Curriculum

 

A-Levels are divided into 6 assessment units (modules), each with a weighting of between 15 and 20%.  The first 3 of these units make an AS  (Advanced Subsidiary) and are half-way between GCSE and A2-Level in standard.  The second 3 turn the AS into an A2 (the full A-Level) and are more demanding.  AS must be taken first, then the A2. 

Some of the A2 modules will contain a "synoptic" element - i.e. they will test links within subject matter covered throughout the two years.

Up to 30% of the programmes may be coursework.

Results will be in the form of grades A-E ;  AS marks will be exactly half the total for the full A2's.

Module exams will be available in January and June, and may be re-sat. 

Advanced Extension Awards (AEAs) are also offered in the majority of subjects. They are designed to challenge the most able students and two pass grades exist, Merit and Distinction.

 

Truro School’s policy for A-Levels

Students will take four AS-levels in the Lower Sixth. In the Upper Sixth they will take three A2-level subjects as the norm, though it will be possible to continue with four subjects.

During the final year of their GCSE course students will be asked to choose which four subjects they wish to study during their first year in the Sixth Form. During the spring term of the Lower Sixth they will then be asked to choose which three subjects they wish to study at A2-level in the Upper Sixth.

 

The emphasis in Truro School's "menu" of subjects on offer will continue to be focussed on "traditional" mainstream subjects.  The school has a very strong record of examination success in these areas – they form a central core from which subjects can be chosen to qualify for entry to virtually any university course.

The list is as follows:

Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Design

Economics English Literature French Geography Geology

German History Maths Further Maths Music

Philosophy & Ethics Physical Education Physics Spanish Theatre Studies

 

 

	Sixth Form Course Guide 2009/10
	AS & A2 Coursework Timetable 2009/10 - Sixth Form (by department)

 

 

 

ACADEMIC CURRICULUM MISSION STATEMENT

The Mission Statement of the Methodist Independent Schools is uncontentious in its content but necessarily broad in its scope.  For it to be translated into practice, particularly in departmental policies and schemes of work, greater focus and detail is needed.  While it is well recognised that many of the points identified here will have been long practised by experienced teachers there's a value in stating them clearly.

Thus we aim:

To enable our pupils to achieve the highest standards of academic, cultural and athletic achievement of which they are capable.

To provide for the education of all pupils in the School irrespective of their levels of ability.  This, where appropriate, includes the provision of special help in order to overcome academic difficulties.

To recognise the co-educational nature of the School and to ensure equal opportunities for, and equal treatment of, boys and girls.

To approach the moral and ethical problems presented in the curriculum in the light of the fact that this is a Methodist, Christian Foundation and that Christian values predominate.

To instil a sense of discipline - particularly the self discipline that enables a pupil to make the most of his or her potential but also the imposed disciplines of punctuality, neatness and good behaviour.

To recognise, where appropriate, the region in which the School is situated, the nation to which we belong and the fact that this nation is a part of Europe - for instance in subject matter, use of example and field work.

To encourage teachers to develop their skills and enthusiasms by means of guidance, encouragement, departmental meetings and INSET training, and by implementation of the Staff Review (Appraisal) arrangements.

To record the progress of pupils so that their progress can be monitored and so that expectations of achievement can be appropriate.

To use varied, imaginative and lively approaches to teaching so that pupils are excited and stimulated by the learning experience.

To help pupils to learn to plan their work, to set it out logically and in the appropriate form for the subject matter.

To ensure that our pupils are helped to acquire knowledge from a variety of sources and in a variety of ways - written and spoken word, film and television, in discussion and in didactic teaching, in experiment.

To teach pupils both to work on their own and to work with others.

To encourage effective communication - written, spoken and visual.

To encourage the use of modern technology, for instance in word processing, use of data bases etc.

To develop in our pupils a critical approach to ideas, to help develop their thought processes and to encourage them to use their imagination.

To be aware of the demands of the National Curriculum and to follow it, at least in its broad terms.