St Mary's School Shaftesbury

Subjects

Art (Fine Art), Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Critical Thinking, Drama and Theatre Studies, English Literature, French, Geography, German, History, History of Art, Latin, Maths, Further Maths, Music, Photography, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Spanish

Art  (Fine Art)

"Art as a unit is both a form of ‘communication’ and a means of expression of ideas and feelings"

"Through both the theoretical studies and the individual development of practical skills, a course should lead to a fuller understanding of the part played by Art and Design, in the history of human development"

Art (Fine Art) aims to:

• Develop intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive powers
• Develop investigative, analytical, experimental, technical and expressive skills, aesthetic understanding and critical judgement
• Develop knowledge and understanding of the role and achievements of artists, craftspeople and designers in the past and in contemporary society
• Develop an understanding of the relationship between, and the connections across the disciplines of art, craft and design

Biology, the science of life.

Biology is a modern science: it continually evolves as new discoveries are made. It is also often controversial, and today there are many ethical considerations that need to be discussed, making the study of this science crucial to understanding the modern world. Everybody benefits from members of society well-educated in biological science; we need people who can analyse data and information rationally and intelligently in order to judge whether newspaper headlines are just ‘hype’ or based on real evidence.

Our Biology AS and A2 courses are carefully chosen for content that will be useful and stimulating, much of it directly relevant to humans as organisms. Practical work is often used where active observation or investigation greatly enhance the understanding of important biological principles. We also use interactive information systems, such as SMART boards, digital probes, DVD and CDROMS, as well the traditional methods of microscopy and dissection (always optional!).

We welcome students from a wide range of academic interests and future career-paths (including those who need a little more time to decide!) - the study of Biology is directly relevant to everybody, as well as those requiring it for further study in the medical and general biological fields.

Business Studies

Business Studies is one of the most popular subjects studied at A level in Britain and University places are becoming increasingly competitive. This subject covers a broad range of highly relevant areas which will provide a firm foundation for many careers and establish a clear knowledge of how business and economy work.

You need to be interested in every aspect of running a business and you will find out more. This is a very ‘hands on’ course and you will need to enjoy maths and be very ICT friendly.

• Is there a market for a product?
• How do you design and produce something which people will buy?
• Where is the best place to set up your factory?
• How do you employ and manage staff?
• How do you organize your business for maximum effect?
• How do you work out your profit margins?
• Where and how do you advertise?
• What businesses can you study which will help you to plan your own? 

Chemistry     

The new course has been developed with the aim of providing a stimulating and relevant course, suitable for those wishing to study pure chemistry to degree level or as an entry requirement for other science disciplines, including medicine and biochemistry. The study of chemistry is intellectually challenging and offers the student an opportunity to learn how to assess the validity of data and draw conclusions from experimental results. In addition all parts of the course are supported by relevant, interesting practical work which will enable students to become adept at handling chemicals and apparatus with care and accuracy.

The specification builds on knowledge and skills learnt at GCSE and offers a more reasonable balance between chemical theory and its relevance to the success of society than earlier specifications. In addition, students are encouraged to consider how society makes important decisions relating to scientific issues and the economic implications which arise from these decisions. Both AS and A2 sections of the course are examined in three units, the first two relating to chemical theory and its application, and the third involving the assessment of practical skills. This third unit will be internally assessed, and externally moderated. The first units at AS and A2 levels have been shortened in order for them to be able to be completed in time for examination in the January examination session, if required. A ‘stretch and Challenge’ component will be introduced into the A2 section of the specification for use when awarding the new A* grade.

Classical Civilisation

Classical Civilisation at AS and A2 follows naturally on from the GCSE exam but is more commonly taken up from scratch, which poses no problems.  The key feature of the course is the variety of its topics, which allows a real sense of the colour and vibrancy of the ancient world to be experienced. 

Topics range from poetry to drama or from art and architecture to society-based subjects such as the treatment of women in antiquity.  For all topics, the starting point is the examination of primary sources from the Greco-Roman world, such as photographs of vases and architectural remains or translations of original Greek and Roman writings.  (No knowledge of Latin or Greek is required). 

As well as learning so many interesting facts, Classical Civilisation students get to develop crucial transferable skills, for example skills of analysis when evaluating texts and source materials or skills of argumentation and expression when conveying subtle ideas and organizing them into a coherent answer to the question in the writing of essays.  The exams involve both shorter questions (responding to extracts or examples from the course materials) and longer essay questions.

Critical Thinking

Rene Descartes said, “I think therefore I am.” But was he thinking critically? Perhaps he was making assumptions or had insufficient reasons for his conclusion. Was he aware of the credibility and had he analysed any of the letters sent to the Blackmore Vale Magazine to assess the quality of the arguments?

All this and more in Critical Thinking, offered as an additional subject in year 13 and leading (if you wish) to an AS level, and to certain University success (=vested interest).

Critically thinking – did you notice this was not in order? It is for those who have survived AS already.

Drama and Theatre Studies

This highly creative course helps girls to get a real understanding of the skills required to take a written play or a theme and produce it in an appropriate and exciting theatrical style.  

At both AS and A2, one of the two units is assessed by a practical exam. Here the girls work in small groups and have complete responsibility for the shows that they present and are assessed on acting, design or directing skills, as they wish.  

At AS, the presentation is from an existing published play; this helps build the skills and experience needed to create their own devised drama at A2.  In both cases, the girls also submit production notes that outline the skills they have been perfecting and how they have been influenced in developing their theatrical style.

The girls are taken to a range of productions (at some extra cost) so that they can experience the rich diversity of theatrical styles in which they might wish to work.  

In both years, as well as being the obvious choice for anyone interested in the Performing Arts or the Media, the benefits of taking this course extend way beyond the world of Drama and Theatre. Girls grow in confidence, not only in presentation and communication skills but also in problem solving and in working with others – excellent transferable skills of great value at university and beyond, as independent and confident individuals.

English Literature

For AS Level:

• Poetry and Prose 1800 – 1945 assessed by a 2 hour exam.
• Literature Post 1900 – assessed by coursework

As you can see from above, the AS course gives emphasis to the later Classics and modern literature, to allow inclusion of the latest prize-winning fiction! Students learn all the important literary vocabulary, but with texts that may have more relevance to them today.

 For A2 Level:

• Drama & Poetry pre-1800
• Texts in Time

Those wishing to pursue the course through to A2 (and most of our students do) will find the whole canon of literature represented, which also gives an important platform to any students who hope to go on to Higher Education for English Literature.

Stretch & Challenge!

You may have heard about this new QCA initiative for all A Levels.  Basically it aims to help universities differentiate between applicants; it does not mean extra exam questions but a slight change of emphasis in the style of question asked.

The questions will be more wide-ranging; put more focus on an analytical, evaluative and discursive response; encourage you to make connections with texts from elsewhere in the course and from your wider reading.

Geography

The world we live in is changing.  Geography allows you to see why and how it is changing.  It can enhance communication skills and literacy are numerous see ICT literacy, spatial awareness working in a team problem-solving and environmental awareness.

It should appeal to students who:

• have an interest in and concern for the environment
• are interested in current affairs
• enjoy studying a subject that is relevant to their own lives and experiences
• want the opportunity to carry out practical work outdoors as well as classwork
• enjoy finding out their own answers – not just being taught
• want to broaden their AS or Advanced GCE studies to cover both ‘sciences’ and ‘humanities’; it makes a good choice to study with many other AS subjects
  
• enjoy travel and finding out about new people, places, landscapes and events
• want to keep their options open – Geography AS or Advanced GCE is an appropriate qualification for a very wide range of higher education or career choices. It does not force you to make an early commitment.

History

“How do you know who you are unless you know where you’ve come from? How can you tell what’s going to happen, unless you know what’s happened before? History isn’t just about the past. It’s about why we are who we are – and what’s next.”  (Tony Robinson, Actor and Television Presenter)

In choosing to study History you will be taking up a challenge. It is a discipline with a core of hard fact that you must learn to master; at the same time you have to be deductive, perceptive and imaginative in the use of that fact. Studying History teaches you to think analytically and to approach a very wide range of issues with an informed, enquiring and open mind.

We study the 16th century because it is colourful and exciting, because it was a period of great change and because it was when many of today’s political, religious and social institutions – and problems – can be said to have originated.

This was a period when individuals achieved so much – we look at behaviour, relationships and motives and try to understand them from the viewpoint of their own time. Our judgments are limited by the evidence available to us. History is dynamic and there is often more than one valid view of a past event. In A2 we spend some time considering historians’ interpretations and this forces us to look again at the values and assumptions of our own time.

The student of History learns to amass a comprehensive body of information, to select from this that which is relevant to their particular enquiry, to prioritise arguments and evidence, and to construct responses, written and verbal, that are logical, coherent and well-informed. Flexibility of thought is essential. These skills are valued by all universities and employers, and are essential for careers in law, public relations, journalism, advertising and the media generally.  

“History is made by people. When you understand people, you can live a full life.”  (Charles Miller Smith, Chairman, Imperial Chemical Industries PLC)

History of Art

History of Art will awaken you to a world of art treasures and inform you of their context and meaning. You will be fascinated by pictures, sculpture and architecture.

You will be able to develop the ability to effectively communicate understanding and knowledge of the history of art, including an awareness of art historical terms, concepts and issues; explore and respond to the significance of art works from studying specific periods of the history of art from a range of familiar and unfamiliar cultures; gain an understanding of the principal methods of researching and investigating art works, and apply research skills to the first-hand study of works of art; develop understanding of how art works have been interpreted, and of the uses to which different sources of historical evidence have been put.

You will study issues such as patronage, gender, the social status of the artist, techniques, function and meaning; the stylistic characteristics of the period in question.

At AS candidates are currently assessed on their general understanding of the Western canon in art and architecture from Greek and Roman antiquity until the High Renaissance (c.1527).

At A2 candidates are assessed on their general understanding of Western modern art, architecture and design from c.1850 until 1990.

Latin

Latin at AS and A2 follows on naturally from GCSE by continuing to combine language work with the study of literature.  A certain amount of new grammar is encountered for the language course, but one of the “softer” new skills required is the challenge of translating poetry in Unseen exams, which requires pupils to develop a more sensitive approach when handling the colourful imagery and flexible language of Latin verse.  The set texts available for the literature modules allow pupils to taste a good variety of Latin writing across various different genres; grand Epic poetry or shorter and more personal ‘lyric’ poems, historical prose writing or the flamboyant prose of public orators such as Cicero.  The literature exams encourage pupils to show their own personal response to passages from the texts, allowing them a free hand to make those comments which they themselves find stimulating.  Writing brief essays on Latin literature is a new facet to the course, but the texts are usually full of interesting issues to explore and pupils are never short of ideas.

Maths and Further Maths

Why should I study Maths or Further Maths in the 6th form?   If you enjoy a challenge, you are prepared to persevere and you want a chance to earn more money than friends with similar qualifications in other subjects!!   This is absolutely true – a survey showed that employees with Maths A level tend to be earning up to 10% more than other employees doing similar jobs but with different A levels!  

Maths and Further Maths give a fantastic spread of topics and a wide base of knowledge to go with any combination of other subjects.  The course covers algorithms, which is the basis of computer programming, linear programming, for solving transport problems in industry, statistics, which help with Geography, Sciences and Psychology, and Mechanics, which has lots of links with Physics and of course lots of algebra and graphs.  Two of the great benefits of Maths are there is no coursework and it is a real break from essays!

Modern Languages

Take your place in a multi-lingual, global society.

Competence in a foreign language is a useful social skill and an increasingly important adjunct in many professional spheres.  During the course you will also acquire a knowledge of the culture of the countries where your language is spoken, and may pursue your own interests through the medium of the foreign language.  

What will you study?

You will develop your linguistic skills while studying authentic contemporary material, drawn from newspapers, magazines, radio, television and the internet.  Topics include language for leisure, many aspects of culture and society, such as the arts, the media, literature, social problems, politics, scientific and technological developments, the environment, geography, industry and a period of recent history..

Which languages?

FRENCH: French is the language of our closest neighbours and the traditional choice for first study.  It is a Romance language, the key to a rich, diverse and vibrant culture carried far and wide, from Canada to Polynesia.

GERMAN: German is the language of a major European power, whose close links with the East will open up new opportunities.  Study of the language can offer students great advantages in business and financial spheres, as well as a better understanding of a great cultural and scientific tradition.

SPANISH: Spanish is spoken by some 300 million people in 21 different countries.  There is increasing awareness of its importance both in Europe and America, and opportunities for Spanish speakers are expanding.

PORTUGUESE: Available as an optional extra.

RUSSIAN: Available as an optional extra.

Music

This is the subject for those of you who want to make the most of your performing skills. There are many possibilities and you will be able to fit into more than one of these areas.

• Solo performing
• Performing on a second instrument/voice
• Performing in a duet or ensemble, or as an accompanist
• Performing own composition

You learn how to write in the style of the classical composers.

You learn how to compose your own piece in any style of your choice using 4 instruments up to a maximum of 10. It could be a piece in contemporary style.

You study 3 beautiful works in the Historical Study section which will lead to a broader understanding of the orchestra and to a deeper insight into particular instruments depending on the choice of repertoire.

You will be able to develop your musical interests at your own tempo as much of the syllabus is coursework.

You do not need GCSE music in order to do AS, but it helps!

You must love music. Music needs to be part of your life.

If you have these two prerequisites you will have the two most important ingredients for success and fulfilment.

Photography

Photography is a form of communication and expression: a visual language which deals with the construction and interpretation of both personal and cultural meanings.

Emphasis in the AS course is in the learning and practice of investigative skills- the process. In the A2 course, whilst the process is important, the quality of the product has a greater emphasis.

Career Possibilities

‘We’re looking for creativity rather than experience’

Photography degree courses are in high demand so universities can be selective. Most universities will expect to see a portfolio and evidence of creativity rather than a great deal of experience in photography, because they can teach that. They like to see evidence that applicants show interest in current photographic practice and evidence of some knowledge about photographers and exhibitions they have visited.

A full advanced level in photography provides a sound basis for students who wish to proceed to Higher Education as well as being a useful background to any career within the photographic and journalistic field.

Although some students will go into employment in photography a major benefit from studying this subject is the acquisition of visual awareness and the opportunity to be a practitioner in image making as well as being a consumer.

Physical Education

If you have a passion for sport and want to learn how to improve your own performance, then this is the course for you. The course is based around you and your performance in two of your chosen sports. All the theory that is learnt can be linked to a greater understanding of what it is that makes you want to take part, achieve and win in any sport or physical activity you pursue. 

We look deep into the body’s muscular and cardiovascular systems, understanding the methods of processing the information you receive during a match or competition and ensuring you are in the zone of peak performance. We also research the background information regarding your sport, its governing body and its development from grass roots to international performers. Why not embrace further education by choosing a subject which links naturally to your drive and ambition within your own free time?

Physics

Physics tries to explain everything from the smallest sub atomic particle to the largest galaxies in the universe, why things behave as they do, and to use mathematical ideas and models to solve scientific, practical and social problems.

For those who have a logical way of thinking, Physics is an enjoyable, stimulating and interesting subject to study at A Level. The courses continue and expand upon many of the themes already encountered in the GCSE Double Award Science as well as introducing many new concepts and attempt to tread a delicate path between theory and practical application.

Whilst the course may not, in itself, answer the following questions, it may encourage you to think about these and other more obtuse, yet strangely practical questions:-

• What is nothing?
• Why is there something instead of nothing?
• What time is it?    Are you sure?
• Why are golf balls dimpled?
• Is this universe 3, 4 or 10 dimensional?
• Is time travel possible?
• Is space infinite?

It is normally expected that girls who wish to study AS physics will have gained at least a B grade in Double Award Science and a grade B in Mathematics.

The logical problem solving and analytical skills developed whilst studying physics are seen as extremely desirable by universities and employers.  You can go from using Chaos Theory to help predict the Stock Markets to helping to design the latest MRI Scanner in medicine.

Psychology

Studying psychology will be an exciting, challenging, stimulating and thought provoking time. Through the study of psychological research and theories of the great psychologists, all ‘common sense’ beliefs will be tested and challenged.

The course is heavy both in terms of the depth and the breadth of study, but a fantastic introduction to this most illuminating and frustrating of academic disciplines.

You may well end up with far more questions about the fascinating differences between people than you had before, but you should become more broad minded, tolerant, questioning, sceptical and wise. You will also develop the skills of writing good reports, applying statistics, and writing good, analytical essays.

Religious Studies

Religious Studies is made up with a combination of Philosophy of Religion and Religious Ethics.

Have you ever questioned why you exist? Why does anything exist? Why is there something rather than nothing? Have you ever wondered why some people say the ‘reason’ is called God?

Are you in the cave; the matrix? Can you get out and seek the source of light? Are you going to ask questions?

What is God? What are the classic arguments for the existence of God? Does Richard Dawkins have any kind of intelligent point? If there is such a thing as God – why is there evil in the world? Can we talk about God? If so what kind of language do we use? Is there life after death? Is there a body and a soul or are they just the same thing?

Why would you not want to explore these questions?

Is there such a thing as right and wrong? Is morality relative or absolute? How do we make moral decisions? Is utilitarianism the answer? What is conscience? Have you got one? Where do you find a conscience? Applied ethics – genetics, sexual ethics, environmental ethics, abortion, euthanasia. How do you make a decision? If you can’t make a decision – this is a great subject for you and even greater if you can!