solving strategies, writing coherently, critical thinking, creativity and independence, whilst adding an international dimension to your choice of subjects. It is also the very best way of convincing employers that you have the excellent communication skills required in so many careers and will provide you with greater opportunities for work and study abroad, as well as increased opportunities to work with companies in the UK with international links. How will I be examined? You will take three exams at the end of your Upper Sixth year. These will comprise: Listening, Reading and Translation from German into English; Written Response to Works, Grammar and Translation from English to German; Speaking Test (discussion of one of the topics studied over the two year course, plus a presentation on your independent research topic of your own choice). What are my opportunities for project work or coursework? There is no coursework, but you will undertake an independent research project on an area of personal interest which you will discuss during your speaking test.
any other subject at A-level. You will develop a wide range of skills, such as problem solving strategies, writing coherently, critical thinking, creativity and independence, whilst adding an international dimension to your choice of subjects. It is also the very best way of convincing employers that you have the excellent communication skills required in so many careers and will provide you with greater opportunities for work and study abroad, as well as increased opportunities to work with companies in the UK with international links.
The programme of study will be interactive and positive and would interest anyone who enjoyed Spanish at GCSE.
How will I be examined? You will take three exams at the end of your Upper Sixth year. These will comprise: • Listening, Reading and Translation from Spanish into English • Written Response to Works, Grammar and Translation from English to Spanish • Speaking Test (discussion of one of the topics studied over the two-year course, plus a presentation on your independent research topic of your own choice) What are my opportunities for project work or coursework? There is no coursework, but you will undertake an independent research project on an area of personal interest which you will discuss during your speaking test.
Mrs A M Millar Head of Modern Languages
Spanish
What is the subject about? The A-level course offers an enjoyable, lively and varied programme. You will continue with the familiar skills learnt at GCSE, that is to say speaking, reading, listening and writing, but the topics covered are aimed to stimulate and educate and will add to your understanding of the language and the countries in which it is spoken: Evolving Society in Spain; Political and Artistic Culture in Spanish-speaking countries; Immigration and Multiculturalism in Spain; Franco’s Dictatorship and the Transition to Democracy. In addition to this you will be given an introduction to various aspects of Spanish culture, for example films, books, short stories, aspects of civilisation and history. A solid grounding in grammar will ensure that you feel comfortable and confident through to A-level and university language courses. You will have one individual session a week with a native- speaker to develop your oral confidence. Everyone will have ample opportunity to participate in visits, social events and trips. The many multi-media resources available offer exciting support material and you will spend regular lessons in the digital language laboratory. It is required that you spend at least one week in Spain on an approved activity, either on a department study/work experience trip or one arranged privately. You will be offered guidance and advice on all these activities. Why might I choose to study Spanish at A-level? No one can doubt the importance of languages in our increasingly international world. Whatever field of work you are considering, the ability to offer a modern foreign language could set you apart from other candidates. Spain will continue to attract visitors from around the world due to its unique physical and cultural inheritance. With the number of Spanish-speakers superseding English speakers and with many organisations interested in developing the huge markets in South America, Spanish is proving ever more popular and increasingly in demand and would complement
Mrs A M Millar Head of Modern Languages
Music
What is the subject about? OCR A-level music provides a creative and integrated approach to the three main elements of music: performing, composing and appraising. Pupils explore a wide variety of genres, styles and eras to help them develop their knowledge and skills of performance and composition. The course offers pupils the chance to play to their strengths with the 60 per cent total coursework element either being split 35 per cent to 25 per cent in favour of performing or composition. OCR’s bespoke approach to musical learning does not end with coursework. For the appraising component pupils are required to study two compulsory areas of study, Instrumental Music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven and Popular Song: Blues, Jazz, Swing and Big Band , alongside two others selected from a varied list. These choices allow the course to be further tailored to pupil interests and staff specialisms. Why might I choose to study music at A-level? You can consider studying music if you are a good classical, jazz or pop musician who enjoys performing and is interested in exploring the background and history of a wide range of music. The course will enable you to develop as a musician, improve your communication skills and give you a qualification which will be useful for a degree course in any discipline. Music is well regarded by universities as a sixth form subject as it shows that you are likely to be a dedicated, motivated and organised individual. To study the course you will need to be able to play an instrument (or sing) at a minimum of Grade 5 (although you do not need to have actually taken a practical exam). You will normally have studied GCSE Music, although it may be possible for those who have not to follow the course depending on their aptitude and ability.
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