2. Introduction
The general studies qualification is designed to complement your other A Levels and
broaden your academic knowledge and understanding. It encourages you to think across
the main subject areas and enhances the development of thinking and examination skills
which will be useful both in your A Level exams and beyond into University.
Key Information
Syllabus – AQA General Studies A
Website (for past papers and mark schemes) – http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/generalstudies/a-level/general-studies-a-2760/past-papers-and-mark-schemes
Exam Information
EXAM
GENA1
GENA2
GENA3
GENA4
Date
12 May 2014
15 May 2014
02 June 2014
09 June 2014
Time
AM
PM
PM
AM
Length
1h 30m
1h 30m
2h
2h
Structure of the Course
In order to prepare you for your examinations, you will have TWO General Studies sessions
per week. One of these will be focused on the exam, covering structure, requirements,
marking criteria and past paper practise. These sessions will be delivered by Mrs Proud
(head of General Studies) with Mr Gerrard (director of sixth form) and Mr Brownlee
(assistant director of sixth form) in attendance for support. The second session will take the
form of a university style ‘academic lecture’ and will be on a topic from the syllabus. Each
lecture will be delivered by a different member of staff to allow you to benefit from
individual expertise.
All sessions will be in the LECTURE THEATRE.
The ‘exam’ sessions will take place every TUESDAY, 1.30pm – 2.00pm
3. The programme for the academic lectures is as follows;
STAFF
Mr Brownlee
Mr George
Mr Tyreman
Dr Wiles
CONTENT
The Nature vs Nurture debate;
are serial killers born or made?
The European Union / Human
Rights
Historical Topic - Durham
School 600 years
Scientific Domain topic TBC
DATE
Wednesday 22nd January
Monday 27th January
Wednesday 05th
February
Monday 10th February
Mr Gerrard
HALF TERM
MOCK EXAM WEEK
An A-Z of Politics over the last
Monday 03rd March
100 years
Drugs in sport
Wednesday 12th March
Mrs Swann
Art and Poetry
Monday 17th March
Miss Crielesi
Political Terrorism
Wednesday 26th March
Mr Webb
TBC
EASTER HOLIDAYS
Wednesday 23rd April
TBC
Monday 28th April
TBC
Wednesday 7th May
Time
Period 3
(10.20am – 11.05am)
Period 3
(10.20am – 11.05am)
Period 3
(10.20am – 11.05am)
Period 3
(10.20am – 11.05am)
Period 3
(10.20am – 11.05am)
Period 3
(10.20am – 11.05am)
Period 3
(10.20am – 11.05am)
Period 3
(10.20am – 11.05am)
Period 3
(10.20am – 11.05am)
Period 3
(10.20am – 11.05am)
Period 3
(10.20am – 11.05am)
You will be provided with materials for the lectures (e.g. PowerPoint slides) but you are
expected to take your own notes and engage with the session.
