Subjects Overview

Our core aim at Djanogly City Academy is to provide students with three A Level or equivalent qualifications at a high level in order to equip them with what they need for their chosen next steps. This coupled with a wide ranging super curriculum aims to provide them with skills and opportunities for the future.

The 16 – 19 programme of study is designed to offer students the breadth of study to enable them to be successful in achieving their qualifications, give them the opportunities for personal development and successfully secure their post 18 next steps be that further study or employment. Students follow three courses each of which has 5 hours of taught study delivered by a specialist teacher. The students are also timetabled for 5 hours of taught study skills where they learn how to organise their independent study and strategies for revision and deepening their understanding of subjects. They also have two hours per week of relationships, sex and health education to address any contextual concerns or issues as well as prepare them for adulthood. Students all have weekly work placements relevant to their study or interests. Students also have the opportunity to sign up for gym memberships through school. Students have to reach a baseline in KS4 qualifications to ensure they have the prior knowledge and skills to be successful in their level 3 study.

Art, Craft & Design

This is a visual arts A-level course which will enable you study 2D disciplines including drawing, painting, printmaking and digital arts. You will also study ceramics techniques as part of the development of project work. The course will give you the chance to explore the many different aspects of Art, Craft and Design practice and its underlying theory. You will explore the work of practitioners to inform your work and learn analytical skills. You will be able to specialise in particular disciplines in the second year.

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Biology

Biology A-level is designed for the curious to explore the intricacies of the human genome, why and how organisms have developed and what the future holds in terms of our survival and medical knowledge. During this A-level course we will explore how organisms work, adapt and survive at a molecular level. In the first year of this multi-disciplinary subject, we will develop our knowledge of cell biology by looking at how our cells are designed and organised to support life. Underpinning modern biology, the theory of evolution will take us through the second year of study with concepts including the control of gene expression and how this enables organisms to respond to internal and external environments.

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BTEC Level 3 Sport

The BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport is intended to be a practical and theory qualification for post-16 learners wanting to continue their education, and who aim to progress to University and employment, possibly in the sports sector.

The course is;

70% coursework modules - consisting of 10 units
30% exams - consisting of 4 exams

The course is delivered by qualified PE teachers.

Scholars use academy supplied Google Chromebooks, with work and lessons completed in Google Classroom.

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Business Studies

Exam board: AQA

A-level Business – the key to your career

This A-level Business course introduces you to all you need to know about working in business, providing a solid foundation for further study.

With a focus on helping you to become a good decision maker, you’ll learn essential managerial skills, alongside techniques to help you become an analytical problem solver. These skills are all highly sought after and valued in a wide range of careers.

Further study and career opportunities If you’d like to study business, finance or management at university, A-level Business provides an excellent foundation.

The skills you learn are transferable across a broad range of subjects and careers. Whatever you choose to do in the future, you’ll find that the things you learn in this course will help. For example, you’ll probably work with lots of different people, so knowledge of motivational theory will help you to work well with others and help them achieve their potential. You might have ambitious plans to start your own business. If that’s the case, you’ll find the marketing and finance topics particularly useful.

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Chemistry

Chemistry attempts to answer the question “what is the world made of?”. The search for this answer is the backbone of a level chemistry.

Chemistry investigates how one substance can be completely changed into another, it looks at researching a new wonder drug to save millions of lives. The opportunities and wonder that chemistry provides are endless.

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Computer Science

Computer Science is a practical subject where learners can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real world systems.

It is an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, and can look at the natural world through a digital prism. At A level computational thinking highly valued, helping learners to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence.

Learners will develop an ability to analyse, critically evaluate and make decisions. The project approach is a vital component of ‘post-school’ life and is of particular relevance to Further Education, Higher Education and the workplace. Each learner is able to tailor their project to fit their individual needs, choices and aspirations.

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Criminology

Exam board: WJEC L3 Applied Diploma

L3 Applied Diploma in Criminology – the key to your career

Criminology is Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminals, including the motivations and consequences of crime and its perpetrators, as well as the ways in which we can prevent crime.

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Drama

The study of Drama and Theatre at A level can help students with a variety of skills as well as develop their creative career aspirations. Students who study this course will enhance their skills in creative thinking, teamwork, analysis, presentation skills, planning etc.

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Economics

Exam board: Edexcel Economics A

A-level Economics – the key to your career

Economics is the study of how individual people, industries or businesses use resources. Although it's partially driven by numbers, it's not simply a mathematical study. Economics also covers social, financial and cultural perspectives when looking at the way the economic world operates and the transfer of wealth. Many economic models and theories help people work through the challenges posed by trying to utilise these limited resources effectively. Economic studies explore the history of economics, contemporary events and potential future challenges.

Economics A is structured into four themes and consists of three externally examined papers.

Students build knowledge and understanding of core economic models and concepts in Themes 1 and 2, and then build on this and apply their knowledge to more complex concepts and models in Themes 3 and 4.

Students will need to apply their knowledge and understanding to both familiar and unfamiliar contexts in the assessments and demonstrate an awareness of current economic events and policies.

Students will develop transferable skills that support study in a wide range of subjects at university and the transition to employment, including quantitative and analytical analysis, forming and testing hypotheses, and commercial awareness.

Students can progress from this qualification to:

higher education courses such as economics degrees with a focus on theory, or degrees in applied economics such as environmental economics, labour economics, public sector economics or monetary economics. Alternatively, students may choose to study a business economics, mathematical economics or business degree
a wide range of careers ranging from finance, banking, insurance, accountancy, management and consultancy, to becoming professional economists

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English Language

English Language A Level

Language is both a creative tool for expression and a means for social connection. By studying A Level English Language you’ll develop a critical awareness of the world around you.
You’ll be able to utilise your communication and analytical skills to navigate through your professional and personal life.
You’ll also learn how to adapt your skillset for various mediums such as film, news or sales.
A Level English Language will build on the knowledge you’ve gained in your GCSEs further and prepare you for higher education.
Whatever you decide to study, if you do decide to, you’re able to draw from your English language knowledge.
Most university courses will require some form of written element, even in the more practical courses. Being able to effectively and engagingly communicate throughout your work is essential to achieve those higher grades.
If you don’t wish to continue with your education post A Level study, then it’s still a good choice. An A Level in English Language is highly valued by employers as an internationally recognised qualification in a core subject.
A level English Language presentation

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English Literature

AQA’s English Literature course adopts a historicist approach to the study of literature; this means reading and responding with the consideration that no text exists in isolation but is rather the product of the time in which it was produced. Scholars will be encouraged to explore the relationships that exist between texts and the contexts within which they are written, received and understood. English A Level privileges the engagement with critical debate; what did people think about this text at the time? What do they think now? Do you agree with their standpoint? Might anything influence their view? Scholars are given the opportunity explore not only the ideas of authors, poets and literary critics, but their own ideas and perceptions alike.

The course blends both coursework and exams, with the opportunity to study drama, prose and poetry (ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary texts of the 2000’s). Core texts at AS will be studied across two years, with the addition of further texts at A Level. A Level also brings the chance to independently choose texts to study upon which to base their coursework, supporting scholars in their autonomous and creative journey to becoming expert literary critics!

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Further Maths

A-level Further Mathematics is an advanced-level qualification designed for students who have a strong aptitude and interest in mathematics and wish to deepen their understanding and skills beyond the standard A-level Mathematics curriculum. This course is taken in addition to A-level Mathematics and is well-suited for students pursuing careers in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, and other related fields.

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Geography

Geography is highly valued by universities as an A Level choice, and combines well with both arts and science subjects. It can be a facilitating subject - that is a subject most likely to be required or preferred for entry to degree courses. Choosing facilitating subjects will keep more options at the university-level; geography opens doors to other degrees such as business and administrative studies, law, engineering and technology, and the other social physical sciences.

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History

A Level History offers some new captivating topics to our budding historians which previously haven’t been studied at GCSE level, this means that our sixth formers have some new History to delve into whilst making use of their already developed skills within the subject.

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Maths

Present through the known universe, Mathematical theory underpins all sciences and art forms- it is essential to everyday life and our very existence. A-level mathematics is widely recognized and serves as a foundation for various academic and professional pursuits, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. The A-Level Mathematics curriculum at Djanogly Sixth Form is designed to develop students' analytical and problem-solving skills while providing a comprehensive understanding of mathematical concepts. We firmly believe in the relentless pursuit of excellence and making sure every students achieves the best grades they can.

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Music

Curriculum Intent

As a very varied discipline, Music A-Level is recognised as a rigorous academic subject and as excellent preparation for many courses at Higher Education. The A-level course allows pupils to study Music as a practical, intellectual and creative subject, covering a wide range of styles of music, including classical, jazz, musical theatre and pop. We live in an age of cultural diversity and the course aims to enable musicians from all backgrounds to develop as performers and composers.

This course will build on the skills, knowledge and understanding set out in the whole GCSE subject content for music.

From studying the course, students should be able to demonstrate their overarching knowledge and skills associated with the course content by:

o Interpreting musical ideas through performing, with technical and expressive control and an understanding of style and context (Performing)
o Creating and developing musical ideas with technical and expressive control and coherence (Composing)
o Demonstrating and applying musical knowledge (Appraising)
o Using analytical and appraising skills to make evaluative and critical judgements about music (Appraising)

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Philosophy & Ethics

A-level Philosophy and Ethics is a highly valued subject by universities as it serves as a facilitating subject to broaden entry opportunities to various degree courses. Philosophy and Ethics delves into fundamental questions about existence, morality, and the nature of knowledge. It is particularly complemented with both arts and science subjects, providing students with a broad academic foundation. A-level Philosophy and Ethics not only cultivates critical thinking but also open doors to diverse fields, including but not limited to humanities, social sciences, and law, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a well-rounded education and versatile career prospects.

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Physics

A Level Physics will give you incredibly strong analytical and research skills. You will be able to come at problems and solve them in a methodical and logical way. You will be able to investigate theories, devise tests and explore new ideas. Such strong problem-solving skills are highly sought after

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Psychology

A-Level Psychology will give you an understanding of the way people think and why people behave in certain ways.

You will learn a variety of skills including analytical thinking, improved communication, problem solving and many more than will prepare you for an exciting future.

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Sociology

Sociology offers insights into social and cultural issues. It helps you develop a multi-perspective and critical approach to understanding issues around culture, identity, religion, crime, families and social power. More than once during the course, you're bound to ask yourself the question, "why has society developed like this? With poverty, ignorance, crime and injustice".

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Product Design

In Product Design at A-Level, you will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put your learning in to practice by producing prototypes and making models of your choice. You will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers; giving you an in-depth insight and experience of being a true designer and maker.

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