Biology - A LevelHead of Department: Nick Everett

Email: nick.everett@qmc.ac.uk

Fact File• Two year linear A Level Course (Edexcel Biology, spec A – Salters-Nuffield)• 100% Examined (plus a practical endorsement)• Biology is essential for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary science• Optional field trips allow for practical real-world investigations• Taught in state of the art laboratories• A facilitating subject that is respected by both universities and employers

Course SummaryBiology is the study of life and living processes and it is never far from the headlines. Stem-cell research has the potential to revolutionise modern medicine, the use of genetically modified crops could help feed the planet and deforestation could dramatically alter the world’s ecosystems, but, to truly understand the implications these changes could have on our lives, Biology is key. Whether you are interested in the discoveries of the Human Genome Project, the implications of the obesity epidemic or even whether life exists elsewhere in the universe, Biology is the course for you. Biologists are concerned with all these issues and their skills are vital when investigating the living world around us.

Specific entry requirementsTo ensure you have the best possible chance of success in Biology, you are required to have obtained at least grade 6 in both GCSE Core and Additional Science, a grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics and 5 or better in GCSE English. If you have studied the three sciences separately at GCSE you should have obtained at least a 6 grade in Biology and one of the other sciences.

Progression skills and opportunitiesDuring your studies you will develop the skills to perform investigations in our state of the art laboratories, you will learn how to collect data and analyse it and you will discover new facts that will help you form opinions about our world. You will be required to apply your new-found knowledge to unfamiliar contexts and must be able to clearly communicate the reasoning behind your conclusions.

Despite popular belief, Biology is quite numerical: a good level of mathematical understanding is vital and will give you the tools to interpret the results of your investigations with confidence. The strong logical, numerical, problem-solving skills that you develop will make you an attractive prospect for many different employers from a variety of different industries. Biologists are in demand in all types of health and clinical professions, but you could end up working in fields as diverse as law, computing, finance or teaching: the list is almost endless.

How is the course assessed?The new linear A Level Biology course will be assessed by your performance in three exams at the end of the second year. These exams are synoptic and, between them, will cover all the elements from the entire two years of study. Each exam is 2 hours long and will contribute 33% to your final A Level grade. There is no longer any coursework that contributes to your final A Level grade and this will purely depend upon your examination performance. Practical work will still form an integral part of the course, but a separate ‘practical endorsement’ will provide evidence of your successful development of laboratory skills. PASS or FAIL will be added to the final certificate, next to your grade.

What topics will I be studying?1. Lifestyle, Health & Risk The factors involved in maintaining good health, particularly looking at the heart and cv disease.2. Genes & Health The biological principles of genetic disease with a particular focus on cystic fibrosis.3. Voice of the Genome How multicellular organisms develop from single cells to complex individuals.4. Biodiversity & Natural Resources The fantastic biodiversity of the planet and the wealth of natural resources used by humans.5. On the Wild Side How ecosystems work, with photosynthesis being the primary process that underpins most of them.6. Immunity, Infection & Forensics Viruses, Bacteria and how pathologists use analytical techniques to determine the details of death.7. Run for your Life How physiological adaptations enable animals and humans to undertake strenuous exercise.8. Grey Matter How the working of the nervous system allows us to see.

Will I need any specialist materials or equipment?You will need a number of course booklets and practical equipment but everything you require will be provided: you contribute towards these as part of your course costs. Your teacher may recommend other books for study and revision but it is up to you whether you buy these or access them in the College Library.

Art, Craft and Design - A LevelHead of Department: James Fraser-Murison

Email: james.fraser-murison@qmc.ac.uk

Fact File• For students planning a career in Art and Design, the A Level course will have the necessary breadth of work for entry onto a Degree or Foundation degree in Art and Design.• Some students study a one year full-time Art and Design Foundation course before progressing to degree level. A few students go directly into work related areas. Typical career options include fine art, illustration, textile design, interiors, fashion design, fashion promotion and three-dimensional design, including jewellery, costume and theatre.• Combines well with many other subjects at A level including other Art, Design or Media A levels.

Course SummaryArt, Craft & Design is a multi-disciplinary course which involves working with a wide variety of techniques and processes. In the first year, the course expands and develops students’ practical skills, knowledge and understanding of materials. Students will learn a wide variety of drawing, printmaking, craft and textile techniques and will create exciting contemporary artwork in two and three dimensions. This is deal if you want to explore processes and techniques from across the department.

During the second year the course seeks to build on the knowledge gained during the first year and develop the ability to work independently through sustained investigations, development of ideas and in depth analysis. Students will work on a variety of briefs but they will be more personally directed and in depth. The conclusion of the 2 year A level course will be for students to present two components of work in the form of a portfolio with an externally set assignment.

Specific entry requirementsIt is recommended that you have a grade 5 or above in an Art or relevant Technology subject. If this is not applicable, you should bring a small portfolio of work to your enrolment interview.

Being open to experimentation and to trying new things, as well as having a creative outlook and a willingness to work hard, is highly valued.

Biology - A LevelHead of Department: Nick Everett

Email: nick.everett@qmc.ac.uk

Fact File• Two year linear A Level Course (Edexcel Biology, spec A – Salters-Nuffield)• 100% Examined (plus a practical endorsement)• Biology is essential for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary science• Optional field trips allow for practical real-world investigations• Taught in state of the art laboratories• A facilitating subject that is respected by both universities and employers

Course SummaryBiology is the study of life and living processes and it is never far from the headlines. Stem-cell research has the potential to revolutionise modern medicine, the use of genetically modified crops could help feed the planet and deforestation could dramatically alter the world’s ecosystems, but, to truly understand the implications these changes could have on our lives, Biology is key. Whether you are interested in the discoveries of the Human Genome Project, the implications of the obesity epidemic or even whether life exists elsewhere in the universe, Biology is the course for you. Biologists are concerned with all these issues and their skills are vital when investigating the living world around us.

Specific entry requirementsTo ensure you have the best possible chance of success in Biology, you are required to have obtained at least grade 6 in both GCSE Core and Additional Science, a grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics and 5 or better in GCSE English. If you have studied the three sciences separately at GCSE you should have obtained at least a 6 grade in Biology and one of the other sciences.

Progression skills and opportunitiesDuring your studies you will develop the skills to perform investigations in our state of the art laboratories, you will learn how to collect data and analyse it and you will discover new facts that will help you form opinions about our world. You will be required to apply your new-found knowledge to unfamiliar contexts and must be able to clearly communicate the reasoning behind your conclusions.

Royal College of Art, London College of Fashion, Royal School of Needlework, UCA (Farnham,Epsom), UAL (Kingston, Camberwell), Manchester Metropolitan, Bournemouth, Falmouth,Brighton, Winchester and UWE (Bristol).

How is the course assessed?The course is divided into 18 Units which are all equally weighted. 9 units are completed in year 1 for the Subsidiary Diploma and 9 units in year 2 to complete the Extended Diploma which is equivalent to 3 A levels. Each unit is marked at Pass, Merit or Distinction.

What topics will I be studying?• Painting and Drawing• Printmaking• Textiles• Digital and film photography• Illustration• Typography• 3D Design• Contemporary Fine Art• Digital Art• Branding

Will I need any specialist materials or equipment?The studio fee of £125 per year covers most of the materials that students will require. Students may wish to purchase additional craft materials to develop additional skills within their area of interest. There will be the opportunity to take part in a residential trip.

Despite popular belief, Biology is quite numerical: a good level of mathematical understanding is vital and will give you the tools to interpret the results of your investigations with confidence. The strong logical, numerical, problem-solving skills that you develop will make you an attractive prospect for many different employers from a variety of different industries. Biologists are in demand in all types of health and clinical professions, but you could end up working in fields as diverse as law, computing, finance or teaching: the list is almost endless.

How is the course assessed?The new linear A Level Biology course will be assessed by your performance in three exams at the end of the second year. These exams are synoptic and, between them, will cover all the elements from the entire two years of study. Each exam is 2 hours long and will contribute 33% to your final A Level grade. There is no longer any coursework that contributes to your final A Level grade and this will purely depend upon your examination performance. Practical work will still form an integral part of the course, but a separate ‘practical endorsement’ will provide evidence of your successful development of laboratory skills. PASS or FAIL will be added to the final certificate, next to your grade.

What topics will I be studying?1. Lifestyle, Health & Risk The factors involved in maintaining good health, particularly looking at the heart and cv disease.2. Genes & Health The biological principles of genetic disease with a particular focus on cystic fibrosis.3. Voice of the Genome How multicellular organisms develop from single cells to complex individuals.4. Biodiversity & Natural Resources The fantastic biodiversity of the planet and the wealth of natural resources used by humans.5. On the Wild Side How ecosystems work, with photosynthesis being the primary process that underpins most of them.6. Immunity, Infection & Forensics Viruses, Bacteria and how pathologists use analytical techniques to determine the details of death.7. Run for your Life How physiological adaptations enable animals and humans to undertake strenuous exercise.8. Grey Matter How the working of the nervous system allows us to see.

Will I need any specialist materials or equipment?You will need a number of course booklets and practical equipment but everything you require will be provided: you contribute towards these as part of your course costs. Your teacher may recommend other books for study and revision but it is up to you whether you buy these or access them in the College Library.

Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke, Hants, RG21 3HF Tel: 01256 417500 Email: info@qmc.ac.uk www.qmc.ac.uk