A central aspect of the curriculum is that all students study at least two of the following subjects:
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Biology Chemistry Physics Psychology
· Mathematics · Further Mathematics · Statistics
· Computing · Geography · Environmental Science
Students also have the opportunity to study the following subjects at our partner specialist school, Jane Austen College - situated just a few minutes' walk away on its own Norwich city centre campus. Subjects available for Sir Isaac students at Jane Austen College include:
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English Literature English Language History Philosophy Sociology Politics
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Law Classics Spanish French German
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Drama Art Graphics Music Music Technology
This partnership of two specialist schools ensures that every student receives the best possible tuition in whatever subject combination they wish to take, and ensures all our students experience the widest range of interests and ideas. In addition to A-levels, Sir Isaac students may choose to complete the Core Maths qualification or an Extended Project Qualifi cation (EPQ). Please see the subject descriptions for more information on the Core Maths qualifi cation. The EPQ introduces students to the rigorous process of research and allows them to apply these skills in a subject area of their choice. It is an excellent qualifi cation, providing a superb grounding for the research demands faced as an undergraduate.
Biology All living organisms have similarities in cellular structure, biochemistry and function; an understanding of these similarities is fundamental to the study of biology. You will enjoy a flexible approach to the study of this diverse subject. Microscopy allows you to study the cell structure of a variety of organisms. Biologically important molecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, water and nucleic acids are studied with respect to their structure and function. You will also study the structure and function of gas exchange and transport systems in a range of animals and terrestrial plants. Heredity and the mechanisms of evolution and speciation are also covered. Some of the practical techniques used to manipulate DNA such as sequencing and amplification are applied and their therapeutic medical use considered. Through this, you will develop a balanced understanding of the issues surrounding biotechnology. Assessment at the end of Year 13 takes the form of three written papers, one of which is a synoptic paper covering content from both years. (OCR A)
Physics Practical skills are embedded throughout the content of the course ensuring that you develop a range of practical skills in preparation for the written examinations. You will be introduced to the important conventions and ideas that permeate the fabric of physics. Understanding of physical quantities, S.I. units, scalars and vectors help our physicists to effectively communicate their ideas and to model the motion of objects using mathematics. You will also learn about the important connection between force and energy, appreciate how forces cause deformation and understand the importance of Newton's laws of motion. You will apply the important principle of conservation of energy to a range of situations. Electrons, electric current, electrical circuits, wave properties, electromagnetic waves and, of course, quantum physics are studied together with the fields of astrophysics and cosmology. Assessment at the end of Year 13 takes the form of three written papers, one of which is a synoptic paper covering content from both years. (OCR A)
Mathematics Mathematics continues to be the most popular A-level subject choice because it is accessible, enjoyable and cha llenging, with applications and use across many other subjects. The A-level maths curriculum has a strong emphasis on deeper understanding and problem solving, which prepares students well for work or study beyond A-level. As well as being essential for studying any mathematics-based subject at degree level, A-level mathematics is required by many universities for students studying subjects such as chemistry, biology, economics or geophysics. Our A-level maths students study a broad curriculum, including richer topics such as calculus from first principles, alongside the traditional ones such as qua dra tics, trigonometry and sequences. Our mathematics teachers are experts in the teaching of mathematics and between them have many years of experience. We work closely with the Adva nced Maths Support Program as well as other mathematics organisations to challenge and enrich our students' understanding of mathematics in every possible way. Assessment at the end of Yea r 13 takes the form of three written papers covering content from both yea rs. (OCR A).
Further mathematics Further mathematics is a second full A Level in mathema tics, useful for students considering mathematics at university, but also for students going on to study subjects that have a very high mathematical content such as physics, engineering or economics. In further maths students study additional pure mathematics topics such as complex numbers, matrices and proof; there is a strong emphasis on problem solving. The topics studied in further maths are at least as stretching as those in A Level maths; students are expected to build a deeper understanding so they can make links between all the content studied and apply their knowledge effectively when solving difficult problems. Our further maths students study A Level further maths as a full timetabled subject alongside their other subjects. For students considering studying maths at Oxbridge we provide support to develop the deeper problem-solving skills required for the MAT and STEP entrance exa ms. (OCR A)
Statistics Statistics are freely used in the media and news but are often misused and misinterpreted. A Level statistics builds on the data handling skills you developed through GCSE mathematics and teaches you more about how to work with data to draw conclusions on their reliability and validity. The course uses probability models to compare whether values observed in practice are different to what was expected and then uses hypothesis testing to justify the significance of these in the real world. Statistics A level focuses on the application of maths rather than the rigour of pure maths and supports topics in biology, psychology and geography. The use of statistics is very important in a wide variety of degrees and supports applications to study biological science, medicine and social science. If you are more interested in studying statistics to degree level then you should study A Level mathematics instead due to its focus on the algebraic part of mathematics. (Edexcel)
Core Maths Core Maths is a level 3 maths qualification equivalent to an AS level in terms of demand and carrying the same number of UCAS tariff points. It is delivered in Year 12 only. Our students study Core Maths as a complement to their other three A levels. It is ideal for students who choose to study A levels involving significant mathema tica l content but who do not wish to study A level Ma thema tics. In term one all Core Maths students cover the fundamentals of the course including Analysis of Data, Persona l Finance and Estimation and in term two we support mathematical aspects of the biology, psychology and chemistry courses such as applying mathematical modelling techniques to the solution of problems. Assessment is at the end of Year 12 and takes the form of two written pa pers. Many universities have shown their support for Core Maths by offering reduced entry criteria for students who study this qualifica tion. (AQA)
Environmental Science Environmental science is ideal for those with a strong interest in conservation and the impact of humans on the planet. It covers topics as diverse as the physical environment, research methods underpinning theories and data gathering. This includes changes to the atmosphere and weather patterns, the evolution of life on Earth and how data is used to model the processes studied. Key topics include the biophysical environment, energy resources, pollution, circular economy and sustainability. It will include real-life case studies to give real-world applications to their work. This work will be supported by lessons in research techniques and statistical analysis of data. Both skills will be ideal preparation for life in industry and university. Assessment at the end of Year 13 takes the form of two 3-hour papers (AQA).
Geography This course will help you develop knowledge about locations, places, processes and environments at all geographical scales from local to global. You will investigate physical processes such as water and carbon cycles, coastal systems and landscapes. You will explore human processes like global systems and governance, population and environments. You will also conduct a geographical investigation where you collect data in the field and conduct your own research based on a question or issue related to any part of the A level. Assessment at the end of Year 13 takes the form of two written papers covering content from both years and an extensive fieldwork investigation project. (AQA).
Educating the whole person Alongside our curriculum, our electives programme gives you a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities ranging from highly academic activities such as our STEP maths support program to sports such as table tennis and football. Oxbridge Society will introduce you to aspirational universities. Whether you want to be an engineer, medic, dentist, allied health professional or vet, there is a society for you. Electives will encourage you to explore your ambitions and interests, boost your university application, provide academic and volunteering opportunities, offer fun activities and an environment in which to relax and meet new friends. We encourage you to play a full part in our local community. You might choose reading or maths support with secondary school students, engage with young people with special educational needs, or organise charity events. You can show the breadth of your interests through the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Nuffield Scholarship and a range of university summer schools and work experience ventures. Recognised by universities, these courses offer you the chance of further independent study and exploration of new subjects.
Ready for work At Sir Isaac we are committed to ensuring you reach your full academic and personal potential. You will find information on careers embedded in our lessons and our form programme will help you to develop life and employability skills that will carry you on into university and employment. We enjoy warm and growing links with local em ployers, organisations and higher education institutions, all aimed at providing you with valuable work-related opportunities and work experience. We also offer regular careers advice and guidance for all our students. Our external speaker programme is an opportunity for you to attend seminars led by local and national professionals and experts. These sessions provide an insight into potential careers and are also an opportunity for you to question professionals in the sectors that interest you. These sessions, on a range of topics, also offer an additional opportunity for you to widen your knowledge and experience of the world around you.
Preparing for university University is the next step for almost all Sir Isaac students and we support you every step of the journey. In tutorial sessions you will focus on writing personal statements, the skills required for university, apprenticeship and employment interviews and life beyond sixth form, all matched with expert advice and feedback. Our Oxbridge Society, as well as societies for a range of professions including engineering, medicine, dentistry and veterinary science also provide the chance for like-minded individuals to get together to discuss their aspirations, share ideas on applications and support each other through the application process. Specialist guest speakers from a variety of careers and professions give you the chance to hear more and ask questions about the wider world of study, research and employment. Whatever your ambitions, you can be assured that we will help you to realise your goals.
At Sir Isaac you will receive five hours of teaching in each subject each week with most students following a 16 hour timetable each week. As well as your lessons you will also complete tasks, prepare for lessons and revisit material and should aim to spend at least as much time studying outside lessons as you do in the cl assroom. This level of study can be daunting but teachers are always willing to help you organise your time effectively and help you to make the most of your school day. The flexibility of our timetable means that you can attend extra l essons, catch up on lessons you might have missed and get ahead of trickier content. In essence you can tailor-make your timetable to suit you. All students at Sir Isaac belong to a form. You'll find that the students in your form may follow the same subjects as you and will be in some of your classes too. This means that you will build good friends and strong support networks in and out of your l essons. Your form meets for one hour every week and is a really valuable part of your education. Your form tutor will help you with study skills and organisation as well as university, apprenticeship and employment applications. Our pastoral system will support you while you are studying at Sir Isaac. If you have special educational needs and disabilities we will work closely with you and your family to support you in school. Your form tutor, teachers and our academic and pastoral mentors are all here to make sure your needs are met. The pastoral mentor prides himself on knowing our young people well and works alongside the teaching and support staff, as well as aiming to develop positive relationships with the students and their famil ies. Our pastoral mentor also works closely with our academic mentor. The academic mentor will support you with skills that promote successful study including organisation, time management, revision and life skills.
Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form College is partnered with Jane Austen College, enabling students to study from a wide range of subjects including English, the Humanities and the Arts. We are lucky enough to have a phenomenal teaching team who are true experts in their subjects and who are ready to inspire you through your A Level studies. We provide an excellent, academic education for all our students but we also do a lot more. All of our students receive excellent support, enabling progress to university and into successful careers. The UK has some of the world's top universities and our students achieve the results that help get them there. Progressing to university or a degree apprenticeship is increasingly about more than just grades. Our pastoral and academic mentoring programme gives you the wider experiences you need to develop excellent employability skills and will prepare you for university and beyond. Our results are regularly top of the table and our Sixth Form has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Just like Sir Isaac, we're located in a historic city centre building that has been redeveloped specifically for teaching our subject specialisms. If you'd like to hear any more information about Jane Austen College, email us at jac6thform@inspirationtrust.org or view our online prospectus. I look forward to meeting you and working together with you to help make your future a successful and exciting one.
Summer Turner Head of School Jane Austen College