Priestley-2021-prospectus-lo-res

A-Level
Mathematics
EXAM BOARD: OCR (MEI)
REASONS TO STUDY THIS COURSE
3 It is a highly regarded subject, which complements all
other courses.
3 You enjoyed Mathematics at GCSE and like a challenge.
3 You want to progress to a degree or career where
Mathematics is a key component.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
Algebra, coordinate geometry, polynomials, trigonometry,
logarithms and calculus. Alongside these topics, you will
study the application of Mathematics; you will look at data
processing and interpretation, probability, hypothesis
testing, kinematics, Newton’s laws of motion and problems
involving variable acceleration.
HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED
Year 1 (AS) – two exams
Year 2 (A-Level) – three exams
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE
THIS COURSE
• Grade 7 or above in GCSE maths and a GCSE average of
4.8 or above
• confidence using GCSE algebra and you will be
expected to demonstrate your skills during our induction
programme
• commitment and willingness to spend approximately
four hours per week of your own time, practising
examples and solving problems
RECOMMENDED READING
Why do buses come in threes? – Rob Eastaway
Alex’s Adventures in Numberland – Alex Bellos
The Simpsons and their Mathematical Secrets – Simon Singh
PROGRESSION
Many students go on to pursue careers in areas such as
Medicine, Research and Development, Engineering,
Statistics, Operational Research, Computing, Accountancy,
Actuarial work, Business Management, Insurance, Financial
Services and Teaching. If you are hoping to pursue a
course in Science, Mathematics or Engineering at
university, we would also recommend that you take Further
Mathematics to at least AS Level.
PRIESTLEY EXTRA
You will have the opportunity to apply to join a college team,
which will work with a local company to solve real
engineering problems through the Engineering Education
Scheme. You will also be able to attend Maths Inspiration
Lectures and take part in National Maths competitions.
A-Level
Media Studies
EXAM BOARD: OCR
REASONS TO STUDY THIS COURSE
3 You have a keen interest in studying and
producing media.
3 You will develop critical analysis skills.
3 You will be using industry-standard equipment and
software to produce your own media.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
Nine different media forms: Television, Film, Radio,
Newspapers, Magazines, Advertising, Online social and
participatory media, Video games and Music video.
Underpinning all this is a four-part framework:
Media Language – how the media communicate meanings
Media Representations – how the media portray events,
issues, individuals and social groups
Media Industries – how the media industries’ processes
of production, distribution and circulation affect media
forms and platforms
Media Audiences – how media forms target, reach and
address audiences; how audiences interpret and
respond to them; and how members of audiences
become producers themselves.
Texts you will study include everything from Homeland
to music videos by Lady Gaga and to the advertising and
marketing of Minecraft.
You will also complete a coursework production.
HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED
70% examination
30% coursework
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE
THIS COURSE
• keen interest in the media
• enjoy analysis, discussion and practical work
• ability to articulate your views clearly and in detail
RECOMMENDED READING
Familiarise yourself with the texts you will study such as the
Daily Mail, Mirror, Telegraph and The Guardian as well as their
websites or listen to the Radio 1 Breakfast Show.
PROGRESSION
University degrees in a range of media-related
qualifications such as media and cultural studies, video
and film production, advertising and marketing,
scriptwriting and journalism.
PRIESTLEY EXTRA
Students will have the opportunity to work on the college
radio station, Radio Wave. Students have also attended
workshops in London with the BBFC and the BBC as well as
a residential visit to New York.
56 See page 25 for vocational qualifications key.