or above.
Qualification Aims and Objectives
Students to develop:
- essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
- a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
- competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills
- their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
- an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
Possible Careers
Why should I study A Level Chemistry?
All that questioning and experimentation can be really handy when it comes to building a whole range of skills for work.
Chemistry helps you to develop research, problem solving and analytical skills. It helps to you challenge ideas and show how you worked things out through logic and step-by-step reasoning. Chemistry often requires teamwork and communication skills too, which is great for project management.
Chemistry will help you get ahead in most STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers and more besides.
Chemistry is an important subject for careers in: medicine, environmental science, engineering, toxicology, developing consumer products, metallurgy (studying how metals behave), space exploration, developing perfumes and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, energy, teaching, science writing, software development and research.
- Analytical chemist
- Chemical engineer
- Healthcare scientist, clinical biochemistry
- Forensic scientist
- Pharmacologist
- Research scientist
- Toxicologist
- Vet
- Surgeon
Assessment
- Paper 1: Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Paper 2: Scientific Literacy in Chemistry
- Paper 3: Practical skills in Chemistry
Science Practical Endorsement
Entry Criteria
GCSE English Language 6 or above
GCSE English Literature 6 or above
Qualification Aims and Objectives
The specification encourages the exploration of texts in a number of different ways:
- The study of a literary theme over time.
- The study of literature through engaging with two of the main historicist perspectives, the diachronic (reading texts written across widely different time periods that explore the same theme) and synchronic (reading texts written within a narrower and clearly defined time period)
- The study of various texts, both singly and comparatively, chosen from a list of core set texts and a list of chosen comparative set texts. Writing about texts in a number of different ways.
Career Opportunities and Future Study
- Primary/Secondary school teacher
- Lecturer
- Writer
- Editorial assistant
- Newspaper/magazine journalist
- Advertising account executive
- Public Relations officer
- Social media manager
- Marketing executive
Assessment
- Paper 1: Love Through the Ages
- Paper 2: Texts in shared contexts
- Non-exam Assessment
Course Duration
2 Years
Entry Criteria
GCSE Art at a Grade 6 or above
Qualification Aims and Objectives
Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a wide range of Fine Art materials, techniques and processes. They will be made aware of both traditional and contemporary methods, incorporating Art History theories.
Students should use sketchbooks/workbooks/journals to underpin their work where appropriate. They may wish to develop their drawing skills in order to produce storyboards, thumbnail sketches and/or diagrams, where appropriate.
Students will be made aware of the four assessment objectives to be demonstrated in the context of the content and skills presented and of the importance of process as well as product.
Students are required to work in one or more area(s) of Fine Art, such as those listed below. They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas.
- painting and drawing
- mixed media, including collage and assemblage
- sculpture
- land art
- installation
- printmaking: relief, intaglio, screen processes and lithography
- film, television, animation, video, photography: lens-based and/or light-based media and new media.
Possible Careers
There are many careers using Fine Art. Most of these require further study at an art School, Further Education College or University. At present most students wishing to take art, Craft or design beyond 6th Form will go on to do a one year ‘Foundation’ course at an Art College or University before applying to degree courses in specialist areas of art and Design.
In recent years increasing numbers of students have gained direct entry onto
Degree courses. This could lead to careers in such fields as teaching, curating, illustration, art criticism, art historian and the media.
Assessment
Component 1: Portfolio:
- 96 marks
- 60% of AS
The emphasis of this component will be on the development of understanding and skills using an appropriate range of materials, processes and techniques. Students should produce a collection of materials that exemplifies work carried out during the AS course.
Each student must include in their portfolio:
- A selection of thoughtfully presented work that demonstrates the breadth and depth of the course of study
- At least one extended collection of work or project, based on an idea, concept, theme or issue. This should demonstrate the student’s ability to sustain work from an initial starting point to a realisation.
It should include evidence of their ability to research and develop ideas and link their work in a meaningful way to relevant critical/contextual materials.
Component 2: Externally set assignment:
- Preparatory period + 10 hours supervised time
- 96 marks
- 40% of AS
Separate question papers will be provided for each title. These will consist of a choice of five questions to be used as starting points. Students are required to select one. Students will be provided with examination papers on 1 February, or as soon as possible after that date.
Course Duration
2 Years
Entry Criteria
GCSE History = Grade 5/6 or above
With GCSE English = Grade 5 or above
GCSE Maths = Grade 4 or above
Qualification Aims and Objectives
Knowledge about a Worldwide and British study of history
An understanding of the significance of historical events, the role of individuals in history and the nature of change over time
Competence in analysis and evaluation of historical factors
Their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
Career Opportunities and Future Study
- Heritage Manager
- Historic buildings inspector or conservation officer
- Museum education officer
- Museum or gallery curator
- Secondary school teacher
- Academic librarian
- Archaeologist
- Archivist
- Broadcast journalist
- Civil Service administrator
- Editorial assistant
- Solicitor
Assessment
- Paper 1: The Tudors: England 1485-1603 (Exam)
- Paper 2: The American Dream: Reality and Illusion 1945-1980 (Exam)
- Paper 3: Historical investigation (Non examined assessment; coursework).
Course Duration
2 Years
Entry Criteria
GCSE English at Grade 5 or above.
GCSE Media Studies at Grade 5 or above If studied
Qualification aims and objectives
Students to develop:
- Essential knowledge and understanding of contemporary media theory
- The ability to identify and access a wide range of media genres
- Analytical skills which will allow for the identification of media conventions and the deconstruction texts
- The ability to evaluate the effectiveness of directorial decisions in media
- The ability to produce a wide range of media texts to an industry standard
Why should I study A Level Media?
Have you ever been interested in Media? Have you ever considered a future career in Media but don’t know where to begin? If so, an A-Level in Media Studies might be for you.
A-level Media provides a taste of all the major media forms, from Film to Video Games, from Advertising to Propaganda. You will learn not only what the major characteristics are of each of these genres, but by the end of the course will be able to evaluate their effectiveness.
Media will provide you a pathway if you do decide to pursue a future career. You will learn the contemporary theories which currently govern the industry, and the elite which rule over it. You will not only be able to analyse and deconstruct texts, but you will learn how to use the tools to produce them yourselves. Most of all though, you will become a more confident and careful consumer of media, as media companies often try to manipulate in order to make profit. These wide range of skills will be learned through both watching and creating, which is ideal for students who want hands on experience when learning a subject.
Possible careers
- Graphic Design
- News Reporter
- Web Design
- Advertising and Marketing
- Editor
- Director
- Political Science
Course Duration
2 Years
Entry Criteria
GCSE Mathematics= Grade 7 or above
Qualification aims and objectives
Students to develop:
This course builds on some of the topics students have already met at GCSE and take them to greater depth. Students will have the chance to study three different branches of Mathematics:
- PURE: You may have already met some of the topics studied, e.g. trigonometry, functions and graphs, algebraic equations, series and calculus. All of these and more are included, extended, and taken to a higher level.
- STATISTICS: In Statistics we look at the gathering, representation and analysis of data. We study probability in order to see how reliable our results are. For example, how large a sample of people do you need to take for an opinion poll in order to predict with a given degree of accuracy the outcome of an election? How should this sample be selected? What is the probability of being selected for such a sample? And how do we analyse the results and draw accurate conclusions?
- MECHANICS: You may have met some aspects of Mechanics as part of a GCSE Science course. It involves looking at moving bodies (Dynamics) and stationary bodies (Statics) in a given situation. We attempt to represent the situations by algebraic equations and solve them using Pure Mathematics techniques. For example, using Principles of Mechanics and modelling the Police can investigate whether or not motorists involved in an accident were breaking the speed limit.
Why should I study A Level Media?
If you enjoy Maths and feel confident with the work you have met so far at GCSE, then you should seriously consider Maths AS or A Level. It is a demanding and challenging subject but it can be an extremely rewarding one if you are prepared to put in time and effort.
Maths has wide applications in industry, business, finance, science, technology and many other areas. Maths qualifications can help you towards a future career in these areas. It is also a useful support for many University courses which increasingly can involve statistics and programming elements.
Possible careers
- Actuarial analyst
- Actuary
- Chartered accountant
- Chartered certified accountant
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Investment analyst
- Research scientist (maths)
- Secondary school teacher
- Statistician
- Systems developer
- Civil Service fast streamer
- Financial manager
- Financial trader
- Insurance underwriter
- Meteorologist
- Operational researcher
- Quantity surveyor
- Software tester
Assessment
Paper 1: 2 Hours 33.3%
Proof, Algebra and functions, Coordinate geometry, Sequences and series, Trigonometry, Exponentials and logarithms, Differentiation, Integration, Numerical methods
Paper 2: 2 hours 33.3%
Any content from Paper 1 and content from Vectors, Quantities and units in mechanics, Kinematics, Forces and Newton’s laws, Moments
Paper 3: 2 hours 33.3%
Any content from Paper 1 and content from Statistical sampling, Data presentation and Interpretation, Probability, Statistical distributions, Statistical hypothesis testing.
Course Duration
2 Years
Entry Criteria
GCSE in a DT subject at Grade 5 or above
GCSE English = Grade 4 or above
Maths grade 4 or above
Qualification Aims and Objectives
Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of photographic media, techniques and processes. They should be made aware of both traditional and new technologies.
Students should use sketchbooks, workbooks, journals to underpin their work where appropriate. They may wish to develop their drawing skills in order to produce storyboards, thumbnail sketches and/or diagrams, where appropriate.
Students are required to work in one or more area(s) of photography, such as those listed below. They 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).
Career Opportunities and Future Study
There are many careers using photography. Most of these require further study at an art School, Further Education College or university. At present most students wishing to take art, craft or design beyond 6th Form will go on to do a one year ‘Foundation’ course at an Art College or University before applying to degree courses in specialist areas of art and Design.
In recent years increasing numbers of students have gained direct entry onto degree courses. This could lead to careers in such fields as advertising, marketing, design, publishing and the media. The study of Art can also help you develop transferable skills in which you can take into any career or job.
Assessment
Component 1: Portfolio
- 96 marks
- 60% of AS
The emphasis of this component will be on the development of understanding and skills using an appropriate range of materials, processes and techniques. Students should produce a collection of materials that exemplifies work carried out during the AS course.
Each student must include in their portfolio:
- A selection of thoughtfully presented work that demonstrates the breadth and depth of the course of study
- At least one extended collection of work or project, based on an idea, concept, theme or issue. This should demonstrate the student’s ability to sustain work from an initial starting point to a realisation.
It should include evidence of their ability to research and develop ideas and link their work in a meaningful way to relevant critical/contextual materials.
Component 2: Externally set assignment
- Preparatory period + 10 hours supervised time
- 96 marks
- 40% of AS
Course Duration
2 Years
Entry Criteria
Grade 7 or above for GCSE Combined Science
Grade 6 or above for GCSE Physics
With Grade 6 or above for GCSE Maths.
Qualification Aims and Objectives
Physics aim to answer (or at the very least try to) the very big questions in life; such as:
- What will happen to universe in the future?
- Where did we come from?
- What are we made of?
- How and why things interact the way they do?
The physics course offers a glimpse of the beauty and order from which the world around us made. The course is up to date and is presented in such a way to convey the excitement of the subject.
Physics is a challenging subject that will definitely make you think. It requires higher order critical thinking a step up from GCSE in terms of the level of working as well as mathematical skills.
Career Opportunities and Future Study
Physics is one of the most highly regarded A – level by employers and universities and, as such the course supports students in a diverse range of destinations post sixth form
At university level, Physics opens the door towards Science, Maths and Engineering courses as well as supporting students who may wish to progress to a humanities based subject.
Employers also recognise the importance of A – level Physics and actively seek to recruit students who have completed physics as a result of the way that students are trained and encouraged to think in a logical manner.
Assessment
Component 01 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3, and 5
Component 02 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6
Component 03 assesses content from all modules (1 to 6)
Course Duration
2 Years
Entry Criteria
GCSE English = Grade 5
GCSE Maths = Grade 4 or above
Qualification Aims and Objectives
Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions. Sociology’s subject matter is diverse, ranging from crime to religion, from the family to the state, from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, and from social stability to radical change in whole societies. Unifying the study of these diverse subjects of study is sociology’s purpose of understanding how human action and consciousness both shape and are shaped by surrounding cultural and social structures.
The particular topics studied at Strood Academy are; Education, Health, The Media and Crime and Deviance.
This course has been designed with the clear objective of encouraging students to:
- Acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of contemporary social processes and social changes
- Appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in sociological debate
- Understand and evaluate sociological methodology and a range of research methods through active involvement in the research process
- Develop skills that enable individuals to focus on their personal identity, roles and responsibilities within society
- Develop a lifelong interest in social issues
Career Opportunities and Future Study
- Social work and counselling
- Education
- Public Services
- Law
- Politics
- Journalism
- Medicine
Assessment
Three exams at the end of the course.
