Design & Technology at Ackworth is a forward-looking department, committed to the development of the subject. The teaching groups are small in all years, enabling high standards of design and manufacture to be maintained. Students study a variety of material areas and appreciate how integral design is in the world of today. Students are encouraged to focus on their problem-solving skills as well as their ability to innovate both practically and through their design work. At A-Level, the students look to develop their design and innovations skills when developing new products at a commercial level. For this course, we follow the AQA syllabus for Product Design. The teaching of the subject is approached through a design base, encouraging students to apply their knowledge and experience to solving set problems which are then realised at a practical level which not only develops skills but also an awareness of materials and processes. The department is fully equipped in both traditional wood and metal working areas including heat treatment and machine room, as well as a dedicated CAD/CAM suite which includes a laser cutter and 3D Printer. Many of our pupils go on to university to study degrees with a technological bias, including various Engineering degrees, Architecture as well as through the design route which include Product, Industrial and Graphic Design.

Module and course content:

Modules and course content:

Exam Paper 1 (2 ½ hours) 30% of A-Level

Technical principles which include:

• Materials and their applications
• Modern industrial and commercial practice
• Digital design and manufacture
• Protecting designs and intellectual property

Computer science has the power to change and influence lives. We need you to contribute!

Our aim in the Computer Science department is to develop computer science theory and programming skills at an advanced level within engaging and progressive lessons. The course contains two exam papers and a non exam assessment. This will give pupils an opportunity to develop a coding project of their choice within a client based scenario.

Specialised resources and assessments are regularly carried out to closely monitor progress and a personalised teaching and learning approach is implemented to give pupil the opportunity to maximise their progress.

Every pupil has access to the ICT suite of computers, is assigned an individual IPad and cloud based storage. This enables the link between home and remote study to be readily available.  Subject areas have their own workstations and access to Apple TV within classrooms. An extended Wifi network around the school has been established thereby expanding e-Learning possibilities

Develop an understanding of the world around you
The global economy has been volatile in recent years, and will affect your life and that of those around you. Studying Business can help make sense of the news and its consequences. Detailed analysis and evaluation of real world case studies is essential in Business Studies, during lessons and in the final examinations.

Broad range of skills
Business Studies requires development of essay writing, case study analysis and quantitative skills. Teaching and learning is varied, providing opportunities for self directed learning, presentations, problem solving, collaborative work and research. Ambitious learners can challenge themselves by entering national competitions.

A wide range of career options
Every company needs business minded individuals, or you may choose to be self employed. Studying Business can lead to careers in many sectors from banking to fashion, in areas such as finance, marketing, human resources or management.

University options
Undergraduate study of Business Studies usually requires study of the subject at A Level. Studying the subject at A Level will also give you a firm foundation of knowledge across the range of possible degree options, and develop both your essay writing and quantitative skills. Students are supported in their university applications with opportunities to engage in super-curricular activities.

Quality of teaching and learning
Our Business Studies team include staff who are highly experienced in both teaching and examining across a range of courses. Our students report that they enjoy lessons, and are well prepared for the demands of their final examinations.

A-Level Psychology

“Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour: how we think, feel, act and interact individually and in groups.”

The British Psychological Society

Psychologists are scientists, and they use Research Methods to investigate questions. Psychologists investigate many areas of thought and behaviour; a variety of methods exist to ensure that there is always one appropriate to the needs of the study.

You will learn to critically consider the choices researchers have made in designing their studies, evaluating the validity of research and the conclusions that have been made. You will see how a study evolves from an initial idea to a piece of published research, with the power to change the way society thinks and behaves.

The Psychology A-level course will help you develop a number of skills:

• How to view the world around you from different perspectives
• How to plan and conduct scientific investigations
• How to analyse and interpret data
• How to reason critically
• How to communicate your point of view