Transition
The transition from year 11 GCSE student to sixth form student represents a new era and it should feel like an exciting time.
However, it is important to acknowledge that, academically, the step up from GCSEs to A levels and BTEC level 3 courses is a big one. It’s therefore really important that students joining the sixth form are well prepared for the courses they undertake and ready to take on the challenge of level 3 study. This is why we provide transition work for every individual who is successful in securing a place in the sixth form.
For each A level and BTEC course and enrichment qualification there are three short tasks: something to read, something to watch or listen to, and something to write. We ask that students complete the 3 tasks for the subjects they are looking to take before they start lessons in year 12.
In addition to the three short tasks, there is also a transition pack for each sixth form subject. Completion of the work in the transition work is optional and for students who want to do some more preparation and research before starting year 12.
If you have secured a place in sixth form, you can access the tasks for the courses you are looking to take below. You will also find links to the optional transition packs.
Something to Read
The Twisted Genius of Salvador Dalí – Artland Magazine
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/dali
Something to Watch/Listen
Something to Write
From your reading and initial research into the work of Salvador Dali, you are to explain through written annotation who is Salvador Dali and discuss his artwork in a short essay or piece of descriptive writing. All art A Level endorsements require you to research a range of artists and designers which inform your own artwork. This has to be recorded through in depth written responses and investigations.
To complete this written analysis you must ensure you use key art terms and advanced language. You need to explore the artwork produced and a brief history about the artist. You can choose to describe key pieces of artwork and personally comment on what you believe the artwork is about.
Something to Read
The Jekyll and Hyde Nature of Antibodies
Something to Watch/Listen
Something to Write
Write a factfile about one autoimmune disorder.
Include:
- Structure of an antibody (in general)
- Symptoms
- What is being attacked
- Any potential causes / triggers
- Treatments
Something to Read
Specification – BTEC National Diploma in Business
Something to Watch/Listen
BTEC Business (Level 3 Nationals) Unit 3 – Personal and Business Finance – YouTube
Something to Write
Mike is hoping to expand Palindrone quickly. Its current machinery is becoming outdated and the business needs to update its technology to remain competitive.
The cost of a new machine is £40 000 and Mike is wondering how to fund this purchase.
He has two options to choose from. Option 1 Lease a new machine. Leasing a machine will cost £1000 per month. This cost includes any repair costs. The lease is for a minimum of two years. It can be cancelled after this point if two months’ notice is given. An extra £1500 fee must be paid for ending the lease early. The leasing company will deliver and install the machine.
Option 2 Purchase a new machine using a loan with a variable rate of interest over five years. The loan repayment will be initially £800 per month. The loan will be secured against the business premises. The delivery and installation of the machine will cost an extra £1200. Mike will also have to pay for any repairs once the machine’s three-year guarantee ends. (f) Evaluate whether Mike should lease (Option 1) or use a loan (Option 2) to obtain the machine.
Something to Read
Read this article about factors that contribute to the failure of businesses:
Why businesses fail – Hodder Education Magazines
Something to Watch/Listen
Watch this documentary about entrepreneurs who have enjoyed high levels of business success:
Something to Write
“For all businesses, workers are always the organisation’s most important contributor to success”
Use the article you’ve read and the documentary you’ve watched to write a 500 word response to this statement. In your response you should put forward arguments for and against the statement. Think about the following when putting your response together: Why are workers an important resource in businesses? Are they actually vital to the success of all businesses? What other factors / resources contribute to the success of businesses?
Something to Read
Something to Watch/Listen
Cyanide
Something to Write
Using Plastics in the Body. Construct research and report your findings on how plastics are used in the body. How are scientists learning to use polymers for many medical applications, including implants, bone repairs and reduction in infections.
Something to Read
Something to Watch/Listen
Something to Write
Explain in two paragraphs, why Greek religion was important to the Athenian people. Think about how it allowed them to worship and praise the Gods, think about the Parthenon. Also consider how it brought the people together, especially through the festival to honour Athena, the Panathenaia. Use the evidence from what you have read and what you have watched to help you create your two paragraphs.
Something to Read
During the course you will be completing a project that will require you to design and develop a solution for a user. Many students look at creating a game and use PyGame. You can look at this link and read about how PyGame works.
Making Games with Python & Pygame
Something to Watch/Listen
This will enable you to see how PyGame can be used to develop games practically.
Something to Write
Write a short piece on how PYGame can be used to develop games. You should comment on the features/functions that you have learnt about, including how they may be used in a final solution.
Something to Read
Behind the knife crime statistics: understanding children who carry weapons | Youth Endowment Fund
Something to Watch/Listen
Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis – BBC iPlayer
Something to Write
Who is responsible for an increase in knife crime and how can this be dealt with? Write a brief report (approx. 300-500 words) to address this. With regards to who is responsible, you can make reference to the Government, education and/or specific individuals.
Something to Read
Read – Sherlock Holmes – The Adventures of Speckled Band – look for typical crime elements within the text.
Something to Watch/Listen
Watch Death on The Nile – (Kenneth Branagh 2022 version) – Available on Disney. Can be paid for on other streaming services. – An introduction to Crime Fiction.
Something to Write
Write about how Poirot is presented in ‘The Death on the Nile’ OR Write about how Sherlock Holmes is presented in ‘The Speckled Band’
Something to Read
Please read: Plate Tectonics: A Unifying Theory – specifically 2.3 Evidence for Continental Drift, 2.4 Paleomagnetism, 2.5 Magnetic reversals and seafloor spreading.
Something to Watch/Listen
Watch this documentary about Taliban rule in Afghanistan:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0027ffx
Something to Write
Write a short report (no more than 500 words) about human rights violations in Afghanistan.
Something to Read
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/motor-neurone-disease
https://www.england.nhs.uk/6cs/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2015/03/introducing-the-6cs.pdf
Something to Watch/Listen
Something to Write
1. Rob suffers from MND. What does MND stand for?
2. What treatment or cure is there for MND?
3. How long have the doctor’s given Rob to live?
4. What character traits has Rob demonstrated?
- Resilience
- self-esteem
- emotional intelligence
- disposition – a person’s character traits, e.g. positive
5. How has Rob’s family supported him?
Define the 6C’s What examples can you now give on using the 6 Cs in practice?
Write three examples of using the 6 Cs in practice
Something to Read
Chapter 3, Henry VII: 1485-1509 by John McGurk
Something to Watch/Listen
Something to Write
While you watch Henry VII Winter King, complete the quiz questions provided here:
Something to Read
Something to Watch/Listen
The entire specification for the Unit 1 exam revised.
Something to Write
Write down 8 HTML tags along with a description of their purpose. You could also provide an example of the syntax.
Something to Read
Pros and cons of trial by jury | The Week UK
Something to Watch/Listen
Something to Write
Should we abandon having trial by jury? Provide two paragraphs explaining the pros and cons of juries.
Something to Read
Read these articles about probability.
Maths in a minute: Probability distributions | plus.maths.org
Maths in a minute: Hypothesis testing
Something to Watch/Listen
Watch the TED talk and pick 4 videos from numberphile to watch. The videos are short and cover a wide range of topics. You may choose to watch a complete playlist or just pick 4 on different topics.
https://ed.ted.com/lessons/why-can-t-you-divide-by-zero
Something to Write
Write a short summary of each of the videos you have watched.
Something to Read
https://revisionworld.com/a2-level-level-revision/pe-physical-education/arousal/inverted-u-theory
Something to Watch/Listen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlHkXjfQZHg
Something to Write
Evaluate the inverted-U theory and its affects on Ben Flower’s performance?
- Link to drive theory
- Experience – novice or expert
- Personality – extrovert or introvert
- Catastrophe theory
Something to Read
Rene Descartes view on the mind and body distinction
Something to Watch/Listen
Something to Write
Briefly write 2 paragraphs arguing for and against the concept of the existence of a soul. (Include the view of Descartes and one other philosopher with an explanation)
Something to Read
Philip Zimbardo, the psychologist behind the ‘Stanford Prison Experiment,’ dies at 91.
Something to Watch/Listen
Something to Write
Briefly summarise the research conducted by Zimbardo and Milgram (no more than 300 words each). Then research further psyhological studies into obedience and also conformity. You should write a short report on at least 2 other studies for each, summarising the aims, methods, findings and conclusions.
Something to Read
The Impact of Poverty on Educational Attainment
Something to Watch/Listen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhsfInLbbnM
Something to Write
Write one paragraph to explain how a student’s upbringing and personal circumstances at home can impact their achievement in school.
Something to Read
NHS England » One in eight toddlers and primary school aged children obese.
Something to Watch/Listen
Something to Write
Unit 1: Anatomy & Physiology
a) What are the main Functions of the skeleton when performing sporting techniques and actions – give specific examples of sporting actions.
b) List the Adaptations of the muscular system due to exercise – these could be short or long term.
c) Describe the differences in the Structure of blood vessels – arteries, capillaries and veins.
d) Find a diagram of Inspiration & Expiration and use this to help you explain the Mechanisms of Breathing within the Respiratory System.
e) What are the three main Energy Systems used by the body during Exercise? Give an example of a Sport which best suits each Energy System.
Unit 2: Fitness Training and Programming for Health, Sport and Well-being
a) Find out as much information as you can about the following Training Methods: i) Aerobic/Cardiovascular Endurance Training Methods ii) Flexibility Training Methods iii) Static Strength Training Methods iv) Muscular Endurance Training Methods
b) Find a Health Screening Questionnaire online and get two friends/family members who participate regularly in sport/exercise to complete the Questionnaire.
