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General Studies |
GENERAL
STUDIES
Why
choose General Studies?
This is a course for everyone
regardless of whatever other subjects you are doing or final career
choice. We all live in society, have
views and opinions and are influenced by others. We are all caught-up in some way with the
influences of science, politics, and cultural and moral issues. General Studies is about understanding these
modern influences, and having knowledge of how modern science, politics,
culture and morality all link and integrate together. Whatever you have previously studied or are
going to study will link with this subject.
General Studies is a subject that will build on your existing knowledge,
gives you an interdisciplinary approach and understanding of the central
scientific, political, artistic/cultural and moral issues facing modern British
people - yourselves!
By the end of the course you will
(hopefully) understand how important key areas of British life interact. You
will be able to discuss and write intelligently about science, politics and
government, art and culture, and religious and moral issues as they affect
British people. You will have a broad
view of perspectives, which will hopefully have made you really think about the
society around you. You should be able
to enter into informed and intelligent discussions and be able to sensibly
challenge others= opinions.
What
does the course involve?
AS Unit 1:
Culture, Morality, Arts and Humanities.
Unit 2 :
Science, Mathematics and Technology.
Unit 3 :
Society, Politics and The Economy.
A2 Unit 4 :
Culture, Morality, Arts and Humanities.
Unit 5 :
Society, Politics and The Economy.
Unit 6 :
Science, Culture and Society.
How
is this course taught?
You receive structured lessons from
specialist tutors who guide you in required reading. Naturally you should enjoy reading, have an
open and enquiring mind, and be able to put forward a point of view. You should have a positive interest in one or
more of the study units, and be prepared to read quality newspaper reports and
view relevant documentary and discussion programmes on TV. You will have regular essay work that
reflects your three main areas of study.
You need to be proficient at GCSE written English and be able to handle
basic graph and data charts.
How
is the course assessed?
All work in General Studies is
externally assessed through written papers:
AS -3
written papers end of Year 12
A2 -3
written papers end of Year 13
There is no coursework.
Why
is it valuable?
General Studies fits with most subject
combinations, broadens the mind and enhances your prospects in a wide range of
employment and higher education opportunities.
You will gain skills and knowledge which are recognised as being of
positive value in today=s world.
In addition to developing general
skills, such as organisation and written and verbal communication skills, you
will also develop more specific thinking and analytical skills. Thinking and analytical skills are required more
and more today in every walk of life, not just by those going into university.