Reasons to study product design could be: you enjoy it, you want to become a designer, you want a creative outlet, it complements your other subjects, it can provide a practical application to other subjects, products are relevant to most things we do, it’s varied, its interesting. ECONOMICS NEW COURSE FOR 2015 AS de-coupled from A2 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS It is not necessary to have studied Economics at GCSE but students need to have achieved at least six GCSE grades at level B or above (including Maths and English). An interest in current affairs and a willingness to contribute to class discussions is expected. COURSE CONTENT Economics will help you to understand aspects of current affairs relating to the economy and some of the forces which act upon us all as consumers, producers and citizens. It will enable you to offer informed comment on economic problems and government economic policies. The course also provides you with a good knowledge of developments in the UK economy and government policies over the past fifteen years. You will consider issues such as: Why is the financial sector so important to the UK economy? What caused the financial crisis that began in 2007/8? How can the government reduce road congestion and pollution? Is Microsoft a monopoly, and if so, how does this affect us? Should Britain join the euro? Will the euro survive? Why is the Bank of England so worried about inflation and deflation? How can developing countries like Uganda, Mexico or Bangladesh, use economics to improve their standard of living? What is the best way to tackle the budget deficit? Will this lead to higher taxes and less government spending? Can we eliminate poverty and why is income so unequally distributed? The course places emphasis on analysing problems and alternative solutions, rather than merely describing them. Students are expected to actively participate in their learning by applying economics to current issues and presenting their own findings and opinions. Our approach to Economics is to apply economic theory to support analysis of current economic problems and issues, encouraging students to appreciate the interrelationships between microeconomics and macroeconomics.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Why study A level Maths? It is interesting, challenging and rewarding. It teaches you precision and the ability to think logically. It is important in helping you to understand and succeed with other subjects; indeed, it is a compulsory A-level qualification for many degree courses. It is widely regarded as a good qualification to have and it could be useful to you throughout your career. It is essential if you wish to study mathematics at university What qualities should an A-level Maths student have? You must be interested in mathematics. Do you enjoy algebra and problem solving? You must have determination. It can be demanding, if you get stuck you must not give up. You must work consistently hard as many topics build on previous topics due to the progressive nature of mathematics. You have to keep on top of the work on a modular course. You must be prepared to ask for help when you need it - being shy is no excuse! You must be organised and responsible in your studies - it is your future. How many people do A-level Maths at Ripon Grammar School? There are 90 in the Lower Sixth in five sets. About three quarters of our AS students continue to A2 level. MUSIC Exam Board OCR Course Unit H142 (AS) H542 (A2) A level music is a highly academic subject that develops skills in analysis, logic and source evaluation. That being said, it is a highly creative subject allowing students to discover and develop new ways of expressing a range of emotion through composition and performance. It develops their confidence in their own ability and encourages them to assert their own authority in their research. The skills acquired in A level music equip the student not only for studying music at university but many other subjects at degree level. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS When students have studied the subject to GCSE we require at least a grade B. Where applicants have not taken the examination in the subject, we need to have evidence of the ability to cope with the course at ‘A’ Level, and therefore students need to be working towards Associated Board grade VI in their instrument and should have evidence of previous compositions. COURSE CONTENT AS course Unit 1 – Performing (40%) Candidates will prepare a 15minute recital that will be externally assessed by a visiting examiner. The recital is made of three parts: