General Studies

General Studies AS studied over 2 years (AQA B 5766)
Who?  All students are expected to take one area of academic enrichment from Key Skills, Critical Thinking or General Studies.  To be accepted on to the General Studies course, students need at least 5 A*-C grades at GCSE including Mathematics, English and Science. 
What?  General Studies ranges through a wide variety of topics including sections on Arts and the Media, Society and Politics, Beliefs and Values, Industry and Commerce and Science and Technology.  Students should form opinions on these topics, keep an open mind, develop reasoned arguments and provide relevant examples.   Examinations on Modules 2 (Power) and 3 (Space) are taken at the end of their Lower Sixth year and Module 1 (Conflict) at the end of their Upper Sixth year. 
Where and When?   Check your timetable and the General Studies notice board.   Students have 1 lesson timetabled per week.  Please speak to E Lawton for more information. 
Why?  A good grade in this subject could provide vital extra UCAS points to ensure you get onto your chosen university course. It is great for developing analytical skills, lateral and ‘joined up’ thinking – excellent life skills.  Many universities like to see it on an application form as it suggests a student with a wider academic background than the three or four subjects they are taking for A level. Competition for university places is huge and the more a student has to offer the better their chances for an offer. General Studies is currently one of the most popular A-levels in the country.  All subjects go with this course. There is no coursework.  It gives you the opportunity to dip into topics you might not otherwise encounter at this level.

How?  We teach this on a carousel basis.  It is delivered by a number of teachers according to their expertise.  You must read a quality newspaper throughout the course and attend each session.  This is a skills based subject – you prepare over the entire course.