Tomlinson Sixth Form
By Mr P Fowler
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Introduction Tomlinson Hall Sixth Form Centre has grown
dramatically in recent years both in terms of student numbers and in the range
of courses on offer. The Upper and Lower Sixth now comprise around 200 students
who have over 20 ‘A’ Level subjects from which to choose as well as a number of
vocational courses that we operate in partnership with Tamworth and Lichfield
College. At ‘A’ Level in particular we have tried to provide students with the
opportunity to take up new subjects that they will not have been able to study
in the main school and these courses have been incredibly popular as well as
successful. Psychology and Government and Politics at A Level have now been up
and running for some time and what has been really noticeable is just how many
students decide to continue with these subjects at university degree level.
Media Studies was introduced into the curriculum in September 2005 and student
feedback has been very positive. If you’re not too sure exactly what these
courses involve at A level, then what follows will give you a brief overview.
AS2/A2 Media Studies Media Studies
is in its first year at Polesworth and is already proving to be a popular
choice. The subject is an exciting new venture that gives the students a number
of opportunities to analyse and understand the ways in which a variety of media
texts are constructed. At AS level the subject involves a mixture of practical
and theory offering the students a diverse learning experience. Unit 1
involves the deconstruction of a range of texts, (print, moving image and
radio), in preparation for an examination, in which they will be expected to
analyse an unseen text in terms of representations, audience, language,
ideology, institution, narrative and genre. Unit 2 entails a more detailed
analysis of contemporary film and broadcast fiction, documentary and/or
advertising and marketing. Unit 3 is the practical element that accommodates
those who favour a hands-on approach, allowing them to show their expertise
through the production of a media text using appropriate hardware and software.
The units studied at A2 involve an in depth study of representation, genre and
news production, a written piece of coursework linked to a contemporary media
issue and a synoptic paper that entails the analysis, comparison and debate of
two related media texts. The staff are extremely enthusiastic and excited by
this opportunity that allows the study of current media texts that form an
integral part of modern cultural beliefs and identities. The understanding of
these texts equips students with not only an understanding of how the texts are
constructed, but how ideological messages are reflected and promoted through
them. This subject therefore offers a means of comprehending the trends of the
world in which we live. Government &
Politics First established in 2000 Government and Politics has
proved to be a great success both in popularity and in terms of exam results.
Last year the 14 A level students gained 4 A’s, 6B’s 3 C’s and 1 D. Ofsted
described the provision for Government and Politics as ‘very good’ and noted
that ‘lively debate is a characteristic of the teaching’ During their AS studies
students study all aspects of British politics and the major issues of the day.
Students begin by studying political participation, which involves whether our
current electoral system is fair, the role and beliefs of the major political
parties and the role of pressure groups in our society. They are currently
preparing for an exam in January in which they will answer questions such as
“Has the Labour Party abandoned it’s traditional principles” in which they look
at the development of New Labour under Blair his policies and those in the party
who do not agree with the direction he is taking the party. They will then go on
to study the constitution, role of Parliament and the role of the Prime
Minister. This means looking in detail at the current political situation,
especially Blair’s failure to get the proposed 90 day imprisonment without
charge proposals through the Commons. Will Blair face similar difficulties with
his propose reforms of the public services, and what are the implications for
his hold on power? With this and the coming change of leadership of the
Conservative Party the next 12 months will certainly be very interesting in the
Politics department. We also look at the impact of Europe on our lives and
whether we should change our system in order to make it more democratic. In
February we plan to visit Parliament to meet with local MP Mike O’Brien and I am
sure our students will have many tough questions for him.
During their A2 studies students study a range of political ideologies from
Socialism, Conservatism and Liberalism to Anarchism, feminism and Fascism. This
wide range of studies has produced students who not only have opinions about the
world around them but who can express these ideas both in writing and orally.
These are skills much appreciated in the world of work especially in professions
such as the law. The Politics department is made up of Mr R. Miles, Mr A.
Boulstridge and Mr N. Fellows. Sociology and
Psychology Sociology and Psychology are relatively ‘new’ A Levels
at Polesworth International Language College, however they are now well established, with students
achieving excellent results and reporting high levels of interest and enjoyment.
Sociology is now available as a GCSE option and is proving very popular. At A
Level students gain insight into topics such as: the Family, Education, Religion
and Crime and Deviance. They are encouraged to develop independent research
skills and learn in an interactive manner. Students develop critical thinking
skills through regular class discussion. Many Sociology students now go on to
read Sociology at University. Psychology is one of the most popular A Level
choices at Polesworth International Language College with many students choosing to continue their
study of Psychology at University. Students gain increased self-awareness and an
understanding of the behaviour and motivations of others. It is these skills
that make knowledge of Psychology useful in any career that involves dealing
with people. Topics studied at A Level include: - Memory, Obedience and
Conformity, Child Development, Stress, Mental Illness, Relationships and Sleep
and Dreaming. Students who opt for Sociology and/or Psychology in the 6th Form
are taught by well qualified, subject specialists. They will enjoy a variety of
different teaching styles and will be well supported in the development of the
necessary academic skills to enable them to reach their full potential. For
further information, please contact Mrs D A Gajic, Head of Social Science.
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