The specification has been designed to encourage candidates to take a broad view of technology and design; to develop their capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relationships between materials, manufacturing and marketing.
Before being accepted into the Sixth Form on our standard academic programme, we would normally expect you to have acquired a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 5 or above on the new 9-1 grading scale (grade C and above for A*-G Welsh and some iGCSE programmes). However, individual circumstances and choice of subjects are taken into account. A prospective student for an individual A-level subject should achieve at least a grade 5 in that subject at GCSE. In some subjects, higher GCSE grades are required. Modern foreign languages require a grade 6 at GCSE and science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) require a grade 7 (double 7 in combined science), although a grade 6 may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Those wishing to study mathematics will have a minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE, while for further mathematics it is grade 8. For psychology A-level, it is expected that students will have a least grade 5 in GCSE English language, mathematics and at least one science. New students – UK: Every year we welcome new students from both independent and state schools into our Sixth Form. Every applicant is considered individually. If you are available, please come to our Open Evening in October. We also recommend you visit us on a normal school day where you will have the chance to meet the Headmaster, Head of Sixth Form and current students. Offers are made on the basis of an interview and are conditional on your GCSE results. New students – International: International students are expected to have a reasonable competence in spoken and written English on arrival at West Buckland and the ability to progress with the specialist support of the EAL department. Overseas students applying to study at West Buckland should provide the following to start their application: • Copies of their last two school reports. • A piece of their handwriting (one to two sides of A4), written in English, telling us about themselves, their hobbies and interests.
Examination Paper 1 (2 hours) • Core technical principles and core designing and making principles. • 25% of the final A-level grade Questions: Mixture of short answer, multiple choice and extended response. Examination Paper 2 (2 hours) • Specialist knowledge, technical and designing and making principles. • 25% of the final A-level grade Questions: Mixture of short answer, multiple choice and extended response questions. Non-Exam Assessment • A substantial practical design and make activity (approximately 45 hours) • 50% of the final A-level grade Evidence: Written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of final prototype.
About Education Provider
| Region | South West |
| Local Authority | Devon |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Day £9,090 - £20,640; Boarding £27,090 - £40,290 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | West Buckland, Barnstaple, EX32 0SX |
The specification has been designed to encourage candidates to take a broad view of technology and design; to develop their capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relationships between materials, manufacturing and marketing.
Before being accepted into the Sixth Form on our standard academic programme, we would normally expect you to have acquired a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 5 or above on the new 9-1 grading scale (grade C and above for A*-G Welsh and some iGCSE programmes). However, individual circumstances and choice of subjects are taken into account. A prospective student for an individual A-level subject should achieve at least a grade 5 in that subject at GCSE. In some subjects, higher GCSE grades are required. Modern foreign languages require a grade 6 at GCSE and science subjects (biology, chemistry, physics) require a grade 7 (double 7 in combined science), although a grade 6 may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Those wishing to study mathematics will have a minimum of a grade 7 at GCSE, while for further mathematics it is grade 8. For psychology A-level, it is expected that students will have a least grade 5 in GCSE English language, mathematics and at least one science. New students – UK: Every year we welcome new students from both independent and state schools into our Sixth Form. Every applicant is considered individually. If you are available, please come to our Open Evening in October. We also recommend you visit us on a normal school day where you will have the chance to meet the Headmaster, Head of Sixth Form and current students. Offers are made on the basis of an interview and are conditional on your GCSE results. New students – International: International students are expected to have a reasonable competence in spoken and written English on arrival at West Buckland and the ability to progress with the specialist support of the EAL department. Overseas students applying to study at West Buckland should provide the following to start their application: • Copies of their last two school reports. • A piece of their handwriting (one to two sides of A4), written in English, telling us about themselves, their hobbies and interests.
Examination Paper 1 (2 hours) • Core technical principles and core designing and making principles. • 25% of the final A-level grade Questions: Mixture of short answer, multiple choice and extended response. Examination Paper 2 (2 hours) • Specialist knowledge, technical and designing and making principles. • 25% of the final A-level grade Questions: Mixture of short answer, multiple choice and extended response questions. Non-Exam Assessment • A substantial practical design and make activity (approximately 45 hours) • 50% of the final A-level grade Evidence: Written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of final prototype.