Year 12 Entry

We are delighted that you are considering joining the Sixth Form at Reading School. 

Our aim is to provide you with a vibrant learning environment that will enable you to make the most of your undoubted talents, whether they be in academic, sporting, cultural or artistic arenas. It is our hope that your time in the Sixth Form will provide you with a springboard to an outstanding university education, a fulfilling career and a life of learning.

We are eager to welcome new students to the School and have capacity for around 180 students in Year 12 next year. We always value the vibrancy and perspective that is added by external candidates when they join us in the Sixth Form.

Rev Dr Chris Evans - Headmaster

Mr Alun Lloyd - Head of Sixth Form

Reading School is a modern and vibrant place to study for Sixth Form, set within historic grounds, as part of a long tradition. Our vision for Reading School is that we should become a flourishing world-leading institution developing academic excellence and building good men.

Some of our School Captaincy Team journey around the School site to give you a flavour of where you may be spending your day and to give you an insight into some of the aspects of the School they think you should know about.  

Mr T Evans, Assistant Head, talks about The Reading Way our whole school approach to building good men, an idea that is weaved into everything we do at the School. It is vital to us that students acknowledge that attending Reading School is about a great deal more than just academic excellence. He discusses our four pillars: Excellence, Integrity, Leadership and Community and explains how Sixth Formers play a significant role in implementing The Reading Way.

Sport is a vital part of Reading School’s provision. We care deeply about ensuring students get access to physical activity and have the opportunity for both recreational sport and to push themselves through competitive fixtures, if they wish to.

We have a wide range of clubs, sports and teams in which students can participate and we always produce very competitive rugby, football and cricket teams that compete with a range of local schools as well as entering local leagues, local cups and national cups.

The School’s sporting facilities are ever-evolving, with the Morgan Road pitches hosting most Games lessons and many sporting fixtures, alongside the School field which will also showcase the highlight fixture of the day. The School has basketball and table tennis facilities for students to use during breaks and free periods, as well as the MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) that Sixth Form students can use on a rota of availability. Furthermore, we have the fantastic Rodney Huggins Fitness Suite in which students can work out, when supervised, as well as the new addition of the outdoor gym equipment running along the main drive.

Plans are also in place for a new Sports Hall, new 3G pitch and a renovation of School’s swimming pool, all of which will further enhance the sporting options for students at Reading School.

Boarding is a vibrant part of our Sixth Form experience at Reading School. Typically, we have around 25 Sixth Form boarders, who live on site during the week. Students who join the School in Sixth Form and those who have already been established in boarding for the first five years of their time at the School, benefit from the independence that boarding can offer. Sixth Formers in particular benefit from this as a stepping stone to the experience of living at university, getting the chance to live with their peers, cook together, socialise together and study together, all while having the support network of a team of experienced boarding tutors on site.

Please watch the video above and read the Sixth Form Boarding Prospectus to get more insight into what boarding can offer. For more information please email: boarding@reading-school.co.uk.

Ensuring our students’ well-being is fundamental to everything we do at the School. Without the safety and happiness of our students, none of the other aims we have for their success are possible.

As a result, we strive to maximise the care and support we offer our Sixth Form students, with a dedicated Sixth Form team committed to ensuring every student has the support they need. This starts with their tutor, who will be the main point of contact for all student concerns. Additionally, we have a large Student Support Team who work with students who have special educational needs, access arrangements for exams or just need a little extra help.

Beyond that we have Miss A. Stratford and Mrs H. Majorossy-Young, who lead on Sixth Form pastoral and academic care respectively. You can hear from them in the video above, as they explain their roles and the support students get in the Sixth Form. 

A vital part of your decision-making process for choosing your Sixth Form should be whether or not the School will facilitate the next steps you want to take. Reading School has an outstanding record with supporting university applications to the very best universities, with a devoted team who specifically work to maximise your chances of success. Mr D Whitehorn, the Sixth Form Transition Lead, talks about the School’s approach to university preparation and Careers, hopefully giving you an insight into the exceptional support you will receive for your UCAS applications and the expert guidance you will receive from our Careers Advisor.

Art

(A651QS WJEC Eduqas A level Art and Design: Fine Art)

Description

The focus of Art at A-level is to extend and develop skills learnt at GCSE, whilst aiming to encourage students to take more creative risks and really grow as artists. The course will provide you with opportunities to explore ideas in a wide range of media and forms. There are many elements you will master as the course progresses, such as being confident in taking creative risks, learning from and resolving mistakes, creating personal responses to project starting points, and developing and refining your practical skills. Additionally, working independently, and being able to contextualise your own practice through studying and understanding the work of other practitioners is of vital importance.

To be successful this course will require you to be independent and commit to extended learning outside of the classroom; it is hard work from the start, however, the more you put in, the more you will enjoy yourself, and the more rewarding the course will be.

Specification

Component 1: Personal Investigation

• September Year 12 – February Year 13
• Portfolio of practical work showing a range of media and approaches to making
• Coherent and logically structured extended written response of between 1000 and 3000 words of continuous prose.
• 60% of A-Level

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment

• February Year 13 – May Year 13
• Response to an externally set assignment
• Preparatory period + 15 hours supervised time
• 40% of A –Level

Beyond A-level

An A-level in Art can lead to a range of careers or university courses, whether that be focusing on Fine Art courses, animation, auctioneering, illustration, conservator, architecture, design, fashion, as well as a range of roles in the media, film or theatre.

It is wide-ranging in its potential future application and gives students a fantastic platform for a range of wonderful careers and higher education courses.

Entry Requirements

We recommend that if students wish to progress onto competitive Art-related university/training courses post-18, students need grade 7 in either the GCSE Fine Art or GCSE Art, Craft, and Design endorsements. If students do not meet these requirements, entry is still possible with a portfolio of visual work and/or discussion with the Head of Art required to assess suitability. The course requires significant independent work in addition to what is covered during lessons, so the number of subjects to be studied and subject combinations should be chosen with care.

Biology

(OCR H420)

Description

A-level Biology will give you an exciting insight into the contemporary world of biology. It covers the key concepts in biology and practical skills are integrated throughout the course.  This combination of academic challenge and practical focus makes the prospect of studying A-level Biology highly appealing. It is both an exciting and important time to be a biologist. Biologists are working to solve the biggest challenges currently faced by people and the planet – fighting global pandemics, disease, protecting the environment and feeding our growing population. Some of the most innovative and exciting work in science occurs at the boundaries where biological knowledge is combined with techniques from Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Maths and Computer Science, such as:

• Biochemistry - investigating the chemical processes of life, combining Biology with Chemistry to study organisms at the molecular and cellular level.
• Biomaths and Computational Biology - using mathematical techniques to solve biological problems. Biotechnology - combining Biology with Chemistry and Engineering to create new biology-based technologies.
• Biophysics - using the laws of physics to better understand movement and structure and answer biological questions.
• Bioengineering - combining biological knowledge with Engineering and design to produce new and innovative products.
• Agri-science, regenerative medicine and synthetic biology - three of the UKs ‘eight great technologies’ with Biology at their core.

Biology is the study of life.  It is a subject of continual advance and change. Students are encouraged to keep up to date with these many new issues and to gain an appreciation of the dynamic nature of science. Biology not only encompasses aspects of the physical sciences and mathematics related to the living world, but also provides an opportunity to consider the ethical issues arising from the rapid advances in the life sciences. 

Biology teachers place great importance on learning through practical work and Reading School biologists will experience a wide variety of innovative techniques such as genetic engineering, gel electrophoresis and microscale investigations.  Students are encouraged to consider extension work. All Year 12 biologists are entered for the Biology Intermediate Olympiad and the British Biology Olympiad Competition in Year 13 run by the Royal Society of Biology.  We have had some students selected for the UK team and compete in the International Biology Olympiad competition.

Specification

• Module 1 – Development of practical skills
• Module 2 – Foundations in biology
• Module 3 – Exchange and transport
• Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease
• Module 5 – Communications, homeostasis and energy
• Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

Students will sit three examination papers in biological processes (37%), biological diversity (37%) and unified biology (26%). The practical endorsement is reported separately.

Beyond A-level

Studying Biology will provide you with valuable knowledge, skills and experience. You will gain skills that you can use no matter which career path you choose, both in and out of science will be highly valued by employers and will look great on your CV. The transferable skills you will learn are useful and can open the door to working in business and enterprise, marketing, law, hospitality, politics and policy, journalism, art, economics, biological research, medicine, environmental fields, forensics, sports and science communication and much more.

https://www.rsb.org.uk/images/Becoming_a_Biologist_Degrees_and_Careers_in_Biology.pdf

Many Reading School students go on to study Biology-related courses at undergraduate level including Medicine, Biochemistry, Biological Science, Biomechanical engineering, Neuroscience, Biomedical Science, Zoology and Veterinary Science.  In the last two years we have had over 35 successful applicants to Medicine. Many medical schools request Biology as an essential component of their entry requirements (for more details see www.medschools.ac.uk). However, it should be noted that many A-level Biology students study many other degrees and combine it with non-scientific subjects there is also no requirement to study other sciences or Mathematics with it.

Entry Requirements

GCSE grade 7 in Biology or grade 7 in both Science and Additional Science.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

(AQA 7993)

Description

If there’s an area of study you really love – whether it’s Engineering, Medicine, Economics or anything else – an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) gives you the chance to develop your skills and knowledge by engaging in undergraduate style research.

You’ll have a research skills lesson every week and regular meetings with your appointed supervisor; other than that it is up to you to manage your time.  It is anticipated that you will complete your project by the end of Year 12 and it will be submitted in November of Year 13.  Successful students on the EPQ are self-motivated, well-organised, and up for an academic challenge. 

The EPQ is worth a maximum of 70 UCAS points, which is slightly more than an AS-level (60 points). At some universities (e.g. Southampton, Birmingham), applicants who take an EPQ and meet the offer criteria will be made an alternative offer which will be one grade lower, plus a grade A in the EPQ.  For all universities, the EPQ offers an opportunity to become an expert in a particular area, an invaluable source of discussion in both your UCAS personal statement and potential university interviews. 

Specification

You’ll be required to complete a project based on a research topic of your choice. This can be related to your A-levels or a subject outside of your current areas of study (e.g. Law, Medicine, Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology – the possibilities are limitless). Your project can be in the form of a 5,000 word essay or report; an artefact, musical composition or dramatic project, with a 2,000 word research report.

Beyond A-levels

The EPQ will facilitate you in a number of ways, firstly as a qualification that forces you to become a more effective learner, researcher and planner, all of which are vital skills for the next phase of your education.

It is also valuable as a mechanism to maximise your chances in the UCAS application process, being valued by many universities as an indication of your academic prowess and worth 70 UCAS points in addition to this.

Finally, you can select the subject you choose to do your EPQ on, so it is a fantastic opportunity to gain real knowledge in an area of your preference, which can prove vital in facilitating your future learning or even your career.

Entry Requirements

GCSE grade 6 in English Language and grade 7 in at least one of English Literature, History or Ancient History.

History

(AQA 7042)

Description

History is an exciting, interesting and constantly stimulating subject.  History is a highly regarded subject for courses at degree level, including Medicine, as well as for a wide variety of professions. It is the most popular degree amongst MPs, popular with lawyers and, at A-level, it is a fantastic complement to scientific courses as it trains students to take in information from a range of sources.  Within our experienced and innovative department there is also a determination to make the course as relevant and enjoyable as possible.

Specification

Students will study two taught modules for A-level History.  Firstly, they will study the Cold War, 1945-1991. Many students will have touched upon the relevant global themes of the 20th century in their GCSEs and we build upon this by investigating the Cold War in fascinating depth.  The students have to fully immerse themselves in the political drama, the apocalyptic tension and ideological suspicion as this depth study gets to the heart of one of the most interesting human dramas the world has seen, one which continues to affect us today. 

Secondly, they will study the Tudors, 1485 – 1603.  England’s most famous family have continued to ignite imaginations across the world for a reason: they carried out one of history’s most exciting soap operas and they continue to matter to this day.  Henry VII’s successful invasion, Henry VIII’s break with Rome and subsequent creation of the Church of England, Mary’s burning of heretics and Elizabeth’s defeat of the Armada are just the headlines, behind which lie dark plots, dastardly rebellions and delicious intrigues.  Both these modules are taught by teachers who love the content and know the exam board’s demands, and are studied by students who become deeply passionate about the subject.

As part of the course, students will also complete an independent investigation into an historical issue. The three they can choose from are: The Crusades, the American Civil War or the French Revolution. This extended piece of writing will involve bringing together a vast array of evidence that students have located themselves and reaching substantiated conclusions.

Beyond A-levels

A Level History is good preparation for anyone considering a degree in History, Politics, Law, Journalism and Social Studies. History is a multipurpose subject and is not limited to these degrees, it provides transferable skills and academic rigour making it beneficial for preparing for Higher Education and the workplace.

The most common sectors for employment for History graduates are: government and public services; the media and publishing; arts and heritage; banking and investment; advertising, marketing and communication; the law; and of course, education.

That doesn’t mean that if you are considering a job in a different sector that History won’t be any benefit to you. For example, you will improve your skills from independent research and working with journal articles which can be useful when going to work in the medical profession.

Entry Requirements

GCSE grade 6 in English Language. History GCSE is not a requirement, but if it has been studied then a minimum of a grade 6 is required.

Music

(EDUQAS 601/8146/1)

Description

Since September 2019, Music in the Sixth Form has followed the EDUQAS specification. The course is divided into the disciplines of performance, composition and listening, but there is naturally a considerable increase in the rigour of these areas when compared with GCSE.

Through the range of genres, styles and eras contained in the Areas of Study they will explore musical context, musical language and performance and composition skills.  The EDUQAS course has options and pathways designed to appeal to, and cater for, a wide range of interests, instruments and personal creative strengths.

Candidates can choose to major in either performance or composition.

Specification

Performance

Major (35%)

• Minimum ten-minute performance externally assessed by a visiting examiner.
• A minimum of three pieces.
• At least one of these pieces must be as a soloist. The other pieces may be either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both.
• One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study.
• At least one other piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one other, different area of study.
• If taking this option then candidate must minor in composition.

Minor (25%)

• Minimum six-minute performance externally assessed by a visiting examiner.
• A minimum of two pieces either as a soloist or as part of an ensemble or a combination of both.
• One piece must reflect the musical characteristics of one area of study.
• If taking this option then candidate must major in composition.

Composition

Major (35%)

• Compositions with a combined duration of eight to ten minutes.
• One to a brief set by WJEC (linked to Areas of Study A)
• Second must reflect the musical characteristics of a different area of study
• The third composition is a free composition.

Minor (25%)

• Compositions with a combined duration of four to six minutes.
• One to a brief set by WJEC (linked to Areas of Study A)
• Second composition is a free composition.

Written Examination

Assessment of Areas of Study A (40 marks)

• A question on an unprepared extract with a skeleton score provided.
• A detailed analysis question on a choice of either set work.
• An essay-based question which assesses knowledge of the development of the symphony in relation to both set symphonies and to the wider social, cultural and historical context.

Assessment of Areas of Study B, C or D (30 marks)

• One question on an unprepared musical extract
• A comparison question based on two unprepared extracts assessing wider understanding of the area of study.

Assessment of Areas of Study E or F (30 marks)

• An analysis question on one of the two set works
• A question on an unprepared musical extract.
• Learners will not be expected to identify the composer of unprepared extracts.

Areas of Study

We currently study Areas of Study A, D and E.

The Western Classical Tradition: The Development of the Symphony 1750-1900 is currently compulsory with prescribed works

Optional (2 to be studied)

Choose one from Areas of Study B, C or D and a second from Areas of Study E or F.

• Areas of Study B: Rock and Pop
• Areas of Study C: Musical Theatre
• Areas of Study D: Jazz
• Areas of Study E: Into the Twentieth Century
• Areas of Study F: Into the Twenty-first Century

Prescribed Works

Area of Study A

Choose one set work for detailed analysis and the other for general study.

• Symphony No. 104 in D major, 'London': Haydn
• Symphony No. 4 in A major, 'Italian': Mendelssohn

Area of Study E

The following two set works are studied in depth.

• Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano, Movement II: Poulenc
• Three Nocturnes, Number 1, Nuages: Debussy

Beyond A-levels

Music is a subject that is well-regarded and provides a great number of avenues. The perception that you only study Music A-level if you intend to take it on to university study is not true, as it is a fantastic accompanying subject to most academic pathways, but many of our students do decide to take that route. We have had a number of students take forward their music study to university or conservatoires, so this is a route to be considered.

Entry Requirements

GCSE grade 7 in Music and success at Grade VI level on your primary instrument (the study of a secondary instrument to at least Grade IV level is highly recommended). For candidates who have not studied GCSE, Music Grade VII on an instrument and Grade VI theory is acceptable.  A-level music also requires that students make prominent and consistent contributions to the school’s extra-curricular music activities.

Philosophy / Religious Studies

(AQA 7172)

Description

There is potential to run Philosophy and/or Religious Studies, depending on interest. The much more likely course to run is Philosophy, based on projected interest, but if you are interested in Religious Studies and you have questions about the course, please email admissions@reading-school.co.uk and they will pass your questions onto the Head of Department, Mr Miller.

Philosophy has three main aspects: 

• Metaphysics - the study of what exists; 
• Moral Philosophy - the study of ethics; 
• Epistemology - the study of knowledge.

Epistemology and Moral Philosophy are the first two topics, constituting the AS course, and the two A-level topics of metaphysics - The Metaphysics of Mind and The Metaphysics of God are studied for the A-level. The Metaphysics of Mind section centres on the single question of the relation between the mind and the body (including the brain).  The Metaphysics of God is more diverse, considering arguments to try to prove, and arguments to try to disprove, the existence of a God, and asking whether traditional language about God is philosophically consistent or meaningful.

The A-level Philosophy course works mainly by getting you to do a lot of thinking.  There is learning of material, but you are learning new ideas, and to learn a new idea is not just to become acquainted with it and remember it, but to think about it until you truly understand and can employ it.

Specification

The assessment is purely by examination.  There are two papers of three hours each. Within each paper there are two sections, each one covering one of the four areas of the syllabus (Paper 1, Epistemology and Moral Philosophy; Paper 2, The Metaphysics of God and The Metaphysics of Mind). Each section has five questions with no choice (so you need to know the whole syllabus), and is a graded series of essay questions.  The first four examine knowledge and understanding, building up from mere definitions (which must however be philosophically precise) to longer explanations of ideas and standard arguments.  Finally, there is a major argument and evaluation question, where you must debate and decide a philosophical problem such as ‘Is there anything that we know for certain?’

Beyond A-levels

People enjoy Philosophy from all sorts of backgrounds: arts, maths, humanities, sciences. You may love precision; you may love opening up of the mind to see in a different way; you may love constructive arguing. The abilities and capacities which will serve you best are things like tenacity and clarity of thought, willingness to listen and to try to understand, concentration and focus.

Entry Requirements

GCSE grade 6 in English Language.

Physical Education

(AQA 7582)

Description

Physical Education is a new A-level we launched in 2021.

Physical Education is a practical and rigorous course that covers a range of challenging aspects of sporting performance, physiology, psychology and sport’s societal impact. This breadth of topics means it ties in well with science subjects as well as humanities.

It is not a subject to be taken on lightly and students without an elite level of sporting performance will struggle to achieve top grades, due to the heavy weighting of the sporting performance element in this qualification.

Specification

The AQA course focuses on the following key areas

1. Applied anatomy and physiology

2. Skill acquisition

3. Sport and society

4. Exercise physiology

5. Biomechanical movement

6. Sport psychology

7. Sport and society and the role of technology in physical activity and sport

These seven topics are assessed through two, two-hour exams, which make up 70% of the overall grade, with the final 30% coming from a practical performance assessment which requires students to demonstrate high levels of sporting skill as either a coach or performer, plus a verbal analysis of performance.

Beyond A-level

This A-level is a useful complement to Biology and it leads naturally into a range of sports science-based degrees. Anyone with an interest in this area should strongly consider this course.

The careers options opened up by studying Physical Education are broad and cover, but are not limited to: physiotherapy, coaching, personal training, policy advisor on sport, sports consultancy, OPTA data analyst, PE teacher, dietician, sports scientist.

Entry Requirements

For any students who have studied PE at GCSE, a minimum of a grade 8 is required, and be able to evidence either regional representation in a sport or a recognised governing body coaching qualification.

If a student has not done GCSE PE, they must have at least a grade 7 in Biology and be able to evidence either regional representation in a sport or a recognised governing body coaching qualification.

Physics

(AQA 7408D)

Description

Physics is perhaps the most fundamental of all the sciences, seeking to explain the science of stellar evolution, the nature of the fundamental particles that form the “fabric” of the Universe and everything in between.  Physics is a challenging and interesting subject which will help you to understand the world and universe around you. A-level Physics is a vitally important qualification for many careers.

Specification

At Reading School, we follow the AQA A-level syllabus (7408).  The core content consists of the following topics: Measurements and their errors, particles and radiation, waves, mechanics and materials, electricity, further mechanics and thermal physics, fields and their consequences, nuclear physics and turning points.

A-level Physics is a two-year ‘linear’ course which is examined externally at the end of Year 13.  A very broad practical approach is built in to the syllabus which allows students to develop their scientific analytical skills to a very high level.  The course has a high level of mathematical content which students will learn how to use in theoretical and practical situations.

Beyond A-levels

Your experience in advanced level physics will support your application for any undergraduate course and career that requires people who are proven to think logically, to solve problems, to handle numbers, to work together, are creative and love a challenge.  Physics can help you develop a flexible portfolio of skills that will equip you for a satisfying career, wherever your ambitions lie.

With a background in Physics, you will have so many future opportunities opened to you! Here are the most common examples provided by the Institute of Physics:

Aeronautical Engineer, Agricultural Engineer, Airline Pilot, Archaeologist, Architect, Astronomer, Broadcasting, Cartographer, Chartered Surveyor, Civil Engineer, Climatologist, Clinical Scientist, Computing, Designer, Doctor, Electrical Engineer, Energy Engineer, Environmental Scientist, Forensic Scientist, Geologist, Health Services, Journalist, Marine Engineer, Mathematician, Mechanical Engineer, Medical Physicist, Meteorologist, Naval Architect, Nuclear Scientist, Oceanographer, Pharmacist, Radiation Protection, Radiographer, Government Scientific Officer, Sound Engineer, Teacher, Transport, Water Management.

Entry Requirements

GCSE grade 7 in Physics or 7 in both Science and Additional Science. GCSE grade 7 in Maths is also required.  If Physics is to be studied as one of four subjects a minimum of 60 points from best 8 GCSEs and a grade 8 in Physics and Maths are required.

Theatre Studies

(AQA Drama and Theatre 7262)

Description

The course consists of a balance between practical and written work.  One of the most exciting aspects of the AQA A-level course is that you are given several opportunities to work on a production as performer, director or designer.  This work is accompanied by a working notebook and a reflective report, but by and large, they are performance led components which in total are worth 60% of your final grade.  In one component you devise your own piece of theatre and for the other component you work on the presentation of three extracts from different plays.  The choice of material is very wide and governed by you.

The written paper includes the study of two set texts from a performance perspective and analysis of live theatre seen.  The emphasis at A-level is very much on theatre as a performance art and everything is explored from a practical perspective.  The plays are taught not as literary texts but as productions to be bought alive which makes the subject vibrant and interesting.  You will be asked to form opinions and to analyse every aspect of the work, a useful and difficult skill to master.  Visits to the theatre are vital and the focus is on seeing professional work.  We will experience a wide variety of style and genre throughout our studies.  It is important to remember that there is a significant amount of written work and self-directed study, so a real enthusiasm and genuine interest in the subject is important.

Specification

The subject content for A-level Drama and Theatre is divided into three components:

1. Drama and theatre – assessing knowledge and understanding of theatre analysis, including two plays and analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre.
2. Creating original drama – assessing the process of creating devised drama through devising a piece influenced by the work and methodologies of one prescribed practitioner; this can be as performer, designer or director.
3. Making theatre – a practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts each from a different play and one performed as a final piece; students can contribute as performer, designer or director.

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/drama/a-level/drama-and-theatre-7262/specification-at-a-glance

Beyond A-level

Drama does not only lead to becoming an actor or a director, and so it follows that Drama and Theatre A-level does not only lead into the same field.

Of course, any Arts based university course or career will benefit massively from taking A-level Drama and Theatre but, coupled with English or History for example, this research based A-level complements brilliantly as a side car for university application, where it's value is recognised.

The Washington Post published an article a few years ago on research at Google where they found soft skills to rate far higher than stem skills when recruiting. The critical thinking, flexibility of thought and process that Drama gives a student is sought after by employers across all work areas. The ability to empathise with colleagues and clients, the ability to communicate with confidence and authority, to become a good coach and a problem solver, all these skills - central to success in Drama A-level are now rightly seen as key by employers.

A Drama A-level or degree being seen as a fluffy option is long gone, and students who take and commit to the subject find themselves armed with skills for life that stand them in good stead wherever the meandering path of a career takes them.

Entry Requirements

GCSE grade 6 in either GCSE English Language or English Literature. Drama GCSE is not a requirement, but if it has been studied then a grade 7 is required. A genuine interest in theatre is essential.

Photography

(WJEC Eduqas A level Art and Design (Photography) A656QS)

Description

Are you creative and imaginative? Do you enjoy exploring ideas and looking at things in different ways? Would you like to study a subject that is very hands-on? If so, A Level Photography could be a good fit for you. You will develop your understanding of the visual world, learn practical skills, and respond to ideas and issues in ways that are personal to you.

We live in a visual culture, where we have never been exposed to so much visual imagery. Photography is about looking, learning, thinking, and communicating ideas. Photography means “drawing with light”, with contemporary photographers using a range of digital and analogue techniques to create images that make a personal statement about things that interest or concern them. The most exciting aspect of photography is that you are capturing the world as you see it.

You will learn the science, craft, and art behind photography, what good photos can be and how to take them, and how to edit digitally to sympathetically enhance your photographs. You will learn how to analyse and critique your own work and the work of others, investigating a range of critical references that will inspire you in your own practice.

The subject links particularly well with other arts endorsements, however many students have not taken an Art and Design qualification at GCSE level, nor are they taking any other arts-subjects for A Level. Students take the subject as they already enjoy it, would like to give themselves a well-rounded education alongside primarily written subjects, or take a subject that offers a practical way of working when compared to many other A Level classes.

Possible areas of study include:

• photographing people
• photographing places
• still-life photography
• documentary photography
• photojournalism
• experimental imagery
• photographic installation
• fashion photography
• digital imaging
• moving image (video, film, animation).

Most photography lessons are spent editing and critiquing photographs previously taken, so students must be willing and proactive in taking photographs in their own time so that they are able to progress through the course at an appropriate pace. Being organised and hardworking is vital in order to meet deadlines set.

Students should be aware that this course will have costs associated with it, as digital work will need to be professionally printed, and students will need to factor in the cost of transportation if they wish to take photographs outside of their local area or visit exhibitions. A personal DSLR camera and use of a PC/Mac/laptop at home is strongly recommended. As part of the Reading School Promise, eligible enrolled students can apply for help with costs associated with the course.

Visits

Wherever possible, the opportunity should be taken to regularly view inspiring sources first-hand, so a willingness to visit places, galleries, studios, museums, or other relevant collections in your own time is vital. Reading is ideally located between London and Oxford, with a rich cultural scene of its own.

Further study and career opportunities, degree options include:

• Animation
• Commercial photography
• Creative and editorial photography
• Digital media
• Fashion photography
• Film and television
• Film and visual culture
• Forensic photography
• Graphics with photography
• Medical photography
• Visual communication

Subject Content and Examination

There are two components at A Level: Component 1 – Personal Investigation (60% of the qualification) and Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment (40% of the qualification).

Component 1: Personal Investigation

The Personal Investigation consists of two integrated constituent parts:

1. a major in-depth critical, practical and theoretical investigative project/portfolio and outcome/s based on themes and subject matter that have personal significance;

2. an extended written element of 1000 words minimum, which may contain images and texts and must clearly relate to practical and theoretical work using an appropriate working vocabulary and specialist terminology

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment

This component is based on preparatory study that leads to a 15 hour period of sustained focus in which you will produce a response to a chosen visual or written stimuli.

Entry Requirements

We recommend that if students wish to progress onto competitive Art-related university/training courses post-18, students need grade 7 in either the GCSE Fine Art, GCSE Art, Craft, and Design, or Photography endorsements. If students do not meet these requirements, entry is still possible with a portfolio of visual work and/or discussion with the Head of Art required to assess suitability. The course requires significant independent work in addition to what is covered during lessons, so the number of subjects to be studied and subject combinations should be chosen with care.

History of Art

(Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in History of Art 9HT0)

Description

History of Art aims to arrive at a historical understanding of the origins, meaning and purpose of art and artefacts from a wide range of world cultures, asking about the circumstances of their making, their makers, the media used, the functions of the images and objects, their critical reception and – not least – their subsequent history.

The study of art in its historical and contemporary forms can help provide you with crucial knowledge of world civilisations, and a way to interpret and understand broader human experience. It can give you visual and analytical skills that can be applied in many aspects of life, and the tools to understand how images and objects work to shape our social and political identities.

You will learn how to analyse and interpret architecture, painting, and sculpture within its historical and artistic context, with first-hand research and investigation encouraged. The subject links particularly well with Art, History, Classical Civilisation, and English Literature.

Visits

Wherever possible, the opportunity should be taken to regularly view artworks first-hand, so a willingness to visit galleries, studios, museums, or other relevant collections in your own time is vital. Reading is ideally located between London and Oxford, with a rich cultural scene of its own.

Post-18 destinations

Students who go on to study History of Art at university typically go into careers working in museums, art galleries, auction houses, or private collections. However, studying History of Art is a stepping stone to a wide range of degree-level subjects, and can lead to careers in a wide range of professional settings.

Subject Content and Examination

The subject content is divided into three areas:

• A: Visual analysis
• B: Themes
• C: Periods.

The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in History of Art (9HT0) consists of two externally-examined papers. Candidates must complete all assessment in May/June in any single year.

Paper 1: Visual analysis and themes

Written examination: 3 hours 50% of the qualification

Content overview:

• Visual analysis
• Themes

Assessment overview:

Section A: Visual analysis

For each of the following types of art and architecture, students answer a single compulsory question that requires them to comment on an unseen photograph of:

• a painting;
• a sculpture; and
• a building.

Section B: Themes

Choose two Themes from a choice of three:

• B1 Nature in art and architecture
• B2 Identities in art and architecture
• B3 War in art and architecture.

For each Theme, students answer a single compulsory question in two parts.

Paper 2: Periods

Written examination: 3 hours 50% of the qualification

Content overview:

• Periods

Assessment overview:

Choose two Periods from a choice of five:

• C1 Invention and illusion: the Renaissance in Italy (1420‒1520)
• C2 Power and persuasion: the Baroque in Catholic Europe (1597‒1685)
• C3 Rebellion and revival: the British and French Avant-Garde (1848‒99)
• C4 Brave new world: Modernism in Europe (1900‒39)
• C5 Pop life: British and American contemporary art and architecture (1960‒2015).

Entry Requirements

GCSE grade 7 in English Literature or History.