Archaelogy AS/A Level

Curriculum Area: Theology and Care

Archaeology AS/A Level

This course is for those interested in understanding past human societies through the investigation of material remains. It is exciting, at times unpredictable and will offer you a chance to think both independently and critically.

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

This is studied in the first year. The course comprises of two modules:

Unit 1 The archaeology of religion and ritual: Terminology of religion and ritual and religion and ritual in Roman Europe 753BC to AD410 Unit 2 Archaeological skills and methods: Discovering and recording sites and landscapes. Archaeological excavation and post excavation site interpretation

Advanced Level (A2)

Students can choose to progress to the full Advanced Level [A2] in the second year of study and the modules are as follows:

Unit 3 World archaeology: People and society in the past, sites and people in the landscape, economics and material culture and contemporary issues in world archaeology Unit 4 Archaeological investigation: Coursework allowing students to undertake a personal investigation into an archaeological topic of their choice

Methods of Teaching and Learning

The course is tutored by well-qualified members of staff who use a range of teaching methods - group and individual work, opportunities for extensive fieldwork as well as monitored reading assignments and essay writing. Students will be asked to do presentations, to do research, to develop their skills, as well as develop practical fieldwork skills.

Support for students’ learning is provided through core texts [given for the duration of the course], summaries and other support material, as well as the use of Library and Internet services, journals, etc.

Methods of Assessment

The course will be assessed by 3 written examinations and a personal coursework assignment of between 3,500-4,000 words. Students have the opportunity to retake modules if they are unhappy with their initial grade.

Course Combinations

Archaeology is a perfect combination for other academic disciplines such as Science, Geography, History, Sociology, Art and Religious Studies as it combines elements of all of these courses in the framework of the modules.

Resources

The Archaeology course is taught by qualified staff in dedicated rooms with extensive book and IT resources. There are also opportunities for ‘hand on’ fieldwork as well as conferences with guest speakers and of course those all important ‘Time Team’ DVD’s.

Progression

A qualification in Archaeology is a versatile and valuable one for any student thinking of entering Higher Education or thinking about entering a career in a museum or heritage environment. Archaeology allows you to develop a critical approach whilst engaging in independent thinking and is highly sought after for other similar subjects such as History, Religious Studies or Geography.

Entry Requirements

Five GCSE’s at grade C or above or the equivalent from four subject areas including GCSE English. Strength in Scientific areas and good literary essay writing skills are an advantage.

Charges

The only charges made are for occasional external courses or conferences to which students may be invited. There will also be a charge for field trips that are not in close geographical proximity to the college.