Learning Information

Why study Biology?

A-Level biology is a fantastically interesting subject which covers a broad range of concepts of the world we live in, including, but not limited to biological molecules, genetics, population, evolution and ecosystems. It builds on biological knowledge learnt at KS4 and provides a seamless stepping stone into multiple pathways for future studies. The KS5 AQA Biology course has practical skills at its heart due to being a primarily practical subject. Student’s will have the chance to take the understanding of their theory and apply it to real word scenarios as well as completing required practical’s to demonstrate their ability in using new apparatus and techniques, then subsequently recording their results. Students will develop into independent thinkers who can solve problems, apply scientific knowledge, present data, evaluate results and ultimately draw conclusion.

The aim of the course

The aim of this course is provide students with the knowledge and skills to enter into future studies or employment.

The course will develop students in the following areas:

• Biological content knowledge
• Practical skills suitable for further studies or employment
• Mathematical skills
• Independent thinking

What you will study

1. Biological Molecules
2. Cells
3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment
4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
5. Energy transfers in and between organisms
6. Organisms respond to change in their internal and external environments
7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
8. The control of gene expression   

Required Practical’s are split between the 8 units

Progression

There is a huge range of subjects and careers that biology can feed into and it is a particularly good choice for students who are interested the careers and future studies listed below.

Future studies: Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Dentistry, Dietetics, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Geology, Medical Science, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Sports Science, and Veterinary Science.

Careers: Science & Research, Medicine and Healthcare, Sports and Fitness, Engineering, Police and Emergency Services, and Agriculture.

Entry requirements:

GCSE English, Maths and Science at Grade 5

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.  

Why study Film?

Film is one of the main cultural innovations of the 20th century and a major art form of the last hundred years. Those who study it characteristically bring with them a high degree of enthusiasm and excitement for what is a powerful and culturally significant medium, inspiring a range of responses from the emotional to the reflective.

Production work is a crucial part of this specification and is integral to learners' study of film. Studying a diverse range of films from several different contexts is designed to give learners the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of how films are constructed to their own filmmaking and screenwriting. This is intended to enable learners to create high quality film and screenplay work as well as provide an informed filmmaker's perspective on their own study of film.

The aim of Film Studies

Film studies aims to enable learners to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following:

• A diverse range of film, including documentary, film from the silent era, experimental film and short film
• The significance of film and film practice in national, global and historical contexts
• Film and its key contexts (including social, cultural, political, historical and technological contexts)
• How films generate meanings and responses
• Film as an aesthetic medium
• The different ways in which spectators respond to film.

It also aims to enable learners to:

• Apply critical approaches to film and apply knowledge and understanding of film through either filmmaking or screenwriting.

The specification is additionally designed to reflect the diversity of film culture through both filmmakers and the films they make. The wide choice of films offered includes films by women directors and films which represent particular ethnic and cultural experiences. Over sixty films are offered from which eleven feature-length films will be chosen. In addition, a compilation of short films will be studied. WJEC's Eduqas A level specification consequently provides a framework for the systematic study of a broad range of film as well as providing opportunities for creative work, an integral part of film study. Most of all, it offers the opportunity to explore a range of important ideas and emotions, reflect on art and technology and connect theory and creative practice in ways which are designed to provide an absorbing and motivating educational experience.

What will you study?

The WJEC Eduqas specification is designed to introduce A level learners to a wide variety of films in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of film and the range of responses films can generate. This specification therefore offers opportunities to study mainstream American films from the past and the present as well as a range of recent and contemporary British films, American independent films and global films, both non-English language and English language. The historical range of film represented in those films is extended by the study of silent film and significant film movements so that learners can gain a sense of the development of film from its early years to its still emerging digital future. Studies in documentary, experimental and short films add to the breadth of the learning experience.

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.  

Why study

Chemistry helps us to understand the world in which we live and underpins a wide range of science-based degree courses and careers. This course will also develop your problem solving, teamwork, numeracy, communication and practical skills, as well as hugely valuable independent study and reasoning skills.

The aim of the course (What you will cover/ skills you will develop)

The AQA A-level course is a fascinating exploration of atomic structure, chemical bonding, and reactions of organic and inorganic chemicals and builds upon knowledge and understanding from the AQA GCSE chemistry course that our students study in Y11.

What you will study: (Units of work)

The course content develops the foundations of chemistry before branching out into the 3 disciplines of organic, physical and inorganic chemistry. Specific topics include biochemistry, kinetics, equilibria and energetics.

Progression (next steps/ careers following the course)

A level chemistry will prepare you for a future in chemistry, pharmacy, pharmacology, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, medicine and dentistry.

Entry requirements:

GCSE English, Maths and Science at Grade 5

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.

Why study English?

This specification is based on a conviction that the study of literature should encourage enjoyment of literary studies based on an informed personal response to a range of texts. It provides learners with an introduction to the discipline of advanced literary studies and presents opportunities for reading widely and for making creative and informed responses to each of the major literary genres of poetry, prose and drama.

The WJEC Eduqas A level in English literature encourages learners to develop their interest in and enjoyment of literature and literary studies as they:

• read widely and independently both set texts and others that they have selected for themselves

• engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts and ways of responding to them

• develop and effectively apply their knowledge of literary analysis and evaluation

• explore the contexts of the texts they are reading and others’ interpretations of them

• undertake independent and sustained studies to deepen their appreciation and understanding of English literature, including its changing traditions.

What will you study?

This specification offers three components in discrete genres of study: poetry, drama and prose to allow learners to focus on the conventions and traditions of each genre in turn. A further component offers unseen prose and poetry to allow learners to focus separately on applying the skills of literary analysis acquired during the course as a whole.

Progression

• University courses in English, media, journalism, publishing, education and many more
• Apprenticeships in admin, marketing, education and many more
• Careers in media, education, publishing, writing, copywriting, editing, journalism and many more

Entry requirements:

Grade 6 in GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.

Why study History?

Students develop interest in and enthusiasm for history and an understanding of its intrinsic value and significance. They also acquire an understanding of different identities within society and an appreciation of aspects such as social, cultural, religious and ethnic diversity.

The aims of History:

Through this course, students are able to:

Build on understanding of the past through experiencing a broad and balanced course of study

Improve as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds

Develop the ability to ask relevant and significant questions about the past and to research them

Acquire an understanding of the nature of historical study, for example that history is concerned with judgements based on available evidence and that historical judgements are provisional

Develop use and understanding of historical terms, concepts and skills

Make links and draw comparisons within and/or across different periods and aspects of the past; and

Organise and communicate their historical knowledge and understanding in different ways, arguing a case and reaching substantiated judgements.

What will you study?

Democracies in change: Britain and the USA in the 20^th Century.  For the British paper, we study four key topics and a depth study.

The four key topics are:

• A changing political and economic environment, 1918-79
• Creating a welfare state, 1918-79
• Society in Transition, 1918-79
• Changing quality of life, 1918-79

The depth study is ‘What impact did Thatcher’s governments (1979-90) have on Britain from 1979-97?

America paper (paper 2) - The USA, 1955-92: conformity and challenge, and the topics are:

• Affluence and conformity, 1955-63
• Protest and reaction, 1963-72
• Social and political change, 1973-80
• Republican dominance and its opponents, 1981-92

Entry Requirements:

GCSE English and Maths Grade 4

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.  

A-Level Psychology

Why study Psychology? 

Psychology will give you an understanding of the way people think and why people behave in certain ways. You will learn a variety of skills including analytical thinking, improved communication, problem solving and many more that will prepare you for an exciting future with the possibility of a range of fantastic careers. 

The aim of Psychology? 

Courses based on these specifications must encourage students to: 

Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other 

Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods 

Develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills 

Develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject 

Understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society. 

What will you study? 

You will study:  

Introductory topics in Psychology 

Psychology in context 

Issues and options in Psychology 

Entry Requirements: 

GCSE English and Maths grade 5 

Applied Psychology

Why study Applied Psychology?

This course provides a broad basis of study for the applied psychology sector. Designed to support progression to higher education when taken as part of a programme of study that includes other appropriate BTEC Nationals or A Levels.

The aim of Applied Psychology:

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. The qualification provides the knowledge, understanding and skills that will prepare you for further study or training.  This will allow you to choose a specific specialist area in which you wish to develop your knowledge and skills.

What will you study?

The course is assessed with both internal and external assessments.

Everyone taking this qualification will study three mandatory units, covering the following content areas:

 • Application of psychological approaches

 • Conducting psychological research

 • Health psychology

The mandatory content allows you to concentrate on the development of your knowledge and understanding of psychology, as well as the application of skills that are important in psychology, over an extended period. You will choose one optional unit, which has been designed to support progression to more specialist applied psychology courses in higher education and to link with relevant occupational areas, such as:

• Criminal and forensic psychology

• Principles of children’s psychological development

• Psychopathology and treatment

• Applied Sport Psychology.

Entry requirements:

GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.

Why study Sociology? 

Sociology offers valuable insights into social and cultural issues. It helps students to develop a multi-perspective and critical approach to understanding issues around culture, identity, socialisation, social differentiation and power.  

 Sociology is a great choice of subject for students who want a career in government, law, policing, journalism, advertising, social work or teaching. Students who study A-level sociology often apply for the following courses at university: 

• Sociology 

• Psychology 

• English studies 

• Business studies 

• Law 

• Teaching 

The aim of studying Sociology 

This subject will help develop a range of transferable skills, preparing students for both the demands of university and the working world. Skills including: 

• the use of evidence to support your arguments 

• how to investigate facts and use deduction 

• critical thinking 

• making reasoned arguments 

• developing opinions and new ideas on societal issues 

• the ability to analyse and better understand societal issues 

The aim of studying Sociology  

In year one students will study the following topics: 

• Families and households. 

• Education with methods in context. 

In year two students will study the following topics: 

• Beliefs in society. 

• Crime and deviance. 

• Theory and methods. 

This course is wholly assessed through external examination. At the end of year one students sit two examinations, each worth 50% of the AS qualification. Each exam last for 1 hour and 30 minutes and are worth 60 marks. The exams consist of short and extended writing questions. At the end of year two students sit three exams, each worth 1/3 of the final A-level grade. Each exams last 2 hours and are worth 80 marks each. The exam consists of a mixture of short and extended writing questions covering content studied across the two-year course.  

Entry requirements 

Level 5 grade- English GCSE 

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.

Why study Applied Law?

The Pearson BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Law is an Applied General qualification for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education. The qualification is an introduction to the legal sector.

The aim of Applied Law

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. It includes the opportunity to develop the research, communication and critical-thinking skills valued by higher education. In addition, employers have been involved and consulted in order to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners planning to enter employment directly in the legal sector.

What will you study?

The learning programme covers the following mandatory units:

• dispute solving in civil law
• investigating aspects of criminal law and the legal system
• Applying the law
• Aspects of family law

Entry requirements:

GCSE English and Maths Grade 4

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.

Why study BTEC Art and Design?

BTEC Art and Design is a qualification in which students focus on a framework of specialist work-related scenario based modules in art, whilst offering students the opportunity to explore and develop their own expressive artistic style. BTEC Art is a nationally recognised and respected qualification in the Art and Design sector. Students will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of Fine art and craft processes with some aspects of photography and digital art. BTEC Art and Design is suitable for students who have a keen interest in the visual arts and want to develop their creative skills further in Art and Design to enhance their portfolio.

The aim of the course

The aim of the course is to enable students to become more proficient in the handling of specialist materials and process in a safe and well-equipped environment. The course will develop the students own creative flair whilst offering a coherent introduction to the study of art and design at this level. Learners develop art and design projects and gain an understanding of the creative process. They study visual recording and communication, critical analysis and production skills to produce art and design outcomes at a level 3 standard.

Progression

The qualification is designed for post-16 learners who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, possibly in the creative industries, as part of a programme of study alongside other BTEC Nationals or A Levels.

What you will study:

4 units in total:

Unit 1: Visual Recording and Communication; externally set

Unit 2 Critical and Contextual Studies in Art and Design: externally set

Unit 3: The Creative Process

Unit 12: Fine Art Materials, Techniques and Processes

Entry requirements:

GCSE English and Maths Grade 4

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.  

Why study Health and Social Care?

This course offers a specialist qualification that focuses on particular aspects of employment within the sector. They provide vocational emphasis for learners in their programme of study; equally the qualification offers a focused qualification for learners who wish to follow a programme of study that can be directly related to work experience or to an aspect of employment that they wish to move into in due course.

The aim of Health and Social Care

Provide you with opportunities to acquire skills and knowledge which are transferable and will enable individuals to meet changing circumstances, whether these arise from a shift in their own status or employment, or general changes in health and social care practice, provision or environment.

Provide opportunities for learners to gain a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification to enter employment or progress to other vocational qualifications and further education.

Develop the knowledge, understanding and skills of learners to meet the needs of the health and social care sectors

Develop an understanding of the role of the professional, their relationship with patients/service users and their responsibilities towards patients/service users and the wider health, social care and Early Years sectors.

Provide opportunities for learners to focus on the development of the major key skills and the wider key skills in context, such as improving own learning and performance and working with others.

Provide opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.

What you will study

There are six mandatory units. You must complete and achieve at Near Pass grade or above for all the three mandatory external units.

You must also complete all three mandatory internal units and achieve a Pass or above in two of these units.

Entry requirements

GCSE English and Maths grade 4

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.

Why Study Sport?

This course offers a specialist qualification that focuses on particular aspects of employment within the sector. They provide vocational emphasis for learners in their programme of study; equally the qualification offers a focused qualification for learners who wish to follow a programme of study that can be directly related to work experience or to an aspect of employment that they wish to move into in due course.

The aim of BTEC Sport

• Provide you with opportunities to acquire skills and knowledge which are transferable and will enable individuals to meet changing circumstances, whether these arise from a shift in their own status or employment, or general changes in sporting practice, provision or environment.
• Provide opportunities for learners to gain a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification to enter employment or progress to other vocational qualifications and further education.
• Develop the knowledge, understanding and skills of learners to meet the needs of the sport sectors
• Provide opportunities for learners to focus on the development of the major key skills and the wider key skills in context, such as improving own learning and performance and working with others.
• Provide opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.
• Develop learners to be able to make the transition straight in to an apprenticeship or on towards further education

What will you study?

There are three mandatory units:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Fitness Testing
• Fitness, training and programming
• Professional development in the sports industry

Entry Requirements:

GCSE English and Maths Grade 4

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.

Why study Drama? 

The level 3 diploma in acting is an excellent way to build life skills as well as subject specific skills. The two year course builds team work skills, skills to improve independent learning, focus and self-control. As well as these important life skills our level 3 course allows students to hone and improve skills that will be vital for any performer as well as gives all students the opportunity to improve skills in backstage roles such as a stage manager, lighting designer ore sound engineer. This course is not just for those that want to take up a career as a performer, instead it is a well-rounded course aimed at anyone wishing to enhance their confidence and learn skills that will enable them to progress in later life.  

The aim of the course: 

The aim of the course is to provide students with skills that can be used in a wider working environment as well as in the performing arts sector. The course covers 7 units that vary from voice acting and live performances through to creating a professional CV and performance profile. The aim is to enhance student’s performance skills as well as personal and transferrable skills that can be used in a variety of situations in the real world, whether this is confidence building or working as part of a team.  

This level 3 course is the equivalent of 1.5 A-Levels and offers students the ability to take the skills learnt here out into the real world or into a higher education course. By affording students skills in working independently, as well as part of a team, the course aims to stretch students to reach their full potential enabling them to have a variety of opportunities open to them when the course is over.  

What you will study: 

There are 7 units that will be covered as part of the course. These are as follows:  

1. 304 – Performance Preparation (Exam Unit) 
2. 306 – Planning for a Career 
3. 310 – Approaches to Acting 
4. 311 – Audition Techniques 
5. 313 – Contemporary Theatre 
6. 315 – Elizabethan or Jacobean Theatre  
7. 320 – Vocal Techniques  

Progression: (next steps/ careers following the course) 

Upon completion, this course enable students to be able to go onto higher education and gain a university degree, or get a job. Possible career choices that could follow after taking this course could be:  

• A performer on cruise ships, touring shows, the West End or even abroad. 
• A stage manager. 
• A lighting designer. 
• A drama therapist. 
• A producer. 
• An arts administrator. 
• A youth community worker.  

Entry requirements: 

Anyone wishing to apply for the course will be expected to participate in a practical audition and formal interview process. 

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.

RSL Creative and Performing Arts Dance

Why study Dance:

During years 12 + 13 you will study the RSL Level 3 Diploma in Dance. We have found this course to be a great fit for our students, the course has a fair split between theory and practical and prepares you for a career in the Performing Arts. This course is the equivalent to 1.5 A-Levels.

The aim of the course:

During the two years on the course you will develop the following life skills: confidence, self-belief, resilience, perseverance, motivation, discipline, creativity and adaptability. You will have many performance opportunities, workshop opportunities, extracurricular activities and trips whilst on the course which will develop your industry knowledge and help you to build external connections. Within our dance offer we are developing a wider ‘real world’ package offer to include travel & tourism work information, cruise work details, stage hair and beauty, and finance and business for personal career development in setting up as self-employed, working with local businesses.

What you will study:

During the two years on the course you will complete 7 units:

304 – Performance Preparation
306 – Planning for a Career
322 – Ensemble Dance Performance
324 – Choreography
328 – Dance in The Community
329 – Dance Technique and Performance
334 – Leading Dance

Progression:

Many of our previous students have gone on to gain places at top universities to become performers and Performing Arts teachers.  

Entry requirements:

To gain a place on our course you will need to go through our audition process where you will have to submit a 2 minute choreographed dance in any style that suits you best.

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.

Why study Applied Criminology?

An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector, social and probation work and sociology and psychology.

WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology is a qualification with elements of psychology, law and sociology that complements studies in humanities. This is an Applied General qualification.

The aim of Applied Criminology

This means it is designed primarily to support learners progressing to university. It has been designed to offer exciting and interesting experiences that focus learning for 16-19 year-old learners and adult learners through applied learning, i.e. through the acquisition of knowledge and understanding in purposeful contexts linked to the criminal justice system. The qualification would support learners’ progression from any study at Level 2, particularly GCSEs in Sociology, Law, Psychology, Citizenship, History and Humanities.

What will you study?

This is a two-year course. Units 1 and 2 completed in the first year comprise an 8-hour Controlled Assessment plus a formal examination. This is replicated in Year 2 with Units 3 and 4. You must complete and pass ALL units to gain the Diploma. The overall grades will be recorded on a scale A*-E.

Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime (Controlled Assessment)

Unit 2: Criminological Theories (Exam)

Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom (Controlled Assessment)

Unit 4: Crime and Punishment (Exam)

Entry Requirements

GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.

Why study Construction? 

The construction sector is vital to any country for maintenance, improvement and growth of its infrastructure, buildings and engineering stock. A comprehension of institutional standards, procedures and business processes of the specialised disciplines that drive and administer the industry is relevant to all those who work or desire to be part of this established sector.  

The aim of Construction 

Studying this qualification will encourage research, prompt investigation and analysis of the aspects and impacts of the construction disciplines and their interrelationships through collaboration. This will give rise to an understanding of the diverse roles within the construction industry and yield transferable skills. The qualification will support your progression from level 1/2 particularly in subjects such as Design Technology, Construction, Engineering and Business Studies.  

What will you study? 

Design the Built Environment- Internally Assessed Controlled Assignment    

Create the Built Environment- External Examination   

Value and Use the Built Environment- External Examination  

BIM and Construction Projects*- Internally Assessed Controlled Assignment   

The main purpose of the Level 3 Diploma in Professional Construction Practice is to support access routes to Degree courses, Higher National Vocational Qualifications, Modern Apprenticeships including ‘Traineeships’ and employment associated with: 

• Architecture  

• Structural and Temporary Works Engineering  

• Architectural Technologist  

• Construction Management  

• Project Management 

• Design Management  

• Estate Management 

• Quantity Surveying  

• Building Surveying  

• Mechanical & Electrical Management  

• Engineering Services  

• Construction related SME Services  

• Supply Chain Management  

• Document Control  

• Client Representation  

• Contract Administration  

Entry qualifications 

Grade 4 GCSE Maths and English minimum 

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.

Why study Creative Digital Media Production? 

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Creative Digital Media Production is a qualification designed to provide highly specialist work-related qualifications in the Creative Media sector.  

The course will give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for employment. The course allows you to cover work within more than one strand of Creative Media production, so you can develop skills in film and television production. 

The aims of Creative Digital Media Production 

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Creative Digital Media Production provides an opportunity for students who have an interest in media to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure which is stimulating and demanding. It also provides a supportive transition from general to more specialised study. 

What will you study? 

The course is made up of 4 units: 

Unit 1: Media Representations- You will study a range of media from different sectors, such as music videos, short film extracts, animation, news programmes, websites, digital games and print adverts in order to explore how meaning, messages and values are constructed through formal and stylistic elements (Examined unit). 

Unit 4: Pre-production portfolio- You will produce a digital media product. You will create a portfolio and manage the pre-production for your own creative media production (Portfolio Unit). 

Unit 8: Responding to a Commission- You will understand how to respond to a commission brief with ideas based on the required content, style, audience, purpose and approach proposed by the client. You will work within the requirements and constraints of the client’s specifications and consider your response in terms of ethos, format, budget, platform and duration (Examined Unit - with pre-release brief). 

Unit 14: Digital Magazine Production- You will explore codes and conventions of different magazine genres and platforms. You will select and prepare content, and create layouts for a specific genre of magazine (Assignment Portfolio Unit). 

Entry requirements 

Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 4 or above (A*-C), including English and usually maths as well as a Level 2 Award in a media based qualification, grade Merit or Distinction. 

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.

Why study Financial Studies?

As an Applied General qualification, the Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) is primarily designed for students aged 16–19 and provides an in-depth exploration of the key concepts of financial capability and how they are applied to achieve longer-term financial sustainability. Its purpose is to prepare students for further study through the development of the core skills of independent thinking, critical analysis and evaluation, synthesis, verbal communication (through classroom discussion) and written communication.

The aim of Financial Studies

DipFS builds on the skills and knowledge acquired through successful completion of the Certificate in Financial Studies and extends this to include areas such as financial sustainability within the wider financial services system, and the long-term impact of debt. Within DipFS the student explores the political, economic, social, technological, ethical and legal impacts of personal finance in the short, medium and longer terms. Through this, a greater understanding of the impact that global events can have upon consumers and the wider financial services industry is developed. DipFS therefore enhances the ability to make informed financial decisions through effective planning to manage the risks and challenges involved in personal finance.  To enable students to make informed and confident decisions regarding their finances.

What will you study?

Topic content

• Importance of financial capability in the immediate, short, medium and long term.
• The impact of external influences at different stages in the personal life cycle.
• Risk and reward in managing personal finance.
• Personal and external factors that lead to change.
• Maintaining financial sustainability and avoiding long-term debt.
• The financial services system and financial sustainability (individual and general).
• Marketing techniques.

Entry requirements

GCSE English and Maths Grade 4

Please click below to view the long term plan for this subject curriculum area. This document includes details of the scheme of learning intent and the knowledge and skills covered, demonstrating how students will reach each milestone.