|
A-Level General Studies
Rationale for General Studies at Frances Bardsley School
A-level General Studies offers a breadth of knowledge that is necessary for everyone to possess in our increasingly complex and ever-changing world.
Most A-levels are designed for students to learn particular subjects in depth. This is perfect if a course in further education is the aim of students, or if they are particularly interested in a specific area of knowledge. However, in-depth study is not enough to allow students to take advantage of the many opportunities that could become available when they leave Frances Bardsley School.
The world is becoming increasingly more globalised on many different levels so that people can have very different views of the world depending upon where they are in the world, or in life. It is increasingly important to be able to look at issues from different perspectives and to analyse them in different ways. It is also important to be able to communicate with different types of people at different positions in society. A-level General Studies offers the opportunity to learn more about the world, and to gain the skills necessary to maximise students’ opportunities in the world.
Many businesses and universities recognise this, and are increasingly aware of the importance of having members of their institutions that are also aware of the issues that arise in a complex, multi-dimensional society. It is important that everybody has the skills necessary to have equal access to opportunities that arise in the real world. The Frances Bardsley School for Girls considers it is a duty to instil this into all students who attend the Sixth Form.
General Studies at Frances Bardsley 6th Form College
There are two modules at AS
and two modules at A2
Within each module, content is arranged in five themes;
- Science and Technology
- Society and Power
- Arts and Media
- Business and Industry
- Beliefs and Values
We us the AQA examining board because it offers both students and staff the greatest possibility of achieving the aims set out in the introduction.
Some of the specification is taught in the General studies lessons, but the content of Y12 Religious Studies and Y12 Citizenship lessons which together make up a whole package. Attendance at General Studies, Religious Studies and Citizenship lessons is compulsory for everybody because of the reasons above.
Every year students do get A-grades in General Studies. To achieve at this level you must attend and work hard in all lessons; you will need to be on time to lessons; you will need to bring all of your materials.
We will try and make the general studies course as interesting as possible, e.g. with
- Active Workshops
- Whole year teaching
- Class based discussions
- Group work
- Forms to fill in
- Etc., etc.,
| 
