Peter Symonds College Prospectus 2014
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- AS Level Memory, Early Social Development and Research Methods Stress, Social Influence and Abnormality. A2 Level
- Sport (Performance Excellence)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to pay any fees
- Can I get any financial help while I’m at College
- Can I change my subject choices aftermy interview
- Can I get any help to cover the costsof transport
- Do I need to wear uniform
- Can I move to Peter Symonds for myA2 year
- I am currently living overseas - can I apply
- Can I take a holiday in term time
PsychologyAQAPsychology is the scientific study of human and animal behaviour. It involves the examination of various theories and consideration of research evidence. You will need to be a critical thinker and be able to evaluate material in an objective and analytical manner. At AS level, the course will introduce key areas and approaches in Psychology including cognitive, developmental, biological and social psychology, as well as the study of individual differences and research methods. You will look to answer questions such as; ‘How can we improve our memory?’ ‘What effect do nurseries have on our children?’ ‘How does stress lead to illness?’ ‘Would I make a good eye witness?’ ‘Why do we follow the crowd?’ ‘How successful are treatments for mental disorders?’ AS Level
A2 Level
The skills and knowledge acquired through studying Psychology provide a sound basis for students who wish to enter Higher Education. Some students may want to go on to work in an applied area of Psychology, others may find it a useful background for nursing, medicine, personnel work, marketing related careers, advertising and teaching. At both AS and A2 level, there are two exams in May/June. Standard entry requirements, plus additional requirements for science subjects. Religious StudiesEdexcelReligious Studies is concerned with discovering the role religion plays in human history and culture. The course introduces the philosophical world of Buddhism and some of the major philosophical ideas concerning existence, as well as some of the key arguments for and against the existence of God. Topics such as origins, history, key figures, ethics and development of doctrine philosophy and theology will be studied in both areas. Good argumentative and analytical skills will be developed along with the ability to put forward an unbiased argument based on evidence. AS LevelBuddhism The life of the Buddha will be critically evaluated with reference to his background, life and influences. Key concepts will be examined such as Karma, Rebirth, the Four Noble Truths, Meditation, the Sangha and the Three Refuges. The Buddhist community will also be studied and predominantly Buddhist countries will be investigated to see how Buddhism works on a practical and realistic level. Philosophy of Religion The Greek influences on the philosophy of religion will be examined with reference to the idea of what truth is; this will predominantly involve contributions from Plato and Aristotle. The cosmological and teleological arguments for the existence of God will be examined along with some of the fundamental problems with religious belief, such as the validity of miracles and the challenge of the problem of evil in relation to the Judaic-Christian concept of God. Independent Study Unit (Investigations) This unit makes up 50% of the AS RS course and gives students the opportunity to investigate a topic in-depth that is not covered in the course content. Students will work closely with their course supervisor to produce an essay of around 2500 words which they will be examined on in the final assessment. Assessment The course is assessed by examination; candidates are equired to sit two papers, one on Buddhism and the philosophy of religion and the other on the independent study unit. Each paper makes up 50% of the AS grade. A2 LevelBuddhism The life and influence of King Asoka will be examined along with his contribution to the spread of Buddhism. A study of key Buddhist concepts such as Nirvana and the Three Universal Truths; the development of Buddhism in China and Japan and the varying types of Mahayana Buddhism such as Pure Land, Zen and Tibetan. There will also be a study of key Mahayana concepts and the Bodhisattva ideal. There will also be an examination of the key Buddhist Scriptures. Philosophy of Religion The philosophical debate concerning life after death will be studied, along with religious experience. The study of religious language also compromises a large section of the A2 syllabus. Synoptic Unit Candidates are required to study three in-depth essays on Buddhism and examine them in the wider context of religion and belief. Religious Studies complements all humanities and social science subjects, particularly Philosophy and can be a good contrast to science and art based subjects. It is looked upon favourably for university entry. Standard entry requirements plus Grade C or higher in GCSE Religious Studies preferred. SociologyAQASociology is the study of society that uses research evidence and social theory to analyse the nature and direction of social change. It is an interesting and challenging subject that provides us with an insight into how our lives are shaped by wider society, culture, the economy and social policy. The course is structured around two core themes, (1) power, social inequality and differentiation and (2) culture, identity and socialisation. Consequently through all four AS and A2 units we explore the way our society is changing, the structure of society in terms of the distribution of wealth, power and life chances and the role of society and culture in shaping our identities. The research process and the contrasting approaches to gathering data are also addressed in all AS and A2 units. AS LevelFamilies and Households This unit examines the sociological debates concerning the role and purpose of the family and the relationship between the familyand wider social and cultural change. We explore changing patterns of marriage, cohabitation and divorce, the power relationships that exist within families, the changing nature of childhood and the impact of social policy on the family. Education and Research Methods This unit analyses the role and function of the education system, the evidence and debates surrounding differences in educational achievement between social groups and the impact government policies have on either reducing or exacerbating educational inequalities. The study of research methods focusses on the practical, ethical and theoretical issues shaping social research and the challenges of researching education. A2 LevelBeliefs in Society This unit explores the social consequences of belief systems in a global context, the nature and extent of secularisation in both the UK and in other parts of the world and the relationship between beliefs, practice and social inequalities. Different types of belief are analysed in relation to how social groups are responding to the rapid social changes associated with globalisation. Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods This unit explores the competing sociological explanations for crime and deviance and both formal and informal systems of social control. There is an emphasis on contemporary approaches to crime, the relationship between globalisation and crime, environmental crime, human rights and state crime and current approaches to surveillance and social control. The relationshipbetween crime and victimisation and social groups (class, gender, age and ethnicity) is analysed and related to competing research approaches and the critical evaluation of crime statistics. The final section of this unit addresses the key theoretical and methodological debates in sociology and we draw upon all four AS and A2 units in this ‘synoptic’ element of the course. Standard entry requirements, plus we strongly advise a Grade B in GCSE English due to the need for advanced essay writing skills.
SpanishEdexcelBy means of a thematic approach, you will get to know the culture, history, politics and everyday life of Spain and Latin America. You will learn to speak and write at length in Spanish about these aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures and societies. You should expect to engage in whole class discussion, small group work and pair work. You will develop analytical and evaluative skills and improve your level in the four basic language skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking, and you will also have the opportunity to visit Spain on the annual College study trip. Enthusiasm and a commitment to learning are essential to language acquisition at this level. The practical, applied approach to the study of Spanish at this level means that it is useful to students of the arts and sciences alike. The course will enable you to progress onto further study of languages, whilst being equally rewarding for those not intending to pursue the subject beyond A Level. There are many good reasons to study Spanish, and these include:
AS LevelThe course will move you on from GCSE, covering the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will also gain a greater knowledge of grammatical structures and so develop accuracy in the language. Teaching is based on a thematic approach and the language is taught through a variety of contemporary issues, using a range of authentic resources. A2 LevelThe course will enable you to develop your linguistic skills further whilst continuing to enhance your knowledge of the target language, countries and cultures. You will use the language to present viewpoints, develop, analyse and evaluate arguments both when speaking and writing. You will study aspects of the contemporary society and culture of Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. Standard entry requirements, plus Grade B in Spanish. Students with a Grade B in Spanish at GCSE will be supported in their first term by an extra grammar support session. Sport BTECSport (Performance & Excellence)There is now an exciting opportunity to study theBTEC Sport (Performance and Excellence) course to either Extended Diploma (equivalent to three A Levels) or Diploma (equivalent to two A Levels) level. Extended DiplomaStudents will learn about the sports industry in-depth, developing practical skills and acquiring knowledge that will enable progression directlyinto further study or employment. There may be an opportunity for the Extended Diploma to be combined with A Level study. DiplomaStudents will study similar units to the Extended Diploma, but have the option to combine two other A Level courses to their programme of study. Both of the courses consist of studying nine core units:
Additional units are selected from areas such as: Practical Teams Sports, Sport and Exercise Massage, Sports Injuries, Sports Coaching, Sport as a Business and many more. Due to the diverse nature of the course, a wide variety of teaching and learning styles will be utilised by the team, including group work, presentations and individual assignments. Many units will involve practical work, and assessments will be carried out on an individual and group basis. Students are closely guided through each assignment, receiving guidance on the information to include. The whole course is supported by an excellent intranet site, containing all of the information students need, as well as additional support sessions during study periods. Students will meet with their course tutor weekly, discussing their current progress, gaining feedback on their assignments and receiving support and guidance in their career aspirations. Students will have the opportunity to undertake additional courses such as: Community Sports Leader Award (CSLA), Higher Sports Leader Award (HSLA), Extended Project Qualification, First Aid and Child Protection in Sport. There will also be an opportunity to complete sport specific leaders awards with related National Governing Bodies. These will provide excellent additional qualifications for prospective employment and unit criteria will be integrated within them. The course may also involve field trips (a previous destination has been Club La Santa in Lanzarote) where certain units will be studied. This course would be most suitable for students who have a keen interest in sport, who wish to study sport further into Higher Education or alternatively enter employment in the sport industry. Previous students have pursued sport related degrees (in Sport Science, Development and Teaching) at Loughborough, Bath, Exeter and various other Universities, as well as using their qualifications to gain employment in the leisure and sports industry (including Personal Training and Sports Massage).
BoardingIn March 2013, Ofsted inspected our Boarding Houses and again graded us as “Outstanding”. Inspectors noted that whilst “students thoroughlyenjoy the residential experience and derive great benefit both educationally and in their personal and social development while being there” they also “feel extremely well supported in making choices and preparing for their future…, with dedicated guidance provided via a careers management programme.” Please read the full report at www.psc.ac.uk/inspection. We have two co-educational boarding houses – Falkland Lodge and School House – with places for around 80 boarders in total. Please note that special conditions apply for the allocation of our limited number of boarding places, which can be found on our website at www.psc.ac.uk/boarding Boarding applications can be made online from mid-June 2013. We advise that you submit your application by mid-September as there is usuallyhigh demand for places. We aim to arrange interviews to coincide with the College’s open evenings on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 October and so we encourage you to keep these dates available. An interview will include a College Admissions interview to discuss your course choices and the College day, and also to highlight differences between school and sixth form life. You will also have a tour of the boarding houses and an interview with the Head of Boarding. During the open evening, you will have the opportunity to talk to our teachers and students, see the whole campus and find out about other aspects of the College. It will certainly give you a good appreciation of what to expect from sixth form life. Fees for 2013/14 are £11,370 per year for School House and £12,204 per year for Falkland Lodge. Fees for 2014/15 will be available in due course. A £500 deposit (non-refundable) will be required to secure a boarding place. Telephone: 01962 857555 (daytime only)
Email: admissions@psc.ac.uk Frequently Asked QuestionsHow long is the College day?We start at 8.30am and end at 4.35pm. Lunch is from 1.00pm until 1.50pm (some students may have lessons during this time). The College may alter these timings for operational reasons. Students will have study periods during each day. Do I need to pay any fees?There are no tuition fees for most 16–19 year old students. We do, however, ask for a voluntary contribution to our College Fund. This is £40 for students enrolling on a 2 year course and £20 for a 1 year course. This is used to benefit you during your time at the College. In the past we have bought college minibuses, CCTV and the site licence for the internet. Under some circumstances, students are asked to pay for examination entry fees. Can I get any financial help while I’m at College?We receive government money each year to help students from low income families. The Guaranteed Bursary is available to Looked After Children, Care Leavers, students who live independently and claim Income Support, and students who are parents and claim Income Support. We also have a fund which can offer help with the costs of books, college trips etc. Please contact Student Services for more information as the financial support available and eligibility criteria may change each year. Can I change my subject choices aftermy interview?In most cases we will be able to change your subjects; please email or phone us to discuss your choices. However, sometimes subjects become full and we are unable to make the change that you want. Our advice is that you give serious consideration to your subjects at the Open Evening so that you are as sure as you can be about them before your interview. Can I get any help to cover the costsof transport?We have negotiated concessionary rates with some local transport providers. For students in extreme hardship Student Services may be able to offer some financial support towards the cost of your travel. You can obtain further details from Student Services. Do I need to wear uniform?Whilst there is no uniform, we do have a dress code at college. Clothes need to be appropriate to the working environment; offensive logos on T shirts are not acceptable; faces must not be covered and students should not wear clothing that restricts the ability of others to identify them whilst on site or in examinations e.g. hoods or crash helmets. Smart casual wear is the accepted norm. Can I park at College?No. There is no student parking on the College site, unless you have a disability or you have a health problem which prevents you from using public transport. Please note also that the streets closest to the college are “residents parking only”. Can I move to Peter Symonds for myA2 year?This is not recommended. We will consider each application on an individual basis and only accept students onto an A2 programme in very exceptional circumstances. Entry will only be possible if there is room in classes and will be subject to satisfactory references from your previous school/college. Please note that A2 courses will begin in mid-June, when you will be expected to start college if you are accepted. I am currently living overseas - can I apply?It is unusual for the college to offer day places to students who live abroad. For information on boarding, please refer to boarding pages of this prospectus or go to at our website www.psc.ac.uk/ boarding. If you would like further information or an application form, please contact the Admissions Office - admissions@psc.ac.uk Can I take a holiday in term time?No. The College expects students to attend all their timetabled commitments fully. All our research shows a clear link between attendance and A level grades, with students maintaining over 95% attendance attaining a whole grade higher than their peers with the same GCSE profile, but with a lower attendance rate. We take attendance very seriously and so holidays are not permitted during term time. Contact UsPeter Symonds College Owens Road Winchester Hampshire SO22 6RX Telephone: 01962 857500 Fax: 01962 857501 Email: psc@psc.ac.uk Website: www.psc.ac.uk Admissions Telephone: 01962 857555 Email: admissions@psc.ac.uk Directory: prospectus prospectus -> State school prospectus -> Prospectus ms/MPhil/llm shari’ah/Phd programmes Download 229.69 Kb. Share with your friends:
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