POST-16 PROSPECTUS UPDATE SEP 11.cdr

A POSITIVE LEARNING
EXPERIENCE
COURSE STRUCTURE
he Advanced Level Courses available are detailed in the this Prospectus. The Advanced Post-16
qualifications framework divides A Levels into two parts – AS and A2.
TAS, which is taught in Year 12, is awarded half the credits of a full A Level by Universities. It resides at an
intermediate stage of difficulty between GCSE and A2 and is an award in its own right, attainable at the
end of one year. The A2, when added to the AS, becomes a full A Level in Year 13.
The Applied Post-16 Courses have a different assessment pattern to traditional A Levels, with greater
emphasis on coursework and different learning styles. The OCR Level 3 Technicals offered in ICT is a
TWO-YEAR COURSE with no separate qualification available at the end of Year 12. Please note a small
number of subjects may be delivered in collaboration with Benton Park School, Rawdon.
Students initially accept places on AS courses, with progression to A2 depending on performance. The
allocation for A2 places in Year 12 is informed by the Standards for Learning system. A minimum of a
grade D in two subjects is required to progress to A2.
A TYPICAL PROGRAMME OF STUDY
dvanced students might choose three or four subjects at AS Level in
Year 12 and continue three of them to A2 Level in Year 13, although it
Ais possible to take a larger or smaller number of subjects in some
circumstances.
It is possible for Advanced students to choose a new AS Level subject for
Year 13, depending on the option blocks and course availability.
“Taking a wide
range of subjects
m a k e s S i x t h
Form better so
you don’t do the
same things in
every lesson.”
CURRICULUM ENHANCEMENT
e recognise the importance of broadening the education of Post-16 students beyond their
chosen courses. Employers and universities place increasing emphasis on problem-solving
Wabilities, inter-personal qualities, teamwork, communication, numeracy and the effective use
of information technology. We offer a comprehensive scheme of extra-curricular activities to allow
students to develop these qualities and skills, which are documented and used for reports and reference
purposes and we have valuable links with a variety of departments at Leeds University.
Horsforth School has received national commendation for our Post-16 enhancement activities, which
include the opportunity to gain a ‘Reading Matters’ qualification, as well as enrolment on the West
Yorkshire Police Course.
ENHANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
aid positions exist for students in technical support for
many subjects including Science, ICT, Art and English.
PSome Post-16 students receive training to develop the
reading abilities of younger students at Horsforth School.
In Music and Drama, students play a key role part in the School's
dramatic productions, including the choreography of dance
routines as well as forming part of the orchestra, jazz orchestra,
choir, soul band, concert band and samba band. Those keen on
learning sports coaching help to organise the rugby, football,
hockey and netball teams, among others, obtaining the valued
Community Sports Leadership Award.
Some Post-16 members work with younger students in Key
Stage 3 tutor group activities, ranging from drama and
presentations to quizzes and mentoring. They also organise
activities in areas such as Drama, Debating and History Club and
can contribute to the School Newsletter. Post-16 students
organise events such as ‘competitive bun sales’ and raise funds
for charities such as Cancer Research; activities have recently
included a Mini Olympics, talent shows incorporating music and
dance, interform charity dodge ball and Battle of the Bands
competitions.
OPPORTUNITY AND ACHIEVEMENT FOR ALL
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