Course Outline / Additional Requirements

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

Complementary Subjects:

Following a Biology course provides the skills that could be used in a varied range of professions including medicine, veterinary medicine, animal health, horticulture, agriculture, physiotherapy, teaching, food science technology, midwifery, dentistry, biochemistry, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy and radiography. Many students will combine their studies in Biology with Chemistry, Physics or Psychology.

Assessment:

Three written exams which will assess content from sections 1 to 8. Practical skills are assessed within the written papers with 15% of the total A Level marks allocated for practical knowledge and understanding. A separate endorsement of practical skills requires students to undertake a minimum of 12 teacher-assessed practical activities during the two year course.

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

The A Level course aims to develop a critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value.
This involves consideration of the internal workings and management of organisations and, in particular, the process of decision making in a dynamic external environment. We look at the inter-relationship between the four main functional areas of business, and pay particular attention to the strategic decisions that each of the areas may take in order to contribute to the success of the whole business.

Complementary Subjects:

Many subjects combine well with Business including Psychology, Law, IT, French, Mathematics, Media Studies, English, and Sociology.

Assessment:

Three, 2 hour exams:

• Paper 1: Marketing & Global Businesses
• Paper 2: Business Activities & Strategies
• Paper 3: Investigating Businesses

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

Year 1: Physical chemistry; Atomic structure; Amount of substance; Bonding; Energetics; Kinetics; Chemical equilibria; Oxidation, Reduction and redox equations; Inorganic chemistry; Periodicity; The alkaline earth metals; The halogens; Organic chemistry; Alkanes; Halogenoalkanes; Alkenes; Alcohols; Organic analysis.

Year 2: Physical chemistry; Thermodynamics; Rate equations; Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells; Acids and bases; Inorganic chemistry; Period 3 elements and their oxides; Transition metals; Reactions of ions; Organic chemistry; Optical isomerism; Aldehydes and ketones; Carboxylic acids; Aromatic chemistry; Amines; Polymers; Amino acids, proteins and DNA; Organic synthesis; Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Chromatography.

Complementary Subjects:

Chemistry is highly regarded as a sound basis for employment in many areas. By entering the world of Chemistry you will be equipping yourself to play a leading role in the complex world of tomorrow.

Assessment:

Three written exams which will assess content from both Years 12 and 13.
Practical skills are assessed within the written papers with 15% of the total marks allocated for practical knowledge and understanding. A separate endorsement of practical skills requires students to undertake a minimum of 12 teacher-assessed practical activities.

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

Unit 1: Changing Awareness of Crime: How we can differentiate between myth and reality when it comes to crime, and understand the importance of changing public perceptions of crime.
Unit 2: Criminological Theories Different theoretical explanations of crime and how to understand the behaviour of a specific crime or criminal.
Unit 3: Crime Scene to Courtroom The development of the skills needed to review criminal cases, evaluating the evidence to determine whether the verdict is safe and just.
Unit 4: Crime and Punishment The consequences to those who violate our legal system and how they are punished within the criminal justice system in England and Wales.

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

On this course you will explore a range of plays from some of the world’s most renowned playwrights and have the opportunity to create theatre as an actor, director or designer.

Complimentary subjects: the skills utilised in Drama are easily transferable. This essay based subject will support knowledge and application of exam skills in any essay based subject. English literature is a highly complimentary subject as both subjects study key texts and examine the human condition.

Assessment: One written exam where key plays will be studied and analysed, and one piece of live theatre will be reviewed. Two practical exams one devised performance and one play-based performance. Both practical examinations can be assessed through acting or design-based roles.

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

Micro-economics: Markets and Market Failure: why economic choices have to be made; the market model; how markets can be efficient and also how they can fail.  Macro-economics: The National Economy; the use of economic models to develop a critical understanding of macroeconomic issues; understanding and evaluating the different policy options used by governments to manage the economy.

Assessment:

The subject content is largely topical and this makes it necessary for students to consult a wide variety of media sources such as newspapers, television and the Internet.

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

On this course you will study the works of some the world’s greatest authors, dramatists and poets. You will study a wide range of novels, plays and poetry, from Chaucer to the present day

Complementary Subjects:

English Literature combines well with almost any other subject and can introduce breadth to a science or mathematics-based curriculum.

Assessment:

Assessment will take the form of mainly examinations. Non-Examination Assessments will offer opportunities for students to develop extended pieces of analytical work over a period of time. Examinations and the NEA will count towards the overall grading.

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

AQA A Level Geography is designed to excite your interest in the world through challenging perceptions and stimulating your investigative and analytical skills. The A Level comprises a number of varied physical and human units. These units include:

• Water and Carbon Cycles
• Coastal Systems and Landscapes
• Hazards
• Global Systems and Global Governance
• Changing Places
• Resource
• Security

Students will also complete a piece of fieldwork that is an independent investigation where data is collected, the investigation must be based on a question that relates to part of the specification.

Complementary Subjects:

The skills learnt in Geography are applicable to a wide range of areas of work including legal work, journalism, media, resource management, environmental sciences, surveying, travel and tourism, marketing and teaching. Good course combinations include Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and English.

Assessment:

Assessment will consist of 2 examination papers in Year 13, one paper is Physical Geography and one paper is Human Geography (both papers of 2 hours and 30 minutes). The third form of assessment is the project that is created using fieldwork, this is 3000-4000 words.

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

Our A Level History qualification has been designed to help students understand the significance of historical events, the role of individuals in history and the nature of change over time. This qualification will help all students to gain a deeper understanding of the past through political, social, economic and cultural perspectives. The engaging topics available to students throughout the course will provide the knowledge and skills required to succeed at A Level. Topics to be studied are:

• Component 1: The Tudors: England, 1485-1603
• Component 2: Democracy and Nazism: Germany 1918-1945
• Component 3: Historical Investigation (Personal Study): Ireland & Britain in the 20th Century

Complementary Subjects:

History goes well with any other subject, as increasingly universities and colleges look for a wider range of subjects in an applicant’s portfolio.

Assessment:

The course is 80% examination – three exams at the end of the second year. Historical Investigation (20%). This will be independently researched and written in the form of a piece of extended writing between 3000 and 3500 words in length.

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

Students will study three units over the A Level course: The legal system and criminal law; law making and the law of tort; the nature of law and the law of contract. These topics will give students an insight into the distinction between enforceable legal rules in contrast to other rules and  norms of behaviour. You will also gain an understanding of the differences between criminal and civil law and between different sources of law including custom, statute law and the common law. There are also topics such as the legislative process including types of bills, stages in the process and the role of the Law Commission as well as a variety of influences on law making. You will also study delegated legislation, statutory interpretation, judicial precedent, the functions of the civil and criminal courts as well as the legal profession. You will also learn about defences such as insanity, automatism and self-defence. Other areas include tort law, law and morality and contract law.

Complementary Subjects:

Many other subjects go well with Law, for example, English, History, Psychology, Sociology and Economics.

Assessment:

At A Level, there are three, two hour examinations. Each paper is worth one third of the full A Level.

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

The course follows three key elements:
Core, Statistics and Mechanics. All students intending to pursue a conventional 2-year A Level in Mathematics will sit a test of their mathematical capability within the first two weeks of Year 12. Prior to this, all applicants will receive a preparatory pack to work through during the summer break, outlining the skills that we believe a student should possess before embarking on A Level Mathematics.

Complementary Subjects:

Mathematics is an ideal subject to study with any advanced level subjects, but has particular relevance for any Science subject, Economics and Business Studies, Computing, IT, Geography, Sociology and Psychology.

Assessment:

• Two 2 hour Pure maths papers
• One 2 hour Statistics and Mechanics paper

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

In the first year you will study the compulsory unit Further Core Maths 1 where you will study proof, complex numbers and matrices. You will also study two modules from Further Mechanics 1 and Further Decision Maths 1. In the second year you will study the compulsory unit Further Core Maths 2 where you will study polar co-ordinates, hyperbolic functions and differential equations. You will also study two optional modules Further Mechanics 1 and Further Decision Maths 1.

Complementary Subjects:

The natural sciences, particularly Physics, all have a significant amount of mathematics in them, and you will find the skills you learn in both Maths and Further Maths transfer nicely. Also, by virtue of doing twice as much maths as is in the regular A Level, you will likely find you get lots of opportunity to hone your skills in things such as calculus. Consequently, students who study Further Maths at A Level often achieve top grades in their regular A Level Maths.

Assessment:

100% end of year exams.

• Two 90 mins Core Maths exams
• 90 mins Further Mechanics 1
• 90 mins Further Decision Maths 1

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

Media Studies requires close analysis and comparison of media products in relation to relevant key social, cultural, economic, political and historical contexts. During coursework, students will produce an individual cross-media production in response to a brief. The first exam will include unseen audio-visual or print based material from which students will respond with case study examples. The second exam will require students to explore text, industry and audience and the links between theory and media texts.

Complementary Subjects:

Media Studies is a good example of a cross-curricular subject. It will develop your research skills, analytical skills, creativity, reading and writing. As such it provides useful preparation for further education and employment. Media has links with the study of texts and language in English as well as great debating opportunities. It also shares relevance with the social sciences and ICT. Students may also wish to get involved in extra-curricular activities, either in college or with local media organisations.

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

The first year of the course consists of two units of work: Foundation skills and a photography portfolio. The second year consists of three units of work: photography portfolio, critical study and an externally set assignment.

Complementary Subjects:

Photography can be studied as part of a portfolio of creative subjects, such as Art and Design and Media Studies. Equally, students from other disciplines may well enjoy the opportunity to explore and develop a different set of skills.

Assessment:

Unit 1: Personal Photographic Portfolio and Critical Study 60%
Unit 2: Externally set assignment 40%
All coursework is marked internally and externally moderated.

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

Applied anatomy and physiology; exercise physiology; biomechanics; skill acquisition; sports psychology; sport and society; contemporary issues in physical activity and sport; performance or coaching; Evaluation and Analysis of Performance for Improvement (EAPI).

Complementary Subjects:

Physical Education works well with a broad range of subjects. Biology and Psychology have particular relevance.

Assessment:

Two 2 hour exams plus Non-Examination Assessment (NEA)

Paper 1: Factors affecting participation
in Physical Activity & Sport

Paper 2: Factors affecting optical
performance in Sport

NEA: Practical Performance

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

1. Measurements and their errors
2. Particles and radiation
3. Waves
4. Mechanics and materials
5. Fields and their consequences
6. Electricity
7. Nuclear physics
8. Further mechanics and thermal physics
9. Astrophysics

Complementary Subjects:

Physics fits in well with other natural sciences and, while not absolutely essential at A Level, Mathematics is recommended if considering studying Physics at university. Product Design, PE and Social Sciences can all combine well with Physics.

Assessment:

Three written exams. Paper 1 will assess content from sections 1 to 6. Paper 2 will assess content from sections 6 to 8 (with assumed knowledge from sections 1 to 5). Paper 3 will assess practical skills and data
analysis plus section 9. Practical work is assessed.

This A Level is a two year course which consists of design, make and evaluate projects based on your knowledge and understanding of a range of materials, techniques and processes within the world of design and technology.

Complementary Subjects:

Maths and Science help you to understand the theory behind the practical. Including how and why things work. Computer Science can help you with the study of designing for a user and how to make products and services that can help them.

Assessment:

50% Non Examined Assessment (NEA). This is a substantial design, make and evaluate project that focuses on iteration and designing and making a product for a given user.

50% Written examination. Two written exams that assess your knowledge on wider product design principles and the creative problem solving of a viable design solution.

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

The A Level course is made up of three units:

• Paper one includes a number of topics such as: social influence comprising conformity and obedience; memory, including the study of theories related to memory; as well as eyewitness testimony and explanations of attachment.
• Paper two covers a number of different psychological approaches: psychopathology; abnormality and mental health; and the biopsychology of stress. Students will also gain an excellent grounding in data analysis and research methodology.
• Paper three covers a number of optional topics such as cognition and development, aggression, forensic psychology, relationships and stress.

Complementary Subjects:

Psychology combines well with both science and humanities subjects. Maths and Biology have particular relevance. Law, Sociology or Health & Social Care also complement this subject.

Assessment:

Assessment is via written examination: three 2 hour exams at the end of the course. Each paper is equally weighted.

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

Unit one centres on Education. Students will study topics such as the role and functions of the education system including its relationship to the economy and to class structure, and differential educational achievement of social groups by social class, gender and ethnicity in contemporary society. Unit two covers Families and Households where students will study the issues relating to changes in family and household structure and the impact this has had on society. Unit three covers Crime and Deviance. In this unit, students will consider different explanations of crime and deviance and how various forms of behaviour become labelled as deviant, and how society controls its members.

Complementary Subjects:

Sociology is firmly established at university and complements many other subjects. Students who take Sociology often also study Psychology, Law, English Literature, History, Geography, or Media Studies.

Assessment:

Assessment is via written examination: three, two hour exams at the end of the course. Each paper is equally weighted.

Why Sigma Sixth Sports Academy?

Sigma Sixth Sports Academy offers a unique opportunity for students to study for either their A-levels or the Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Sport whilst training and playing matches in their chosen sport. Currently, rugby, football, golf and basketball academies are available.

How does it work?

Students attend across our Sigma Sixth Colchester Campus including our purpose-built 6th form centre at Philip Morant and the £25m Northern Gateway sports park. Students who wish to access the Sports Academy programme can do so via two pathways:

• studying a combination of A-Levels which must include A-Level P.E.
• or studying the National BTEC Extended Diploma in BTEC sport

The BTEC Sport qualification is the equivalent of three A-Levels and can be used as a pathway to higher education in a sport-related field or as a stepping stone into employment or an apprenticeship within the sports sector, public services and other careers. Fixtures and other competitive opportunities take place throughout the week with county, regional and national fixtures usually taking place each Wednesday.

Progression

We have links with professional clubs and some of our previous students have gained both elite university scholarships and professional contracts.

Others have entered Higher Education to study for a degree in a wide range of related subjects such as Sports Science; Physiotherapy;
Sports Management; Sports Journalism; Biological Sciences; Sports Coaching; Business Management and Marketing; Sport Psychology; and Education.

Others have moved directly into employment in a wide range of related fields.

Course Outline / Additional Requirements

This qualification provides the knowledge, understanding and skills that allow learners to gain experience of the sport sector that will prepare them for further study or training.

View our student guide

Why study BTEC Sport at Advanced Level 3?

• You are passionate about Sport and wish to gain 3 A levels (equivalent)
• Diverse qualification with 12 different units
• All coursework – no exams
• Vocational and academic content
• Practical components to the course
• Direct links to University, apprenticeships, scholarships and employment

What would I study?

• Fitness Testing
• Fitness Training
• Developing Coaching
• Health, wellbeing and sport
• Sports Development
• Careers in Sport
• Self employment in sport
• Practical Sports application
• Applied Coaching Skills
• Rules, regulations & officiating
• Sports Injuries
• Research project in Sport

Careers linked to Sport include:

• Sports coach
• Sports Development Officer
• PE Teacher
• Performance Analyst
• Physiotherapist
• Personal Trainer
• Sports Journalism
• Sports Lawyer
• Sports Centre Manager
• Health and Hospitality
• Sports Therapist
• Sports Marketing

Assessment:

All assessment is internally set and marked and externally moderated. Assessment is ongoing and includes research assignments, case studies and projects as well as practical and technical skills. There are no external examinations. Assessment requires learners to demonstrate that they can identify and use effectively an appropriate selection of skills, techniques, concepts, theories and knowledge from across the whole curriculum as relevant to a key task.