Independent Study Guide
2013-14
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Help make the jump from GCSE to Post-16 study with these
suggested study tasks from your teachers.
Post-16 Independent study guide
“What determines your success at GCSE is how hard you work in your lessons. What
determines your success at A Level is how hard you work outside of lessons.”
Across the country GCSE results have steadily been rising over the past few years. Some
people put this down to young people working harder and standards in schools rising.
Others claim that GCSEs have got easier. Whatever the reasons, it is true to say that many
schools have become exceptionally good at preparing their students to pass GCSE
examinations and The Nottingham Bluecoat School is no exception.
The other side of this coin is that the leap from GCSEs to A Levels is as large as ever.
Students who succeed in achieving their 5 higher grade passes aren’t necessarily wellprepared to tackle A Levels which are, by name and by nature, “Advanced”. GCSEs require
that you remember, understand and apply; A Levels require higher order thinking skills: the
ability to evaluate, analyse, research, assess, investigate and explore. Students can be
coached through GCSEs by skilled teachers but must be capable of independent thought and
independent study to succeed in their A Levels. Many graduates look back and agree that
studying for their A Levels was every bit as challenging as studying for their degree.
This booklet is designed to help you make this leap to Level 3 study. The tasks have been
written by your teachers, each of them specialists in their subject areas. Use your study
periods and time outside of school to work through some of the suggested tasks and don’t
hesitate to ask any of your teachers with support at any stage.
Good luck!
The Post-16 team
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Art AS & A2
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Go to Art room to continue practical coursework.
Read through OCR AS/A Level Art & Design Suite specification at www.ocr.org.uk
Ensure sketchbooks are thoroughly annotated.
Use internet/library to further your artist research.
Refer to local newspapers to research local exhibitions and visit them.
Spend time reading around the subject - 'The Story of Art' by E. H. Gombrich is in the
school library.
Biology AS
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Read relevant sections from the text book, including key definitions and examiners'
tips.
Answer questions from the text book at the end of each double page.
Have a go at practice questions and examination questions at the end of each
chapter.
Check through the specification (found at www.ocr.org.uk) to make sure you
understand the concepts you have covered in class.
Learn your definitions for key words.
Practice calculations for magnification.
Work through past exam papers and look at mark schemes to see what examiners
are looking for (can be found at www.paperbank.co.uk or www.ocr.org.uk; the
papers on the paperbank website are from the old specification but will be very
similar styles to the new exams).
Use the concept maps in the text book which are found at the end of each module.
Add notes to your own version and use them as revision tools.
Use the exam café CD at the back of the book to practice exam technique and
develop revision systems.
Buy and use a revision guide. Most of these contain other questions (with answers)
for you to test yourself.
Work with a friend to test yourself with definitions and other problems.
Make revision cards for the key words in each topic.
Read the 'New Scientist' (available in the Post-16 library - check with the librarian) or
similar scientific journal to expand your knowledge.
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Biology A2
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Work with a friend to test yourself with definitions and other problems.
Make revision cards for the key words in each topic.
Draw concept maps for each topic.
Read the 'New Scientist' (available in the Post-16 library - check with the librarian) or
similar scientific journal to expand your knowledge.
Read relevant sections from the text book, including information in the blue boxes.
Use the exam café CD to practice exam technique.
Use the concept maps at the end of each section to summarise your learning.
Have a go at the practice questions at the end of each chapter.
Check through the specification (found at www.ocr.org.uk) to make sure you
understand the concepts you have covered in class.
Learn your definitions for key words.
Work through past exam papers and look at mark schemes to see what examiners
are looking for (can be found at www.paperbank.co.uk or www.ocr.org.uk).
Buy and use a revision guide. Most of these contain other questions (with answers)
for you to test yourself.
Business Studies AS & A2
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Read and make notes on a relevant article from the ‘Business Review’ magazines
available from the Post 16 library.
Read the Business section of the BBC News website. Find out why businesses are
headlines, be prepared your Business teacher may ask you questions about this
weekly research.
Read the Business section of the newspapers in the Post-16 library.
Attempt the revision questions not covered in class or as homework at the end of
each chapter in ‘AS Business’ and ‘A2 Business’ textbook and pass to your teacher
for marking.
Business (Level 2 BTEC)
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Complete coursework that is set in lessons.
Read back through class notes, ensuring that you understand the key terms and
theory.
Read relevant sections of the text book and make notes.
Read the Business section of the newspapers in the Post-16 library.
Visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/default.stm and keep up to date with
current business news. Choose 1 article of interest concerning a business and put
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together a short Powerpoint presentation on the history of that business and why it
is currently in the news.
Visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/grammar/ and work on improving your
literacy skills.
Using the 'BTEC First' text book answer the "Over to you" questions at the end of
each unit. (e.g Unit 1: Exploring Business Purposes - page 43).
Log onto www.businessstudiesonline.co.uk, then click on Activities, then GCSE
Business Studies, then choose a topic (e.g chain of production).
Business (Level 3 BTEC)
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Complete coursework that is set in lessons.
Read back through class notes, ensuring that you understand the key terms and
theory.
Read relevant sections of the text book and make notes.
Read the Business section of the newspapers in the Post-16 library.
Visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/default.stm and keep up to date with
current business news. Choose 1 article of interest concerning a business and put
together a short Powerpoint presentation on the history of that business and why it
is currently in the news.
Visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/grammar/ and work on improving your
literacy skills.
Chemistry AS & A2
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Please come to revision sessions at lunchtime in SC09. Y12 every Wednesday, Y13
every Tuesday.
Watch the tutorial videos that can be accessed via the Chemistry Frog page.
Attempt the 'Weekly Questions' each week that can be accessed via the Chemistry
Frog page. The answers are also provided so that you can test yourself. Then, come
to revision if you are not arriving at the correct answers.
Work with a friend to test each other using the Chemistry flashcards that can be
accessed via studyblue (ask Mr Garner if you do not know how to find these).
Work with a friend to test yourself with definitions and other problems.
Read relevant sections from the text book including the “Key Ideas” at the end of
every double page spread.
Answer practice questions from the text book within each chapter and at the end of
each unit (answers are in the back of the book to refer to).
Check through the specification you have been given to make sure you understand
the concepts you have covered in class.
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Learn your definitions – approximately 10% of marks in the exam will be for these
and you need to know them word perfect!
Work through past exam papers and look at mark schemes to see what examiners
are looking for. These are available online at www.aqa.org.uk
Buy and use a revision guide. Most of these contain other questions (with answers)
for you to test yourself.
Read the 'New Scientist' (available in the Post-16 library - check with the librarian) or
similar scientific journal to expand your knowledge.
Childcare CACHE
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Read articles in 'The Nursery World' publication.
Add detail to your anthology of verse and rhyme. Section into number, action
rhymes etc.
Investigate similar from a variety of cultures and include a few examples from
languages other than English.
Plan resources to accompany a selection of your action rhymes.
Consider entries into your Placement diary. eg how you are promoting a child's
Physical, Emotional, Social and Intellectual development during placement activities.
There will always be aspects of course work to complete therefore you will ALWAYS
have lots of work to complete during study periods.
CIDA (ICT)
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Book: "Dida Unit 1 - Using ICT" by Martin Barall.
"Activebook Students Pack" by Elaine Topping.
www.edexcel.org.uk/dida
www.matchware.com/EN/dida/DIDAsolutions
www.boardworksdida.co.uk
www.oakresoureces.com
Computing AS
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Refer to 'AQA AS Computing' by Sylvia Langfield (Author), Kevin Bond (Author).
http://www.computerweekly.com/Home/Default.aspx
http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/computing_new.php
All notes published for the course are in
public/ICT/Year12/Computing/MissMcCarney/NewAS
Log into Kerboodle and refer to AS Computing.
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Log into www.erevision.co.uk and try out the different types of tests to see how you
get on!
Creative and Media Level 2 BTEC
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Read through BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Creative Media Production (QCF)
specification on www.edexcel.com (Units: 1, 2, 5, 10).
Check coursework set in lessons is up to date – both written and practical work
(guidance materials on Public Drive).
Read around the subject using the Post 16 library Media Studies section.
Practise stop-motion animation techniques using a webcam and inanimate objects
or paper shapes.
Open Serif Movie Plus X3 – Click on Help and work through the editing software
tutorials.
Creative and Media Level 3 BTEC
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Read through BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production (QCF) specification and
units on FROG.
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Check coursework set in lessons is up to date – both written and practical work
(guidance materials on FROG). Update wiki/blog, evaluating your progress.
Read around the subject using the Post 16 library Media Studies section.
Continue practical work in AR08 or recording studio – ask VM/WZ/SCC for access to
video/audio equipment.
Research local opportunities to visit film/recording studios or take part in
workshops.
Research HE opportunities at universities using careers library (read University
Prospectuses/websites).
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Drama AS
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Research 20th Century Dance practitioners and Musical Choreography in terms of
style, technique and key works.
Attend out of lesson dance classes to develop technique and fitness.
Revise core muscle and anatomy knowledge.
Research the 18th century colonisation of Australia by the British, considering also
Aboriginal culture and 'dreamtime'.
Explore Brecht's life and the impact that his background and experiences had on his
writing.
Create a portfolio of past productions of "Blood Wedding" and "Our Country's
Good".
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Explore Stanislavski's system via background reading of An Actor Prepares and
Building A Character.
Research the life of Lorca and the history and politics of Spain in the 1930s.
Create staging ideas and design ideas for at least three scenes of each set text.
Drama A2
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Research further the life and work of Brecht and Stanislavski.
Research theatre companies and create a portfolio of styles, techniques and pictures
(e.g. Trestle, Forced, Compass, DV8, Kneehigh, Reduced Shakespeare Company)
Develop your knowledge of and notes on Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre, and the
role of religion and morality in 16th century England.
Research Ancient Greek theatre - its context, conventions, genres and history.
Research and explore the ideas of Antonin Artaud's 'Theatre of Cruelty', plus the
visual ideas of Edward Gordon Craig.
Economics AS & A2
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Read up and make notes from your workbook.
Practise questions at the back of the A-Level text book.
Past papers, exemplar answers and student resources on the AQA website.
Friday Afternoon Economics folder from the library.
BBC 10 O'Clock news and Channel 4; 7pm news.
The Money Programme BBC 2 and Radio 4.
Finance section of Broadsheet newspapers.
Economics Review - Journal in the Library.
A great website for revising economic concepts is economics online www.economicsonline.co.uk/
Find the relevant clip on You Tube of Phil Holden - he goes through Economic
concepts in a straightforward, non-complicated way www.youtube.com/user/pajholden
English Language AS & A2
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Use revision guides in the Post-16 Library to consolidate learning from lessons.
Read from the wide selection of theorists' and linguists' books in the Post-16 Library.
Look up key terms in David Crystal's 'Encyclopaedia of the English Language' which
can be found in the Post-16 Library.
Research and take notes around the key concepts and theories of language study.
Revise your understanding of grammatical terms.
Take notes around the key frameworks of graphology, phonology, lexis, grammar,
semantics, pragmatics and discourse.
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Visit http://linguistics-research-digest.blogspot.co.uk/ for current theory on English
Language topics.
See - http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/index.php to look at and make notes on the
specification, past exam papers and examiners’ reports and guidance for the
different components of the course.
See - http://www.teachit.co.uk/armoore/default.htm and make notes.
English Literature AS & A2
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Read and take notes from the relevant articles in “The Phillip Allen English Review”
available in the Post-16 library.
Research and take notes on the social and historical context of the texts you are
studying.
Read texts in the same genre or by the same author as those you are studying in
class.
See http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/index.php to look at and make notes on the
specification, past exam papers and examiners’ reports and guidance for the
different components of the course.
See http://www.crossref-it.info/ for background information and context.
See http://www.teachit.co.uk/armoore/default.htm and make notes.
Geography AS & A2
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Read relevant textbook pages and take further notes.
Use Post-16 library copies of 'Geography Review' to search for relevant
articles. Many of these have discussion points and activities associated with them.
The library also subscribes to National Geographic and the main broadsheet
newspapers which often have relevant pieces.
Use BBC news and other respectable websites to research additional case studies.
Keep your eyes peeled for Geographical TV programmes. Planet Earth, Human
Planet, Tribe are all excellent. The channels Eden, National Geographic and Discovery
Channel often have related shows on. Many can also be viewed on You Tube.
Access the AQA specification on the exam board website (www.aqa.org.uk) and
create revision notes for each aspect of the specification.
Attempt past papers from AQA website.
Government & Politics AS & A2
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Read "Politics Review" - 5 years of back copies in the Post-16 library.
Read a broadsheet newspaper.
Read the BBC news website.
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Read the Politics Association website.
Read some of the texts available in the cupboard in PC06.
Watch BBC's Newsnight and the Channel 4 news at 7.00 p.m.
Past papers, exemplar answers and student resources on the AQA website.
Health & Social Care BTEC (Level 3)
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Complete coursework set in lessons.
Check Unit Contents and feedback details particularly carefully.
Read back through class notes, ensuring that you understand the key terms and
theory.
Research for your independent project, find sources, carry out surveys, plan
interviews; record every source used & comment on its usefulness.
Research and collect articles from newspapers, magazines and the internet that can
be used when giving real life examples in the coursework sections.
Update your Reflective Diary and Action Plan.
History AS
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Background reading of articles in History magazines (e.g. ‘20th Century History
Review’, ‘History Today’) and on the internet. Select the articles/material according
to your interests and in relation to the AS study topics as well.
Watch History programmes (e.g. History Channel, UK History). Again, select
according to interests and in relation to AS study areas. See especially the ‘Cold War’
series.
Read a recent biography of Mao Zedong. You should also read ‘Wild Swans’ by Jung
Chang.
Read up about the Crimean War: Find out about William Howard Russell of The
Times and the photography of Roger Fenton – and the impact of their work. Read
Tennyson’s ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ and a critical commentary of its sentiments.
Recent research on Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole and medical
developments (1850s – 60s) would be worth examining. Lord Raglan, Lord Cardigan
and Cardwell’s reforms are people and issues you need to know about.
Research the Boer War and the First World War, especially in terms of their impact
on British society. Extend your knowledge on the treatment of Great War deserters,
shell shock victims and conscientious objectors. Look at propaganda methods and
their impact.
There is also lots of material available on the USA and the Cold War. ‘The USA and
Vietnam 1945 – 75’ by Vivienne Sanders comes highly recommended.
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History A2
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Lots of good articles on US History 1917-1954 in History magazines (stick to domestic
policy and developments rather than foreign policy).
Internet research and reading on National Prohibition (causes, consequences and
reasons for repeal). The life of Al Capone as a key gangster is worth exploring. Look
also at the propaganda of both ASL (Anti-Saloon League) and the campaign groups of
the repeal lobby.
Research on Hoover and Roosevelt as presidents would be helpful.
Look into the re-emergence of KKK in 1920s as well as other forms of intolerance,
e.g. anti-communism. The Sacco and Vanzetti case is worth examination.
Consider changes in the role of women (1920s - 1930s) - the 'flappers' in particular.
Any texts/internet materials which offer an informed assessment of (a) why the
Depression went so deep; (b) the New Deal; (c) the impact of World War 2 on the US
economy and society; (d) McCarthyism.
Reading: lots of good Depression novels, e.g. John Steinbeck 'Grapes of Wrath' and F.
Scott-Fitzgerald 'The Great Gatsby'.
General reading about the last three Tsars; Tsars Alexander II, III and Nicholas II
Novels such as 'A day in the life of Ivan Denisovich' by Alexander Solzhenitsyn to give
you an idea about life under Stalin.
General reading around the nature of rule in Russia and how it changed between
1856 and 1964, especially focusing on the change from the Tsars to Communism.
Films (or 'movies' if you like!): both of the above novels have been filmed. Lots of
good gangster movies from the 1930s including 'Angels With Dirty Faces'.
IT (Level 3 OCR National) and Cambridge Technical Level 3 in ICT
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Read the technology section of a quality newspaper such as The Times.
Stay up to date with recent technological developments. See the BBC website at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/default.stm.
Understand how technology works (www.howstuffworks.com). This should include
Internet, Search Engines etc.
Practice creative skills using Macromedia software.
Practice advanced spreadsheet skills - Public _ ICT - OCR- Unit 1.
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/ocrnationals/ict_level_3/index.html
http://ulearnit.co.uk/nationals/index.php
www.fatmax.org
ICT AS
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Practice Excel and DTP skills for Exam/coursework.
Spreadsheet Projects in Excel– Mott & Rendell (Post-16 library, purchase, borrow
from ICT).
http://www.teach-ict.net/software/excel_2007/excel_2007.htm
http://office.microsoft.com/en-au/publisher-help/ or
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/ict/cynnal_ict1/ Welsh grid for learning
multimedia support website.
Search Google for “Microsoft Excel Tutorials”
Essential ICT for WJEC' – AS level book – Stephen Doyle (Post-16 library, purchase,
borrow from ICT).
Course notes and help for project/theory: Public\ICT\Year 12\A Level\WJEC
ICT A2
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Practise Access Database skills for coursework.
Advanced projects in Access – Mott & Rendall (Post 16 library, purchase, borrow
from ICT).
Search Google for “Microsoft Access Tutorials”
Essential ICT for WJEC – A2 Level book – Stephen Doyle (Post-16 library, purchase,
borrow from ICT).
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/2011-12/ict/cynnal/a2/index.html?iaith=1 welsh grid
for learning multi media support website.
Course notes and help for project/theory: Public\ICT\Year 13\A Level\WJEC
Languages AS & A2
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Authentic magazines and CDs on library shelves.
Foreign language books also on library shelves.
Listening and reading activities on www.kerboodle.co.uk.
Past papers available on AQA website.
www.bbc.co.uk / www.euronews.net for up-to-date news in French, German and
Spanish .
www.languagesonline.org.uk for grammar practice.
www.linguascope.co.uk and then select media for live French, German and Spanish
television programmes.
Law AS & A2
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Obtain a copy of 'Law Review' magazine from the Library and read up on articles
relevant to the topic areas you are currently studying. Summarise the key points of
the article and keep to use when revising.
Construct a table of key cases relevant to each topic area using the notes you are
provided with in class. The table should have 3 columns: Topic Area (e.g. Factual
Causation), case name (e.g. R v White) and finally a column detailing the facts of
each case and why that judgement was important. These case tables will make
learning key cases easier when revising each topic area.
Obtain a copy of a previous examination paper and mark scheme (available from
www.aqa.org.uk). Use the mark scheme to highlight any concepts or areas of law
you are unfamiliar with. Research those areas using your notes or appropriate law
text books.
Maths AS & A2
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Go over work completed in class; redo examples in order consolidate understanding.
Complete extra questions from the text book. Answers can be checked from the
back of the book to ensure that you are following the correct methods.
Use the website - www.mathsnet.net and www.mymaths.co.uk
Visit the Edexcel website to access further information and practise materials.
Read the PowerPoint presentations in the Maths area on the public drive. Complete
the examples and check your methodology with the given solutions.
Do lots of practice questions from any source.
Create revision sheets that include key points and practical tips.
Media Studies AS
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Read a music magazine to see how the magazine helps its readers feel like part of a
community of music fans with similar tastes.
Research the history and ownership of three music magazines. Choose from: NME,
Kerrang, Mojo, Q Magazine or Metal Hammer.
Choose a music magazine and watch its equivalent website once a day for a week.
Keep notes of what changes.
Practise photographing friends. Choose their clothes, pose, and location. Try a
variety of shot distances and ways of framing the shot.
Learn moving image shot types, movements, angles and distances. Also, learn about
transitions and editing techniques.
Watch one TV Drama programme each week. Make a note of the title, the main
characters and the genre. Think about how: women, men, social groups, age and
gender are represented.
Media Studies A2
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Create a portfolio of key film texts for each decade since 1900 and categorise by
genre.
Recap key concepts from the public drive: Institutions, Ideology, Audience, Media
Language and Representation.
Watch these key films: Quadrophenia, If, This Is England, NEDS, 24/7, A Hard Day's
Night, Scum, East Is East, Bend It Like Beckham, Trainspotting.
Research the critical theories of Representation by David Gauntlett, David
Buckingham, Richard Dyer, Judith Butler and Tessa Perkins.
Analyse a 1-minute film sequence in terms of shot construction, mise-en-scene,
editing and use of sound.
Investigate the dangers of censorship on liberty and freedom.
Extend knowledge of cinematic terms and techniques, particularly filming and
editing.
Music AS & A2
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Practise your pieces for the performance element of the course.
Come and work on compositions in a practice room or using the music software
available.
Revision of the the three Classical and three Jazz set works (AS) or research and
revision of song writers of the early 20th century (A2)Research into film music
composers - Howard Shore, Morricone, John Williams, etc.
Spend time working on the performance investigation.
PE AS & A2
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Look at www.bodyworks.com and www.psychologytoday.com for relevant info.
Use http://www.brianmac.co.uk/index.htm for more information.
Ask a member of staff for work sheets or extra help.
Use information on the exam board web site (www.ocr.org.uk)
Use lesson notes to reinforce learning.
Create your own PowerPoint for later revision and improve understanding of the
topic.
Look at PE AS/ A2 text book for further notes.
Look at Public Drive for lesson notes and presentations.
Purchase Letts Revision guide for AS/ A2 PE, available at WHSmith. Provides concise
clear information presented in a different way.
Use the Post-16 to read publications such as ‘PE after 16’.
Keep abreast of Sports news and initiatives by reading a good quality broadsheet
newspaper.
Use OCR website to download and practice past papers and mark schemes.
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Physics AS & A2
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Read through the relevant sections in the textbook.
Attempt the relevant practice exam questions at the end of each module.
Check through your checklist to record what you have covered and what you
understand.
Refer to your copy of the equation booklet. Make sure you know which equations
you will be given in the exam and where they can be found.
Learn definitions for keywords.
Make revision cards or concept maps for each chapter of the topic, including
definitions and equations.
Buy a revision guide and use this to test yourself on what you have done in the
lesson. These are also available from the Physics dept.
Use the internet to further research key parts of the topic or to keep track of new
developments in physics.
Work through past exam papers and look at mark schemes to see what examiners
are looking for. These are available online on the at:
http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/AS_ALevelGCE/Physics A/documents.html
Install examquest using the installation files on the public drive. Answer practise
exam questions on the topics covered in class.
Product Design (Graphics) AS & A2
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Practise sketching objects using isometric, orthographic and perspective drawing
techniques.
Continue developing drawing, colouring and toning skills using the following web link
- http://www.technologystudent.com
Background reading of articles on design in weekend newspapers like "The
Guardian" and "The Sunday Times". Start putting a collection or ‘book’ of interesting
articles together which you can later use as reference.
Watch design programs (Dragons Den, The Apprentice, Grand Designs, How’s It
Made).
Revise ‘Graphic Production’ methods using the web link http://www.bbc.co.uk
Browse design books in book stores (Waterstones and Borders have a great range of
graphic design books and often have coffee shops in which you can read them!).
Read design journals like ‘International Journal of Design’, ‘Typographica’, and
general lifestyle magazines. These journals can be expensive to buy, but you can
often view articles on the internet or browse the journals in bookshops or libraries
for free!
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Become familiar with a number of different design companies and designers using
the search engines on the internet. To get you started, look up these - Attik Design,
David Carson, Robert Sabuda, Foil Design.
 Visit university and college exhibitions at the likes of Nottingham Trent University.
They’re always over-flowing with fresh, innovative ideas produced by degree level
students about to enter the industry.
Product Design (Textiles) AS & A2
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Use the Textiles room to continue practical course work.
Use the materials in FROG to support your understanding and knowledge of
examination theory.
Research current trends, themes and designers using the internet and magazines.
Use the library to find books on fibres and fabrics, fashion illustration, sewing
(construction) techniques, decorative techniques and designers.
Research work of a wide range of designers, both current and historical. Know what
they are famous for and their iconic designs. Understand the social and economic
influences on design.
Go shopping! Look at what is currently on offer in the shops and how it is presentedcollect catalogues, postcards and advertising that inspire you.
Write to relevant textile companies and ask for samples of fabric and catalogues to
support your work. The Designers Guild and Osborne & Little are good ones for
interiors. Collect other samples wherever you can.
Watch fashion catwalk shows on www.youtube.com
Collect a range of resources that you could use to enhance your work and
presentation
Collect samples wherever you can.
Read fashion articles in Vogue, The Times newspaper, magazines, online articles etc.
Use information on the exam board web site.
Psychology AS & A2
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Log onto www.holah.co.uk and use the wealth of Psychology resources on here (past
exam papers, revision activities, study summaries etc).
Log onto www.ocr.org.uk and access many past exam papers and mark schemes.
Read copies of "Psychology Review" (in the Post-16 library) to deepen your
understanding of the issues we cover.
Create a glossary of key terms in Psychology along with their definitions - include all
of the key concepts covered in the course such as 'ethnocentrism' and 'reductionism'
Create mind maps of each of the 5 main areas in Psychology - Social Psychology,
Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Physiological Psychology and
Individual Differences. Include an overview of all of the key pieces of research in
each area.
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Read the newspapers to find real life examples of the theories and issues covered in
class.
Religious Studies AS & A2
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Read and make notes on one of the available commentaries on a relevant part of St.
John’s Gospel (e.g. Prologue, purpose of the gospel, passages where Jesus is in
conflict with religious or political authorities, the Passion narrative).
Read and make notes on a relevant article from the Philip Allen RS Review
magazines, available from the Post 16 library (e.g a topic we have covered or the
exam tips sections).
Read and make notes about some of the concepts of philosophy covered in the
course, using one of the books on Philosophy in the Post-16 library (Peter Vardy
books).
Use the following web link to search for relevant items & make notes:
http://www.rsweb.org.uk/re/regenerallinks.html.
Use the following web link to look at and make notes on the specification, past
papers, exemplar material and examiner’s reports for the topics we are covering:
http://www.edexcel.org.uk/quals/gce/rs.
Read up about cognitive language and the verfication and falsification principles.
Take notes on how cognitive language differs from non-cognitive language.
Read information on Braithwaite and Moral discourse.
Refresh your memory by reading through 'Religious Experience' textbook.
Science BTEC (Level 3)
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Check through the specification (found at
http://www.edexcel.com/quals/nat/appsci/appsci/Pages/default.aspx) to make sure
you understand the concepts you have covered in class in your current module.
Learn your definitions for key words.
Practice calculations for magnification (module 1).
Produce labelled diagrams of cell organelles.
Produce a concept map to include all the key information from your current module.
Make revision cards for the key words in each topic.
Work with a friend to test yourself with definitions and other problems.
Read the 'New Scientist' (available in the Post-16 library - check with the librarian) or
similar scientific journal to expand your knowledge.
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Sociology AS & A2
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Research careers to which you’re current course may be required, contact employers
around visiting such posts. (Assistance available from course tutor).
Attempt exam past papers for their respective modules at the following website:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gceasa/soc_assess.php.
Build a glossary/encyclopaedia of Sociological research and studies. This is
important because you will need to use these in assessment. As a guide, 2 per topic.
For example:
o Ethnicity & Poverty
 Yearndle (2000) . . .and a brief description
 Hannerz (1969) . . and a brief description
Use a variety of websites to go on quizzes/download resources/do extra reading:
o http://www.sociology.org.uk/drevise.htm
o http://www.sociologyonline.co.uk/
Read Sociology Review and national newspapers to find appropriate articles that link
to features of the course you are studying.
Read ‘Sociology in the news’ folder and complete the attached worksheets – this is
available in the Sociology teaching room on the shelves.
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