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Outline of Subject:​

The Biology course is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy deepening your understanding of the knowledge gained at GCSE and learn about the future applications of Biology to aspire future Biologists. ​

The topics are as follows:​

1. Biological molecules​
2. Cells ​
3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment​
4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms ​
5. Energy transfers in and between organisms ​
6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments ​
7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems ​
8. The control of gene expression​

Just like at GCSE, there are required practicals which build into a separate 'endorsed' qualification at the end of the course.​

How you will be assessed:​

We follow the AQA Biology Specification.​

The course has three summative assessments at the end of the two-year course (see above).​

​Paper 1 – Topics 1-4 and relevant practical skills​

Paper 2 – Topics 5-8 and relevant practical skills​

Paper 3 – Any content ​

​However, you will have three key assessment points in year 12, as well as smaller end of topic tests, key pieces and quizzes.​

Trips and Work Experience Opportunities:​

Students enjoy a trip to Yorkshire Wildlife Park for workshops on Breeding and Conservation. We also attend workshops at Huddersfield University carrying out PCR and Electrophoresis in the labs.

​Possible Career Routes:​

The career opportunities available to biologists are endless, but here is a taster of some of the careers it could lead to:​

Medicine (Doctor, Nurse, Radiologist, Physiotherapist, Pharmacist, Dentist, Psychologist, Dietitian, Geneticist, Pathologist, Optician, Audiologist). ​

Veterinary Science, Zoologist, Animal Behaviouralist, Marine Biologist. Ecologist, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Consultancy, Forestry, Agricultural Science.​

Outline of Subject:​

​The course is taught by two separate teachers; with 'Teacher 1' you will revisit the fundamentals of Chemistry at GCSE using this golden knowledge to build onto more complex theories later. 'Teacher 2' will introduce you to Organic Chemistry in more depth, a topic from your KS4 curriculum. Both will combine as you move through the course linking to each other in what we call a spiral curriculum.

There is also a heavy reliance on practical skills and there are many opportunities for you to showcase your skills. Just like at GCSE, there are required practicals which build into a separate 'endorsed' qualification at the end of your two-year learning journey. This course would be great for any student who truly enjoys Chemistry and wants to pursue it either as a career or in further education. ​

​How you will be assessed:​

​The course has three summative assessments at the end of the two-year course (see above).​

​Paper 1 – Physical / Inorganic Chemistry ​

Paper 2 – Physical / Organic Chemistry ​

Paper 3 – Any content ​

​However, you will have three key assessment points in year 12, as well as smaller end of topic tests, key pieces and quizzes. ​

Trips and Work Experience Opportunities:​

​At Shelley, we run the Chemistry Olympiad as an enrichment opportunity. This is a chance to explore concepts beyond what you would cover at KS5. This culminates in a very rigorous exam with the highest score from year to year being added to our school honours board.

Possible Career Routes:​

• ​Medicine ​
• Venenary Medicine ​
• Optometry ​
• Dentistry​
• Pharmacology ​
• Chemical Engeneer​
• Accountant

​

Outline of Subject:​

Computing directly affects every aspect of our lives. As the digital world is rapidly evolving, we need new computer scientists to develop the software and hardware most of us use every day.​

Component 01: Computer systems​

Students are introduced to the internal workings of the (CPU), data exchange, software development, data types and legal and ethical issues. ​

Component 02: Algorithms and programming​

Includes thinking abstractly, thinking ahead, thinking procedurally. Problem-solving and programming – how computers and programs can be used to solve problems. Algorithms and how they can be used to describe and solve problems.​

Component 03: Programming project​

Applying the principles of computational thinking to a practical programming project. Independently chosen by the students to focus on their interests and expertise.​

​How you will be assessed:​

Computer Systems (exam) - 40% : ​

The internal workings of the (CPU), data exchange, software development, data types and legal and ethical issues.​

Algorithms and programming (exam) - 40% ​

Using computational thinking to solve problems.​

Programming project – 20%​

Students will be expected to analyse a problem, design, develop, test and evaluate a program with documentation. The program must be written in a suitable programming language.​

​Trips and Work Experience Opportunities:​

We help students gain industry experience in large IT departments in several companies.​

In recent years we have run trips to Manchester Airport.

Possible Career Routes:​

• Software Developer​
• Network Engineer​
• Systems Administrator​
• Data Scientist​
• Database Engineer​
• IT Support ​
• Video game development​
• Artificial Intelligence ​
• Information Security Analyst

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Outline of Subject:​

You may have heard on the news about the state of the economy. Economics is the study of how different groups, people, firms and countries interact. We look at what happens when these different groups of stakeholders interact and the result this has in terms of prices charged by businesses and their production of goods and services; we examine these effects in the short run and in the long run. Actions and decisions taken today often have far-reaching effects into the future.​

Mostly we look at what people want (demand) and what other people are willing to provide (supply). During the course you will develop a wide range of transferable skills, all of which will enhance your studies in other areas and prepare you for further study and employment​.

How you will be assessed:​

There are 4 themes which provide the foundations of the study of Economics.​

Theme 1: Introduction to markets, and market failure.​

Theme 2: Business behaviour and the labour market​

Theme 3: The UK economy; performance and policies​

Theme 4: A global prospective​

There are 3 papers to be sat​:

Paper 1: Markets and business behaviour​

Paper 2: The national and global economy​

Paper 3: Microeconomics and macroeconomics​

Possible Career Routes:​

• Economic analyst​
• Management ​
• Business ​
• Entrepreneurship​
• Accountancy and Finance, International Business management​
•  Environmental officer​
• Law

Outline of Subject:​

This combined course gives you the best of both worlds in the English discipline, allowing you to study a diverse range of engaging literary texts, whilst also honing your creative writing skills. The course is carefully designed to encourage you to develop both your literary and linguistic skills in equal measure, to become a critical, confident and reflective reader and writer. These key skills are highly  valued by any prospective HE provider or employer. In addition, the broad spectrum of skills covered makes this qualification  a 'good fit' with almost any other qualification you might consider at this level. ​

This course aims to enable you to:​

• use integrated linguistic and literary approaches in your reading and interpretation of texts ​

• engage creatively and independently with a wide range of spoken, written and multimodal texts, exploring the relationships between them.​

• critically analyse and explore engaging, relevant texts such as A Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. ​

How you will be assessed:​

Two written exam papers (worth 80%) and coursework (worth 20%), which is written in the second year.​

Paper 1 – Telling Stories: In this paper, you'll write analytically about non-fiction and fiction texts which you will have explored in depth with your teacher. Texts studied  include those in spoken, written and electronic mode, plus contemporary prose and poetry. ​

Paper 2 – Exploring Conflict: In this paper, you'll jump into the hotseat, transforming one of the set texts you've studied into another piece of writing, such as an account given by a particular character. You'll then step into an editorial role to explain the impact of the choices you've made. ​

Coursework – Making connections: This is where both the combined and creative elements of the course really shine through; you'll be given the opportunity to investigate the language used in a fiction and non-fiction text of your choosing. The possibilities here are (almost) infinite!  ​

Trips and Work Experience Opportunities:​

We will offer theatre trips to see productions of the set texts and poetry. Such as Kite Runner, A Streetcar Named Desire and even an operatic interpretation of A Handmaid’s Tale. We offer an extracurricular writing club to allow you the freedom to explore different genres. ​

Possible Career Routes:​

This is a highly respected qualification which will stand you in good stead for a vast range of university degree choices, including criminology, history, media and film studies, psychology, fashion and marketing and… English (of course!)​

​Furthermore, as the course combines the academic, creative and analytical skills valued in so many professions, it is considered a competitive choice for those wanting to pursue careers in a range of disciplines, including Publishing, Journalism, Education, Psychology, Law, Advertising and Marketing.

Outline of Subject:​

​You will study the key elements of film form including cinematography, mise en scène, editing, sound and performance. ​

You will study the contexts of a range of films and what was happening when the film was made. What can the film tell us about history and society at that time? You will also study the films in terms of the representations they present or challenge. ​

In year one, you study the specialist film areas of Spectatorship & Narrative. In year two you will engage in the study of Ideology, the Auteur and Critical Debates surrounding Film.​

​Topics include Hollywood 1930-1990, American Independent Film, British Film, European Film, Global Film, Documentary, Silent Film, Experimental Film, Short film and film production​.

How you will be assessed:​

Two exams at A Level that are 150 minutes long and consist of answering 3 extended response questions on Component 1, and 4 extended response questions on Component 2 (35% each)​.

​A creative production element which allows you to showcase the film-making or screenwriting skills you have developed during the course: Short Film (video) or Short Film Screenplay (with storyboard) plus an evaluative Analysis (30%)​.

Trips and Work Experience Opportunities:​

There are plans to offer an overseas trip to either Prague or Paris in the upcoming year​.

Other trips include those to the cinema to see set texts on the big screen​.

Local media firms are keen to take sixth form students for work experience.

Possible Career Routes:​

Employment in the screen industries has grown by over 20% since 2009 and will substantially outpace the economy wide increase of 3% if the skills shortages in this area are fulfilled. Career paths for students of Film may include practical avenues such as Film-Making, Directing, Producing and Editing but a qualification in Film Studies also allows you to move into more theoretical pathways such as Film. 

Outline of Subject:​

Geography is the study of Earth and how humans interact with it; it is considered by many universities (including the Russell Group universities) as a very desirable A Level and was identified as ‘the must-have A Level’ by The Guardian. ​

Geography also combines well with both Arts and Sciences. The world is in a constant state of change and Geography is the subject that will help you predict and adapt to future changes in both the human and the natural world. It is the subject that looks at major issues of the 21st Century such as changes in global governance and the conflicts it leads to, the changing nature of places, the impacts of climate change and the impacts of natural hazards. It is also a subject that fosters the innovative use of both teacher-led and individual field work which assists the development of skills such as data analysis, teamwork, research skills and report writing.​

How you will be assessed:​

​Topics Covered:​

Physical: Coastal systems and landscapes, water and carbon cycles and hazards.​

Human: Changing places, contemporary urban environments, global systems and governance.​

Paper 1: 2hr 30 (120 Marks) ​

Paper 2: 2hr 30 (120 Marks)​

Individual fieldwork: (60 Marks, 20%)​

Trips and Work Experience​ Opportunities:​

• ​Coal museum​
• Sheffield (NEA Support)​
• Flamborough​
• Scarborough

Possible Career Routes:​

• ​Environmental consultant​
• Conservation work​
• Town planner​
• Disaster response coordinator​
• Civil servant​
• Volcanologist ​
• Meteorologist ​
• Chartered surveyor ​
• Teacher​
• Researcher

Outline of Subject:​

History allows you to look at your own nation’s past as well as others to explain why they have developed in their particular way. The History course at Shelley allows students a taste​

of social, economic and political aspects of the subject and what impact past events have had on our society today. A Level History develops an impressive range of skills which are required at university level, such as: extended essay writing, independent research, debate and discussion, explanation, evaluation, analysis and close reading of historical documents.​

History can give you many skills such as:​

The ability to produce strong analytical and concise essays. The opportunity to discuss and debate. An understanding of why our world is the way it is. The ability to read between the lines and infer meaning. The opportunity to work independently. History has strong links with many other subjects.​

How you will be assessed:​

Unit 1: Britain transformed 1918 – 1997 Written exam lasting 2 hours 15 minutes​

60 marks available: 30%​

Unit 2: The USA 1920-1955: boom, bust and recovery Written exam lasting 1 hours 30 minutes​

40 marks available: 20%​

Unit 3: Lancastrians, Yorkists and Henry VII 1399—1509 Written exam lasting 2 hours 15 minutes​

60 marks available: 30%​

Unit 4: Coursework Unit. “How far do you agree?” 20%​

​Trips and Work Experience Opportunities:​

​A visit to the holocaust Centre north Exhibition at the University of Huddersfield​

• An opportunity to visit Auschwitz on a day trip with the Holocaust Educational Trust.​

• A visit to the battlefields of the Wars of the Roses!​

• An overnight stay in a city of history and culture! ​

• Museum visits to broaden your historical minds.

Possible Career Routes:​

• Civil Service​

• Lawyer/Solicitor​

• Journalist​

• Politician​

• Archivist​

• Archaeologist​

• Education​

• Historian​

• Writer​

• Musuem/Curator ​

• Researcher​

• Any degree entry corporate route​

• International development​

• Broadcasting​

• Publishing

Outline of Subject:​

A-level Mathematics builds primarily on algebra and coordinate geometry skills studied in GCSE Mathematics. The course contains two main strands – pure mathematics and applied mathematics, the latter of which splits evenly between statistics and mechanics. In pure mathematics, you will be introduced to new concepts such as the binomial series expansion, trigonometric equations, logarithms, and calculus. In statistics, you will learn about statistical measures, probability distributions and hypothesis testing while mechanics explores equations of motion and forces. ​

​You will have a different teacher for each of the three strands with lessons split into: ​

• Pure – 5 Lessons per fortnight ​
• Mechanics – 2 Lessons per fortnight ​
• Statistics - 2 Lessons per fortnight ​

​You will be provided with topic booklets for each new area of study that your teachers will work through with you. Providing examples as well as exercises, minimising the amount of pointless writing whilst maximising your output in lessons. ​

​How you will be assessed: ​

The final assessments come at the end of year 13 and include:

​2 Pure maths papers, each 2 hours long, worth 100 marks each.

​1 Statistics and Mechanics paper, 2 hours long, worth 100 marks in total.

Possible Career Routes:​

A level maths is often a requirement for many degree courses and higher level apprenticeships. ​

It can lead to careers in:

• Actuary​
• Economics ​
• Data Science​
• Engineering ​
• Accountancy ​
• Programming ​
• Banking ​
• Research

Outline of Subject:​

As a GCE Media Studies student, you will analyse how media products use language and representations to create meaning. You will learn about the media industry and how the industry affects how media products are made. You will investigate media audiences, exploring who are the people who watch, read and consume the products and consider how different people might respond to products differently, and why. ​

​You will explore and apply critical perspectives, including those of world-renowned media and cultural theorists, and will examine how social, historical, political and economic contexts affect media production.​

​You will also have the opportunity to apply what you have learned through the production of your own media texts, exploring and creating media forms such as music videos, magazines, television, websites and film marketing​.

How you will be assessed:​

Assessment will comprise of a mixture of examined and non-examined assessment.

Component 1 ​

Written examination: 2 hours 15 mins, 35% of qualification ​

Component 2 ​

Written examination: 2 hours 30 mins, 35% of qualification​

Component 3 ​

Non-exam assessment: Cross-Media Production, 30% of qualification

Trips and Work Experience Opportunities:​

There are plans to offer an overseas trip to either Prague or Paris in the upcoming year​. Other trips include those to TV studios and sets.​ Local media firms are keen to take sixth form students for work experience.

Possible Career Routes:​

A GCE in Media Studies helps you to progress to Media, Communications and Cultural Studies courses, as well as to those in other areas such English, Humanities and Social Sciences.​

​Studying Media at GCE and at degree level is a route into careers such as TV and film production, advertising, journalism, interactive media, and digital marketing. It could help to provide you with the foundation to secure roles in technical production, special effects, web design and post-production. ​

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You can also combine Applied Science with arts or humanities subjects.​

​Another attractive feature is that it combines Biology, Chemistry and Physics in one qualification and provides an entry point to vocational Science careers. If you enjoy researching information for yourself and organising it into a really good piece of coursework.​

​If you are well-organised and good at meeting deadlines, and if you want to do Biology, Chemistry and Physics but not as separate qualifications, then Applied Science may well be a good choice for you.​

How you will be assessed:​

​The course is set and outlined by OCR​.

​You will complete 2 written papers, each 2 hours in length, covering units 1 + 2.​

​You will complete and hand in 3 coursework units that will be internally and externally assessed.​

​Your overall grade will be determined through a combination of the above. ​

Trips and Work Experience Opportunities:​

​In recent years we have had trips visiting Yorkshire Wildlife Park and a local brewery in Skelmanthorpe that allow students to speak with people in science-related careers and have hands-on experience with course content. ​

Possible Career Routes:​

​Medical, scientific or sports based. Some examples are: radiography, biomedical science, nursing, sports science, law and occupational health.