LODGE INTERNATIONAL AS-LEVEL AND A-LEVEL OPTIONS BOOKLET

INTRODUCTION
The Sixth Form at Lodge International School aims to provide high quality academic courses to enable high-achieving students to gain admission to the best universities in the world. We offer the students the opportunity to gain Work Experience, develop their leadership skills with the ultimate goal of instilling core values by allowing them to develop the skills required to survive and flourish in todays socioeconomic climate. The purpose of this prospectus is to give you the information about the courses we offer. As far as possible, the timetable is designed to meet the individual needs and choices of students. To help both you and us to plan ahead, you should be getting ready to make a broad commitment to the next stage, bearing in mind that the final details of your subject choices may still be a little uncertain. Read and consider carefully the information given in this booklet. If you are already a student at Lodge School discuss your choice of courses with your teachers. If you are not currently a Lodge student then you will need to discuss your proposed choice with the A-level Coordinator, Miss Teresa Attley. We look forward to welcoming you into the Sixth Form and hope that you maximise the opportunities available and realise your potential. You will have to work hard but the rewards will be enormous.

Year 12 students participating in Habitat for Humanity, as part if the International Award for Young People

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Offers of a place on our A-level program is on condition that the following criteria are met: A grade C in English Language and Mathematics for IGCSE / SPM. o For Mathematics A-level, Additional Mathematics (grade B) is preferred, however strong candidates with high grades in other subjects will be considered. A minimum of a grade B for IGCSE / SPM in the A-level subject you have selected. o For example, Chemistry A-level requires a minimum of a grade B in Chemistry IGCSE / SPM. o You do not need to have studied Geography, Economics, Business Studies or Psychology at IGCSE / SPM level to take the A-level option but your English Language and Mathematics must be a grade B or above. A minimum of 5 IGCSE / SPM subjects passed with grade C and above.

Initially, forecast or predicted grades will be used to decide your level of acceptability. Those students wishing to find out more, or are unsure of their suitability, should contact Miss Teresa Attley, A-level Coordinator, to discuss any concerns.

FACILITIES
Lodge International School has fully equipped laboratories and each classroom in the new Secondary Block has Wi-Fi access, an LCD Projector and computer.

CHOOSING A-LEVELS - MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR YOU

Entrance to university in the UK or elsewhere in the world has changed dramatically over the past few years. There are far more universities now, and there is a much wider range of courses available. There are at present more university places available than students seeking a place. Requirements for entry into institutions vary both depending on the institution and also its geographical location. A-levels are recognised by countries across the world but you should seek advice from the A-level Coordinator, Miss Teresa Attley, for specific advice regarding A-level combinations depending on future aspirations. Most universities will expect students to have a GCSE/IGCSE grade C or better in English and Mathematics and generally (for the UK at least), the more vocational the degree, the more specific the requirements. Below is a rough guide only to give some indication of required subject: (seewww.ucas.com/students/coursesearchfor more detail). Career Aspiration
Law Medicine

Recommended A-levels
Geography, Economics, a Science subject, Psychology, Business Studies Chemistry (compulsory), Biology, Physic or Mathematics (Australia) or any 3rd / 4th A-level depending on requirements of chosen University. See: www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Medical_School_A_Level_Requirements Economics, Mathematics, Geography, Business Studies, Psychology Mathematics and Physics (compulsory) Chemistry, or Geography Biology, Chemistry (and sometimes Physics or Mathematics) Mathematics/Further Mathematics Mathematics and Physics Biology and Mathematics useful

Commerce Engineering Veterinary Science Actuarial Science Computer Science Psychology

As not many courses require more than two compulsory A-Levels, the third and fourth subjects can often be a free choice, which may reflect your real bias of interest in courses and careers. It is also worth remembering that many countries (such as the US for example) have no required subjects as you can take a broad based degree and make up classes in requirements before embarking upon a major. It is now perfectly acceptable to mix the arts and science subjects, provided you check which subjects you will need. In fact many universities prefer students with a range of strengths and interests. For example, Geography can be useful to a future Economist. Languages will always be useful. Dont be afraid of new subjects many students start A-levels without having studied a subject before.
To select courses the most important issues to consider should be: What do I enjoy (6 hours of lessons and at least 6 hours homework per week in one subject means you have to want to study it!) What are my skills? Am I good at writing essays? Do I enjoy reading? What am I good at? Speak to your teacher and consider your performance in that subject (or a related area to date) What are my future aspirations? Does this combination of subjects fit in with my career plans? If I do not know what I would like to do in the future am I leaving sufficient options open with this combination of subjects? Dont be pressured into taking a subject think it through for yourself and get impartial advice. Dont choose what your friends are doing. Dont choose the subject because you like the teacher. If in dou bt, seek the advice of the A-level Coordinator or any free Careers Counseling Service.

CHOICE OF A-LEVEL SUBJECTS AT LODGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL:

Subject
A B C D E F

Business Studies Geography Physics Economics Biology

Chemistry

Psychology

Thinking Skills

Mathematics A / * Further Mathematics

*Dependent on intake numbers

ONE subject can be chosen from EACH option block (A, B, C, D and E). A minimum of 4 subjects and a maximum of 5 can be selected.Please note the information given in the article below:

Universities admit 'soft' A-levels damage chance of top places

Students who 'avoid challenge' of traditional subjects miss out on places at Oxbridge or 'redbrick' institutions Jessica Shepherd, Education Correspondent The Guardian, Friday 4 February 2011 3

Top universities have issued guidance which acknowledges officially for the first time that they favour students who study traditional subjects at A-level. The guide compiled by the Russell Group, a lobbying group for Oxford, Cambridge and 18 other leading universities, confirms rumours that have circulated for years that they favour those subjects over newer ones such as business studies or photography By not studying at least two of the following subjects maths, English, geography, history, any of the three pure sciences or a classical or modern foreign language "many degrees at competitive universities will not be open to you," the guide, produced in collaboration with the Institute of Career Guidance, states.It asks students to question why they are not taking traditional subjects: "Are you trying to avoid a challenge?" It states that while there is no "set definition" of a "hard" or "soft" subject, so-called "hard" subjects are like the ones the top universities prefer and are more theoretical. It gives media studies, art and design, photography and business studies as examples of "soft" subjects and states that they are "vocational or have a practical bias". "If you plan to take more than one perceived 'soft' subject, some caution may be needed," the guidebook warns.

See below for the lists of soft subjects to beware of at A-level. London School of Economics list Accounting Art and Design Business Studies Communication Studies Design and Technology Drama/Theatre Studies* Home Economics Information and Communication Technology Law Media Studies Music Technology Sports Studies Travel and Tourism Cambridge list Accounting Art and Design Business Studies Communication Studies Dance Design and Technology Drama/Theatre Studies Film Studies Health and Social Care Home Economics Information and Communication Technology Leisure Studies Media Studies Music Technology Performance Studies Performing Arts Photography Physical Education Sports Studies Travel and Tourism Business and Management Design and Technology Information Technology in a Global Society Theatre Arts Visual Arts General Studies and Critical Thinking A-levels will only be considered as fourth A level subjects and not as part of a conditional offer.

SIXTH FORM SCHOLARSHIPS

Lodge International School offers a limited number of scholarships for its Sixth Form A-level courses. These will be for 70% or 40% of tuition fees and normally apply to both years of the full A Level course. Application for scholarship awards must be made by the student concerned and should consist of a letter of application with a supporting statement. These should be addressed to the Director of the Lodge Group of Schools. The letter should describe why the student wishes to join the Sixth Form at Lodge. It should also outline his or her future intentions after completing A-levels. The granting of scholarship awards is the responsibility of the scholarship committee. The committees decision will be final.

Scholarship criteria: 70% fees discount: SPM 9A+and above / IGCSE 8A+ and above 40% fees discount: SPM 8A+ and above / IGCSE 7A+ and above
The supporting statement should contain, where appropriate, references to the following: Academic achievement predicted grades on the basis of performance in the mock exams. Students leadership positions: - prefects, house captains, students council, prom committee, Benefits from school trips and activities. Participation in the International Award, Interact, Model United Nations, etc. Sports leadership, contributions and achievements. Musical achievements and contributions 4

 Contributions or achievements outside school and involvement in community service. Students do not need to get references from their existing teachers we ask all staff for the views on the relative merits of each applicant as part of the selection process.

Sixth Form students taking part in AS Geography Caving Field Trip

ENRICHMENT
WORK EXPERIENCE Work Experience introduces young people to the world of work and is a valuable and essential part of their It is recognised that the development of certain skills is essential in preparing young people for their first job. Six key skills have been identified. They are: Communication Application of Number Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Working With Others Improving Own Learning and Performance Problem Solving It is, of course, impossible for young people to develop all these skills just in a classroom; the school environment cannot replicate all the demands of a wide range of workplaces. The best place to encourage work skill development has to be in a real place of work. Perhaps for the first time, young people will be able to experience for themselves the realities of working life in an adult world. Lodge International now offers students an opportunity to participate in Work experience during Year 12. CAREERS ADVICE There is a dedicated careers counseling room where support and guidance can be offered to students if they are unsure of their A-level or University choices. Lodge now works closely with local careers agents to give students the best chance to gain a place at a University of their choice. In addition, students will meet regularly as a group to study and develop their soft skills, plan for University choices and prepare for Work Experience.

INTERNATIONAL AWARD Students are encouraged to complete the International Award up to Silver Award. This award is highly regarded by both universities and scholarship admission officers.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Being in the Sixth Form A Student Not A Pupil As a member of the Sixth Form at Lodge International School you will immediately become part of a caring community, participating with other students in a range of activities from the academic to the sporting and extra-curricular. You will play an active part in the school whilst maintaining your own separate role as a Sixth Former. You will receive a range of privileges and responsibilities, as you will be seen as a role model for the other students of Lodge. The way you approach your studies, the way you present yourself and the way you interact with both staff and other pupils should be seen to be setting a positive example. Time management is vital and you play a far greater role in the organisation of your studies and extracurricular activities. You are expected to attend school full-time, and you may use the library or classroom in your non-contact time, provided they are available. You are given more freedom as a Sixth Form student. We expect you to respond with maturity to this. You must be punctual and attend all your lessons when in school. Persistent lateness will not be tolerated. If you leave the school at lunchtime, you must sign out and in. You should inform the school if you are likely to be absent for family holidays or if you are sick. The Sixth Form is an important and exciting time of your life. It will involve a great deal of hard work and commitment, but the benefits in personal development and growth, as well as the qualifications you will receive, will make it all worthwhile. Dress Code Boys Smart trousers (dark jeans or shorts) Conventional shirt (long or short sleeve according to personal preference No other piercing or jewelry is allowed Sensible foot ware, covered toes for laboratory work Hair: Should be short, neat and tidy Girls Smart skirt, trousers (dark jeans only) or dress All of the above should be of modest length no short skirts of shorts permitted Shirt or blouse (long or short sleeve and different styles are acceptable, but must be modest) Modest jewelry and make up allowed Sensible foot ware, covered toes for laboratory work The following should be completely avoided: casual shorts, beachwear, strappy or revealing tops, bare midriffs. If you are not sure if an item of clothing is acceptable...choose something else. Hair for boys and girls should be neat and tidy, with no extreme fashions.

ASSESSMENT, REPORTING AND EXAMINATIONS

AS and A2 final examinations take place from November to and June respectively, each year. January entries will follow an accelerated 18-month course of study (January to June). Re-sits for students wishing to improve on an AS grade take place in June. These must not disrupt 6

A2 work. Trial exams take place at in September of the first year and April of the following year for January and putative June entrants. These will mirror the final exams. Student performance on AS/A2 courses is regularly monitored and two formal reports are sent home in each academic year. Y12/13 students will receive full academic reports at the end of term one and term two. The term two academic report will include the results of the trial examinations and their progression. Final A Level grades will be made up through:

Year 12 AS: + Year 13 A2: = 1 A-Level

Biology and Geography Field Trip to Bako National Park

HUMANITIES SUBJECTS
1. BUSINESS STUDIES
Managing Director: How many people work in your department? Purchasing Manager: About half of them! Managers are people who never put off until tomorrow what they can get somebody else to do today. (Anonymous) Greed is...good! (Gordon Gecko Wall Street)

This A-Level is ideal for those students who have enjoyed the practical application of IGCSE Business Studies or who would like an excellent foundation from which to continue on to study Management or Business subjects in Higher Education establishments around the world. The specific aims of the course are to understand and appreciate the nature and scope of 7

business and its role in society whilst developing an understanding of the various types of business organisations. As well as investigating the process of decision-making in business, the course aims to develop the students own skills in terms of analysis of problems, interpretation of data and communication. The emphasis of developing these skills as key tools for the students during the A-Level course makes Business Studies a good complement when studying subjects in other curriculum areas, such as Science, Humanities or Mathematics. Whilst it is not necessary that you have studied IGCSE Business Studies it is recommended that you have obtained at lease a grade B pass at Mathematics and English Language. Also a keen interest in the business world and an enthusiasm and willingness to read around the subject are essential. Syllabus Content business and the environment people in organisations marketing production accounting and finance information for decision-making Strategic decision-making The core elements of these areas will be studied at AS level, moving on to extension work at A2 level. Famous Business People: Henry Ford, Ray Kroc, Richard Branson, Anita Roddick Possible Careers: Entrepreneur, Management Consultant, Human Resources, Marketing, Insurance and Sales.

2. ECONOMICS
If you are not confused, youre not paying attention! (Anonymous) An economist is an expert who will know tomorrow why the things he predicted yesterday didnt happen today. (Dr.L.J.Peter) Its a recession if you neighbour loses his job, its a depression when you lose your own. (Harry S. Truman) This A-Level is ideal for those students who have enjoyed the investigative and theoretical nature of IGCSE Economics or who would like to follow various courses in either Economics or Business at Higher Education establishments around the world.The specific objectives of the course include an ability to understand and interpret economic information and explain contemporary events and familiar phenomena with relevant economic principles. In order to do this, the students are encouragedto develop their skills of self-expression and, to support their studies, it is essential that they read critically to gain information about the changing economy in which we live. The emphasis of developing these skills as key tools for the students during the A-Level course makes Economics a good complement when studying subjects in other curriculum areas, such as 8

Mathematics or Science or Humanities. Whilst it is not necessary that you have studied IGCSE Economics it is recommended that you have obtained a B grade at Mathematics and English Language. A keen interest in current affairs is also essential. Syllabus Content Central problem of economics Theory of demand Theory of supply Price and output determination Market Failure National income accounting Theory of income determination Money and the price level International trade The economic role of government Economic development AS concentrates on the core themes of economics while the A2 syllabus covers extension material of a more demanding nature. Elements of macroeconomics and microeconomics will be studied at both AS and A2, the difference being the level of academic skills tested by the terminal examination papers Famous Economists: Adam Smith, John Maynard Keynes, Milton Friedman

Possible careers: Economics is extremely useful as a form of employment for economists! (J.M.Keynes) Accountant, Economist, Foreign Exchange Dealer, Lawyer, Market Analyst, Merchant Banker, Stockbroker, Teacher!

3. GEOGRAPHY
Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future (Michael Palin) The world in which we live is likely to change more in the next 50 years than it has ever done before; in these changing times carrying on with Geography A-Level could be a wise choice. We live in an increasingly globalised society where almost everything we do has a link to another part of the world. The CIE A-level course ensures that you will emerge as a well-informed and skilled Geographer.The A-Level Geography course studies both human and physical geography themes, with studies at local, regional, national and global levels. The main thrust at A-Level Geography is to develop a secure knowledge about a range of places and to investigate the challenges facing humanity today many of which will continue to be a challenge into the future. These include migration, sustainable development, global climate change, food and water supplies, resource depletion, economic development and the future of our cities, amongst others. The course will continue to develop your skills in areas such as photograph interpretation, map understanding, numeracy, ICT, enquiry based data collection and analysis and fieldwork. With such a varied approach to learning, there really is something for everyone in Geography. Lastly, if you love looking at maps and daydreaming about visiting far away places, this subject is for you!
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE GEOGRAPHY?

Geography can offer you: The chance to further develop a global outlook and an awareness of what is going on in 9

 the world: ICT skills in a range of contexts spreadsheets, Geographic Information Systems and research; A bridge between the arts and the sciences, giving you greater flexibility if you decide to go on to higher education High academic standards geography is welcomed as a subject by universities Study of key geographical topics that provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to help you prepare for further study in higher education or the world of work A wider range of job opportunities than almost any other subject transferable skills developed by geographers are much sought after in the workplace.
WHAT DOES THE COURSE COVER?

AS LEVEL (50%) Physical Core: Hydrology and Fluvial Geomorphology Atmosphere and weather Rocks and weathering Human Core: Population change Settlement dynamics Migration A2-LEVEL (50%) Advanced Physical: Tropical Environments Coastal Environments Advanced Human: Environmental Management Global Inter-dependence (tourism and trade)
DOES GEOGRAPHY GIVE ME AN EDGE?

The answer is a resounding YES! The skills acquired through studying Geography mean that you have much to offer an employer. Geographers are: Good communicators, Spatially aware, Socially, economically and environmentally aware, Problem solvers and decision makers, Good team players, Computer literate, Well rounded, flexible thinkers Geographers can: Make a concise report, Handle data, Ask questions and find answers, Make decisions about an issue, Analyse material, Think creatively and independently WHERE WILL GEOGRAPHY TAKE ME? Employers value Geography qualifications because they demonstrate a wide range of skills. Some careers where Geography is essential are: Surveying, Town and country planning, Civil engineering, Landscape architecture, Transport and tourism, Estate management, Cartography, Environmental Scientist, Conservationist. Careers where Geography is advantageous include: 10

Pilot, Business Administration, Financial sector, Retail, Media, Law The A-level Geography course is an excellent next step if you are currently studying IGCSE Geography or Environmental Management. It is also possible to opt for Geography at A-level if you arent currently studying it.

Raft Building as part of the Silver Expedition for the International Award

4. PSYCHOLOGY
The purpose of psychology is to give us a completely different idea of the things we know best. (Paul Valry) Psychology is the science of the act of experiencing, and deals with the whole system of such acts as they make up mental life. (Samuel Alexander) Like all science, psychology is knowledge; and like science again, it is knowledge of a definite thing, the mind. (James M. Baldwin) What is Psychology? Psychology is the scientific study of human mind and behaviour: how we think, how we act, how we react and interact, both individually and as groups. What teaching and learning strategies are employed? A wide range of strategies are used to engage students and to aid the understanding of challenging concepts. These strategies include traditional lecturing and note taking; student research and presentation; mind-mapping; discussions; numerous games and quizzes; cut and paste activities, and peer learning. Students are expected to think for themselves and be proactive in learning! What skills will I need to study Psychology? As you have to be competent at both essay writing and statistics, you need to be literate and numerate, and hopefully will have at least a grade C at both English and Mathematics GCSE. (This is a recommendation from the examination board). It is not necessary to have taken GCSE Psychology, and most, if not all, students, will not have this GCSE. You need to be interested in investigating human behaviour from a scientific perspective. Most students find learning the terminology and detail of studies the most difficult challenge. However, they also report finding the subject extremely interesting. 11

What other subjects can I do with a Psychology A-Level? Psychology is a subject that develops skills of numeracy and literacy, and therefore combines well with science, business, arts and humanities subjects. It is considered a science for entry to some degree courses, but not for others, therefore individual institutions have to be contacted to discover their position. How will an A-level in Psychology help me at degree level? Psychology is the study of people, the mind and behaviour . It is a popular subject with students because it has a big impact on all areas of life, particularly in areas such as education, health, the economy, industry and crime. If you are interested in finding out why people behave the way they do or how the brain works then Psychology could be for you. Taking an A-level in Psychology will give you a good grounding in the subject and will help to decide whether you would like to become a professional Psychologist. Psychology is also useful in many other careers because it develops a number of transferable skills, which are useful in many professions. As it is an extremely diverse subject, degree choices are very varied. The most popular degree courses for Psychology students tend to be; Psychology, Law, Education, Business, Medical related degrees (e.g. medicine, dentistry, radiography). What do Psychologists actually do? Psychologists work in many different areas of society and are concerned with practical problems such as: Helping people to overcome depression, stress, trauma or phobias Easing the effects of parental divorce on children Speeding up recovery from brain injury Helping to stop or prevent bullying at school or in the workplace Ensuring that school pupils and students are being taught in the most effective way Making sure that people are happy at work and perform to the best of their abilities Helping the police, courts and prison service to perform more effectively Helping athletes and sports people to perform better

In a sense, you may already think of yourself an amateur Psychologist or know a little about Psychology. We are all interested in what makes people tick and how this understanding can help us to solve major problems in society. But professional Psychologists apply scientific methods to understanding human behaviour by observing, measuring, testing and using statistics to show that what they find is reliable evidence and not just down to chance. Think of any question about how and why humans do the things they do and the chances are that a Psychologist somewhere will be researching it to find the scientific answer and further our understanding. Do I have to become a Psychologist if I do Psychology A Level? No. Other jobs that Psychology students do include: Animal Trainer, Arbitrator, Assistant Psychologist, Business Consultant, Counsellor, Commercial Management, Doctor, Ergonomics Expert, Hostage Negotiator, Journalist, Marketing, Sales and Advertising, Mediator, Nutritionist, Occupational Therapist, Human Resources, Police Officer, Primary or Secondary School Teacher, Psychotherapist, Radiographer Social Researcher, Social Worker, Speech and Language Therapist

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Visiting and supporting the Sawarak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) You can judge a Nation, and its progress, by how they treat their animals Muhatma Gandhi

5. THINKING SKILLS (AS-Level ONLY)

The syllabus is skill based and aims to develop critical thinking; it consists of two question papers. Paper 1 is a multiple-choice paper consisting of three distinct parts: There are 18 questions on Assessing Arithmetic (extracting and processing data; applying formulae; mathematical modelling; decision making). Communications has 16 questions (understanding the meaning, function, relevance and significance of text and different types of communication). There are also 16 questions on Assessing Argument (identifying conclusions, assumptions and flaws; drawing conclusions; assessing the impact of evidence; applying principles). All questions are based on a scenario or a passage. Paper 2 consists of three compulsory questions based on a scenario or argument. One question requires evidence to be evaluated. Questions two and three are concerned with evaluating and presenting arguments. These are assessed by structured and essay type questions. Paper 2 largely builds on the Assessing Argument part of Paper 1. The Thinking Skills syllabus also enables students to approach their other subjects with an improved ability to understand, analyse and resolve problems. As a result, students will find the course of great benefit when preparing for higher education and for a wide range of careers, including law, scientific research, social science, journalism, medicine, business, accounting and engineering. The Thinking Skills syllabus encourages free and open debate, critical and investigative thinking, and informed and disciplined reasoning.

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SCEINCE SUBJECTS
1. BIOLOGY
Its life Jim, but not as we know it. (Mr. Spock, Star Trek)

They took all the trees, put 'em in a tree museum, and they charged the people a dollar and a half just to see 'em, don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got till it's gone, they paved paradise and put up a parking lot. (Joni Mitchell) We live on an Earth that is the best of all possible worlds but only for those who have adapted to it. (H. Holland) The most important scientific revolutions all include ... the dethronement of human arrogance from one pedestal after another of previous convictions about our centrality in the cosmos. (Stephen Jay Gould) This course places emphasis on the applications of Biology and impact of recent developments on the needs of contemporary society. All students will be encouraged to use secondary sources of information and information technology (IT) to analyse, store and retrieve data and to model biological phenomena. They will also learn to communicate biological information orally, as well as in writing. The course aims to develop an understanding of Biological facts and principles and an appreciation of their significance. It will emphasise the social and applied aspects of Biology whilst encouraging an awareness of the contribution of Biology to the needs of society and it will develop an understanding of scientific method and its application. The course will be complete in itself and perform a useful educational function for students not intending to study Biology at a higher level. It will provide a suitable foundation for the study of Biology or related courses in further higher education, and for professional courses that require students to have knowledge of Biology when admitted. The course will aim to stimulate students and create a sustained interest in Biology so that the study of the subject is enjoyable and satisfying. A minimum of a grade B in Biology IGCSE or BB for Double Award is a prerequisite. Structure of the Syllabus Core Section: Cell Structure; Biological Molecules; Enzymes; Cell Membranes & Transport, Cell and Nuclear Division; Genetic Control; Ecology; Transport; Gas Exchange; Infectious Disease; Immunity; Energy & Respiration; Photosynthesis, Regulation & Control, Inherited Change and Gene Technology, Selection and Evolution. Applications of Biology Biodiversity; Gene Technology: Biotechnology; Crop plants; Aspects of Human Reproduction. Famous Biologists: Charles Darwin, Gregor Mendel, Alfred Russel Wallace, Edward O. Wilson, Richard Dawkins. Possible careers: 14

Biologist, Biotechnologist, Doctor, Ecologist, Forensic Scientist, Geneticist, Microbiologist, Virologist, Zoologist

2. CHEMISTRY
The underlying physical laws necessary for the mathematical theory of a large part of physics and the whole of chemistry are thus completely known, and the difficulty is only that the application of these laws leads to equations much too complicated to be soluble. (P.A.M. Dirac) It is disconcerting to reflect on the number of students we have flunked in chemistry for not knowing what we later found to be untrue. (Weber - Science With a Smile) Old chemists never die, they just fail to react.

The aims of the course based on this syllabus will be to provide, through well-designed studies of experimental and practical science, a worthwhile educational experience for all students, whether or not they go on to study science beyond this level. It will also enable them to acquire sufficient understanding and knowledge to become citizens in a technological world and able to take or develop an informed interest in matters of scientific import. The course will prepare students for studies beyond A-Level Chemistry in Chemistry dependent courses. The students will develop abilities and skills that are relevant to the study and practice of science and are useful in everyday life whilst encouraging the presentation of information and ideas appropriate for different audiences and purposes and develop self-motivation. The course will stimulate interest in, and care for, the environment in relation to the environmental impact of Chemistry and its applications. The students will become aware that the study and practice of Chemistry are co-operative and cumulative activities, and are subject to social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences and limitations. That the implications of science may be both beneficial and detrimental to the individual, the community and the environment. The course will aim to stimulate students and create a sustained interest in Chemistry so that the study of the subject is enjoyable and satisfying. The syllabus is as follows: Core Section: Physical Chemistry; Inorganic Chemistry & Organic Chemistry Applications Section: The Chemistry of Life; Applications of analytical chemistry; Design and materials. Famous Chemists: Alfred Bernhard Nobel, Pasteur, Louis, Nicholas Flamel, Robert Wilhelm Bunsen, Dmitri Ivanovitch Mendeleev. Possible careers: Biochemist, Medicine, Biomedical Science, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology .

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3. PHYSICS
All science is either physics or stamp collecting. (Ernest Rutherford) All our science, measured against reality, is primitive and childlike - and yet it is the most precious thing we have. (Albert Einstein) I think I can safely say that nobody understands quantum mechanics. (Richard Feynman) I like to think that the moon is there even if I am not looking at it (Albert Einstein) Requirements Advanced and AS-level Physics require a variety of practical and theoretical skills. Any student wishing to study at these levels is advised to have a grade B or above in both IGCSE science and mathematics. All students need to be able to work in groups as well as being able to solve problems as an individual. Practical skills are developed throughout the course and are not an optional extra. Description The course for Year 12 covers topics of practical physics: mechanics, matter, waves and electricity. Students are assessed by examination in November. There are three papers, one of which is a practical examination. In Year 13 the course builds upon the Year 12 topics. New topics introduced are electricity and magnetism, modern physics, and gathering and communicating information. Assessment is by two written examinations. One of the examinations is on planning, analysis and evaluation. Aims The A-level syllabus is designed to meet university entrance requirements for any student wishing to continue their studies in science. Any student studying Physics will become more aware of the nature of science and have an informed opinion on scientific matters. Famous Physicists: Ptolomy, Nicolaus Copernicus, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking Careers: Physics at A-level is useful for any engineering career and essential in some branches of engineering. Radiography and medical imaging, astronomy, the aerospace industry all require Physics. Many people who have studied Physics choose careers such as accountancy, banking and financial services and find that their studies have not limited their career choices.

4. MATHEMATICS
Mathematics is the queen of the sciences. (Carl Friedrich Gauss) I have hardly ever known a mathematician who was capable of reasoning. (Plato) Mathematics, rightly viewed, posses not only truth, but supreme beauty a beauty cold and austere, like that of sculpture. (Bertrand Russell) 16

This course is intended for students who wish to pursue mathematics or subjects which have strong mathematics components. It is highly recommended that intending students should have achieved a minimum of a grade A at IGCSE in Mathematics. Syllabus Aims The syllabus is intended to provide a framework for A-Level that will enable students to: develop further their understanding of mathematics and mathematical processes in a way that encourages confidence and enjoyment acquire appropriate mathematical skills and techniques and use them in more difficult, unstructured problems develop their abilities to reason logically and recognise incorrect reasoning, to generalize and to construct mathematical proofs develop an understanding of coherence and progression in mathematics and how different areas of mathematics can be connected appreciate how mathematical ideas can be applied in the everyday world use mathematics as an effective means of communication read and comprehend mathematical arguments and articles concerning applications of mathematics acquire the skills needed to use technology such as computers and calculators effectively, recognise when such use may be inappropriate and be aware of limitations develop an awareness of the relevance of mathematics to other fields of study, to the world of work and so society in general take increasing responsibility for their own learning and the evaluation of their own mathematical development. Famous Mathematicians Archimedes, Carl F. Gauss, Leonhard Euler, Bernhard Riemann, Euclid, Henri Poincar, JosephLouis, Lagrange, David Hilbert, Gottfried W. Leibniz Possible careers Engineer, Pension fund controller, Salary and benefit analyst, Bank loan officer, Stock and bond analyst, Investment analysis, Corporate financial analyst, Portfolio management, Cash flow analysis, Cost accounting, Industrial cost control, Business consulting, Time study and methods, Life insurance,Demographic analysis, Production planning, Resource analysis, Consumer behaviour analysis, Economic analysis, Taxation systems, Tax consultant, Factor analysis of social systems, Factor analysis in medical research, Modelling genetic systems, Modelling biological systems, Air traffic control modeling, Chartered accountancy, Weapons analysis

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