General Studies 2014

KEY INFORMATION

Introduction

The general studies qualification is designed to complement your other A Levels and broaden your academic knowledge and understanding. It encourages you to think across the main subject areas and enhances the development of thinking and examination skills which will be useful both in your A Level exams and beyond into University.

Key Information

Syllabus – AQA General Studies A

Website (for past papers and mark schemes) – http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/general-studies/a-level/general-studies-a-2760/past-papers-and-mark-schemes

Exam Information

EXAM Date Time LengthGENA1 12 May 2014 AM 1h 30mGENA2 15 May 2014 PM 1h 30mGENA3 02 June 2014 PM 2hGENA4 09 June 2014 AM 2h

Structure of the Course

In order to prepare you for your examinations, you will have TWO General Studies sessions per week. One of these will be focused on the exam, covering structure, requirements, marking criteria and past paper practise. These sessions will be delivered by Mrs Proud (head of General Studies) with Mr Gerrard (director of sixth form) and Mr Brownlee (assistant director of sixth form) in attendance for support. The second session will take the form of a university style ‘academic lecture’ and will be on a topic from the syllabus. Each lecture will be delivered by a different member of staff to allow you to benefit from individual expertise.

All sessions will be in the LECTURE THEATRE.

The ‘exam’ sessions will take place every TUESDAY, 1.30pm – 2.00pm

The programme for the academic lectures is as follows;

STAFF CONTENT DATE TimeMr Brownlee The Nature vs Nurture debate;

are serial killers born or made?Wednesday 22nd January Period 3

(10.20am – 11.05am)Mr George The European Union / Human

RightsMonday 27th January Period 3

(10.20am – 11.05am)Mr Tyreman Historical Topic - Durham

School 600 yearsWednesday 05th February

Period 3(10.20am – 11.05am)

Dr Wiles Scientific Domain topic TBC Monday 10th February Period 3(10.20am – 11.05am)

HALF TERMMOCK EXAM WEEK

Mr Webb An A-Z of Politics over the last 100 years

Monday 03rd March Period 3(10.20am – 11.05am)

Mr Gerrard Drugs in sport Wednesday 12th March Period 3(10.20am – 11.05am)

Mrs Swann Art and Poetry Monday 17th March Period 3(10.20am – 11.05am)

Miss Crielesi Political Terrorism Wednesday 26th March Period 3(10.20am – 11.05am)

EASTER HOLIDAYSTBC Wednesday 23rd April Period 3

(10.20am – 11.05am)TBC Monday 28th April Period 3

(10.20am – 11.05am)TBC Wednesday 7th May Period 3

(10.20am – 11.05am)

You will be provided with materials for the lectures (e.g. PowerPoint slides) but you are expected to take your own notes and engage with the session.

Syllabus at a Glance

Specification and Assessment in Detail