GENERAL STUDIES

What is the course about?

All students will normally take this course. It forms part of the curriculum enrichment programme offered by the N E Lincs 6th Form Partnership.

The course itself consists of four skills examined at the end of the course via six written papers.

Candidates will be prepared for the exams through 4 main strands, developing and enhancing skills already achieved at GCSE level.

It will appeal to:

• hose students who have an interest in reading, researching and discussing a whole range of topical issues
• anyone who enjoys studying subjects that are relevant to their own lives and experiences
• those students who want to keep their options open for further study
• students who might want to build upon other areas of academic study

What will I learn?

• to develop a great awareness of human knowledge, understanding and behaviour
• to understand and interpret different types and forms of information
• to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a variety of topical issues

Strand 1 Knowledge and Understanding

This deals with the acquisition, judgement and evaluation of information. Students will need to be able to distinguish between evidence and opinion whilst developing judgmental skills about contemporary issues.

Strand 2 Communication Skills

This Skill requires an accurate and effective use of language displaying analytical and interpretative skills relevant to a specific data. The presentation of information and data must also show a structure and ability to select material.

Strand 3 Information Technology Skills

Some elements of I.T. must be used to show experience of word processing, information handling and access or an awareness of the differing uses of I.T.

Strand 4 Research Skills

Students will need to display an ability to understand some of the types and purposes of research methodologies. Qualitative and quantitative problem solving skills will also be developed as part of this Strand.

When does the course start?

The course starts in September of each year.

How do I attend?

Normal daytime attendance.

Where applicable this subject may also be taken as a part time evening programme.

Who is the awarding Body?

OCR

How long does the course last?

The course is taught as a one year programme. AS modules are taken after one year.

What does this course lead on to?

This AS course is designed to take candidates straight onto A2 after one year. Candidates will normally take A2 modules after two years of study.

What subject entry requirements are there?

You do not need any specific prior knowledge in order to study this subject. You will need to be prepared to pull together your knowledge from a variety of other areas and understand how they can contribute to the issues being studied. You will be expected to have some interest in contemporary or historical events and think logically and constructively about them.

Are there any other requirements?

There are a wide variety of resources to draw upon for this course, such as IT Library facilities and resource centres, so it is expected that students should make full use of them.

How is the course assessed?

By 100% externally assessed examination

Unit 1 – 1 hr 15 mins (30% of total marks)

Unit 2 – 1 hr 15 mins (30% of total marks)

Unit 3 – 1hr 15 mins (40% of total marks)

Whom should I contact for advice?

Alan Bentley

Tollbar B & E College
Station Road
New Waltham
N E lincs
DN36 4RZ

Tel: 01472 500505

Equal opportunities (statement)

The N.E. Lincs Sixth Form College Partnership guarantees that it will deal fairly and effectively with all students, staff and visitors and offer equality of opportunity on the basis of age, creed, gender, impairment, learning difficulty, marital status, national origin, race, religion or sexuality.

Students have the right to expect that this will apply to them without prejudice or discrimination and that they also have the obligation to deal fairly and effectively with other students and staff regardless of age, creed, gender, impairment, learning difficulty, marital status, national origin, race, religion or sexuality.

Mature student information only:

APL

Mature student applicants may have the opportunity to gain these qualifications based on experience and prior knowledge.

Course fees?

Band F

Exam fees?

To be confirmed.