Humanities

  • Law

    Law

    Teaching Staff: Mrs. R. Judge

    Law is offered at both AS and A2 Level at St. Michael’s. The extensive reading, reasoning and analysis required for and essential to the effective study of Law are ideal ways to hone the skills of the student in these areas.
    Furthermore, the necessity to produce good clearly thought-out arguments both orally and in writing will prove of benefit to the student not only in other areas of their Sixth Form study but will also put them in good stead for whatever course or subject they may wish to pursue at university and beyond.
    AS Level:
    At AS level the student prepares two modules from the Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) syllabus:

    • LA1 covering legal structures and processes
    • LA2 covering legal reasoning, methods and the personnel of the Legal System of England and Wales

    Within these modules, topics such as bail procedures, trial at the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court, and the selection and functions of the jury are taught inter alia.

    With regard to Civil Law, the procedure and functions of the civil courts including Alternative Dispute Resolution are important subjects, explored at this level.

    Students will also encounter ‘classic’ engaging subjects, such as ‘The Rule of Law’ and ‘The Doctrine of Precedent’ affording further intellectual challenge and delight.

    No AS level course would be complete without an in-depth study of both European Law and the European Convention on Human Rights (incorporated into UK law by the Human Rights Act 1998)
    A2 Level:
    At A2 level the student studies substantive Criminal Law focusing on homicide, non-fatal offences against the person as well as police powers; all of which are examined within Module LA3.
    Module LA4 encompasses the principles of Criminal Law, prosecution and sentencing.

    Students are encouraged to carry out extensive research, reading around the topics studied in class and keeping up-to-date with developments in the law as they appear in the press and other media.
  • Business Studies

    Business Studies

    Head of Department: Mr. C. Stockton

    This subject is taught at both GCSE and A Level. With the growing importance of an understanding of how businesses operate, and the fact that the realities of business impose themselves on an increasing number of professions and occupations, this subject has been increasing in popularity. At GCSE the syllabus followed is the WJEC and at A Level Modular AS/A2 WJEC.

    Pupils are encouraged to develop an awareness of the all pervading importance of business, that goes beyond the confines of the syllabus. It is taught as a living, evolving subject, where theories and concepts are adapted and grow to fit with realities of the economic world. In relation to this we often visit local firms to gain a picture of business in the real world

    Mr. C. Stockton who heads the Economics and Business Department has been at St. Michael’s for 12 years, after previously gaining wide financial and business experience, working as an auditor and within the financial services industry. He is an examiner and coursework moderator with the AQA examination board. Mr. D. Linquist, an examiner with the WJEC, also teaches business at GCSE, where his strong contacts with local businesses, assists in bring the real world into the classroom.

    The Business Studies department also authors and maintains the NGFL Cymru Business Studies Resources Web, which is used as a learning resource by over 250 schools in Wales, and which has been translated into Welsh.
    GCSE & AS/A2 Level:
    The syllabus studied is the WJEC. The emphasis within this is placed on gaining a solid grasp of the different influences on business, for example how firms are affected by their environment, the internal factors that can influence the success of a business, government influences on business.

    Subject areas covered include the following:

    • The Legal Form of Business
    • Recruitment and Motivation of Employees
    • Marketing
    • Business Accounts
    • The Welsh Economy
    • How Government Influences the Economy
    • European Union and International Trade

    The syllabus requires the completion of one piece of coursework. This is worth up to 25% of the final mark. There is a choice of course work titles, and around 50% of this work will be completed within class. The current most popular topic for coursework is the construction of a business plan.

    There are two levels of final exam, Level 1 from G-C, and Level 2 from D-A*. We are very pleased with our exam record, with a 100% of pupils regularly achieving A* – C grades.

    Within the course there will be the opportunity to enter national competitions such as the Proshare Investment Challenge, Young Enterprise and take part in field trips to investigate businesses in action. All pupils are encouraged to involve themselves in these extension activities and over the last 6 years we have achieved worthwhile success in a range of competitions. Annual Business Trips are also arranged and over the last year have included Cadbury World, a leech farm, and Business Live! in Paris.
  • Economics

    Economics

    Head of Department: Mr. C. Stockton & Mr. D. Lindquist

    The science of economics first developed at the end of the 18th Century, around the same time as the role of governments in society became more accepted and fixed. It was recognised that there was a basic economic problem, that is, there are limited resources available to satisfy peoples’ unlimited wants. Ever since this time we have been living in a great economic experiment, that affects all our lives. Governments have struggled, some more successfully than others to answer the question "how do we ensure that individuals and firms gain the maximum benefit of the resources at their disposal?" Each government’s decisions have been based on their understanding of how the economy works, and the affect of their decisions upon the economic activity.

    Economics is taught at A Level, with pupils following the WJEC syllabus. Pupils are encouraged (if not forced) to keep up to date with current economic issues, 1 lesson a week is used for reviewing economics and business pages of serious papers, with lessons led and chaired by class member
    AS Level:
    In year one of the Sixth Form we start out study by examining the basic economic problem in more detail, this sets the scene for the rest of the course. Subsequently we study:

    Markets and market failure – how resources are allocated, government intervention etc.

    The National Economy – main instruments of government policy, how the macro-economy works.

    Markets at work – the housing market or the environment.
    A2 Level:
    Year 2 offers the option of carrying out a coursework investigation . This is encouraged as it helps develop investigative skills, and increases depth of knowledge in the chosen subject area. We expand out study in the second year to cover:

    Business economics and the distribution of income.

    Government policy and the national and international economy.

    Each pupil will sit exams in both January and June sittings in the first and second year.

    Economics is an interesting and challenging course, designed to develop critical awareness and analytical skills. It is an ideal A level for those intending to study law, finance or business at university, but also stands on its own as a subject worth examining in a great deal more depth.

    The syllabus contains a large element of coursework, which helps encourage the growth of investigative and analysis skills, which are all important elements of successful university study.

    Each year a European trip is arranged ( in combination with A Level Business Studies), to investigate an aspect of European integration.

    Students involve themselves in a wide range activities, including Proshare Investment Competitions, Young Enterprise, and The Bank of England’s ‘Target 2.0′, in which we have had a great deal of success, both winning and twice coming runners-up in the Welsh regional heats.

    Economics at A Level provides a solid grounding in a wide range of economic concepts, theories and issues. The course gives students an introduction to Macro Economic Management, Development Economics, Demand and Supply Theory, Cost Benefit Analysis, Competition Policy, Theory of International Trade and much more. Those talking the A Level in the past have progressed to a wide variety of financial, legal, business and economics orientated degrees at leading Universities and Business Schools such as Cambridge, LSE, Warwick, UCL, Cardiff and Bristol.

    The course taught is the WJEC specification, which under the new A Level structure (starting September 2008) is taught in four modules.

    The modules are:

    • EC1 : An Introduction to Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
    • EC2 : Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Theory and Policy
    • EC3 : Competitive Behaviour, Macroeconomics and Globalisation (I)
    • EC4 : Competitive Behaviour, Macroeconomics and Globalisation (II)

    Exams can be sat in both the January and June examination series.

    A variety of Economics educational visits and trips are arranged during the course, over the last 2 years Economics students have visited both Paris and Barcelona. Students are encouraged to add depth to their knowledge by extensive reading, and involvement in competitions such as the Bank of England Target 2.0 Challenge.

    A Level teaching is shared between Mr. C. Stockton Head of Sixth Form and Mr. D. Lindquist. Mr. Lindquist has been an A level examiner for the WJEC for a number of years.
  • Geography

    Geography

    Head of Department: Mrs. Christine Stephens
    Teachers Mrs. N. King and Miss R. Symons

    Geography at St Michael’s nurtures an appreciation of the environment around us. The subject is taught in a way that encourages pupils to learn about other countries, their cultures and environmental issues. Geography focuses on issues of everyday concern. We aim to teach an understanding of physical landscapes, extreme natural events and human interactions with the environment. Fieldwork plays an integral part in the delivery of the subject and fieldwork opportunities have included:
    GCSE
    River Studies of the River Morlais, River Ilston and River Syfynwy, Pembrokeshire Coastal processes and Management along the Llanelli coast
    Residential visit to Dale Fort, Pembrokeshire.

    A LEVEL
    Urban environments, Infiltration Studies and Coastal environments
    Residential visits to Iceland and Sicily

    We are proud of the achievement of former pupil, Benjamin McNiff, who achieved the highest score for the WJEC A level in 2011 and awarded a prize by the Royal Geographical Society. He is currently reading Geography at Exeter University.

    Iceland 2011 A Level Geography Fieldtrip

    GCSE Level:
    The school follows the WJEC Specification A which is divided into a total of 3 units.

    Unit 1: Core Geography (40%)
    Written Paper: 1 hour 45 minutes
    Six short compulsory structured data response questions, one question from each of the core themes: Rivers, Climate Change, Plate Tectonics, Population, Globalisation and Development. These questions each have an element of extended prose.

    Unit 2: Options Geography (35%)
    Written Paper: 1 hour 15 minutes (F/H)
    Three in depth structured data response questions with extended writing on 3 topics – Coastal environments, Tourism and Weather and Climate.

    Unit 3: Geographical Enquiry: (25%)
    Controlled Assessment
    An enquiry based on fieldwork (10%) and a problem solving decision-making exercise (15%)
    AS Level:
    The school follows the WJEC specification which is divided into a total of 4 units, 2 AS units and 2 A2 units.

    Unit G1 – Changing Physical Environments
    • Investigating climate change
    • Investigating tectonic and hydrological change
    Three structured questions with stimulus material, one of which tests:
    • Research/Fieldwork
    Unit G2 – Changing Human Environments
    • Investigating population change
    • Investigating settlement change
    Three structured questions with stimulus material, one of which tests:
    • Research/Fieldwork
    A2 Level:
    Unit G3 – Contemporary Themes and Research in Geography

    Section A.

    Candidates are required to write two essays, one from each of the two contemporary themes. The first essay is based on one of the selected three physical options; extreme environments, landforms or climate. The second essay is based on one of the selected three human options; development, globalisation and emerging Asia.

    Section B.

    For each of 10 themes, there will be a topic area set by the Board in December (January series) and May (June series) of the preceding year. Candidates design and carry out a research enquiry based on their chosen theme and prescribed topic area. This will be assessed by a two-part question based on research enquiry and the findings of their research.

    Unit G4 – Sustainability

    • Sustainable Food Supply
    • Sustainable Water Supply
    • Sustainable Energy
    • Sustainable Cities
  • Government & Politics

    Government & Politics

    Teaching Staff: Mr. N. Burree

    Politics affects all of us. The decisions made by governments, local authorities or the European Union affect our way of life. At the age of 18 every citizen has the right to take part in that process by exercising their vote at election time. Yet precious few people fully understand the process they are called upon to participate in. The study of Government and Politics at this level can remedy this.

    At the end of their two years studying this subject, students should be able to go out into the world and exercise more informed judgements. This subject develops skills of analysis and arguing a case, which are so useful in many walks of life.

    This subject, available at Advanced Level, involves the study of the processes by which we are governed. This involves four modules, two at AS & two at A2 with no coursework elements.
    Government and Politics is taught by Nick Burree, who has been teaching this subject here since 1982. As an experienced and active participant in politics himself he brings invaluable inside knowledge of the workings of the political process to the teaching of the subject. Some students have gone on to pursue political careers. Kirsty Williams AM, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, studied this subject for Advanced level in the late 1980s and credits her studies here with sparking off her interest. Each year students visit the National Assembly of Wales as the guests of Kirsty Williams AM, a former pupil of the school.

    “I don’t think I would have done any of this without my politics teacher at school who really inspired me.” – Kirsty Williams AM – December 2008.

    Robert Buckland (who was Llanelli’s first Conservative Councillor and only narrowly failed to be elected Conservative MP for Swindon in 2005) also studied this subject for Advanced level in the early 1980s.
    AS Level:
    At AS level, students study UK and Welsh politics and covers the institutions of government in Wales and the UK.

    Module 1

    • Electoral systems
    • Voting Behaviour
    • Political Parties
    • Pressure Groups

    Module 2

    • UK Parliament
    • Welsh Assembly
    • Prime Minister and Cabinet
    • First Minister and Welsh Assembly Government
    • Civil Service
    • European Union
    • Local Government
    A2 Level:
    At A2 level students examine the politics of the USA.

    Module 3

    • American Political Parties
    • Elections and Pressure Groups

    Module 4

    • The Role of Congress
    • The President & the Cabinet
    • The Supreme Court
    • The US Constitution
  • History

    History

    Faculty of History: Mr. N. Burree & Mr. M. Williams

    Why study History ?
    History involves the study of people in different times. It traces the evolution of society over the centuries. It shows how they way we live, the way we are governed, the way we make our living and they way we settle our disputes have changed over the years. Such information is vital if we are to understand the world around us today. We can never fully understand the present, if we do not understand the past. How, for example, can anyone understand the complexity of Northern Ireland without studying the history of that troubled island? Likewise, the increasingly dangerous situation in the Middle-East is the product of conflict which can be traced back at to Biblical times. This is why the study of history is of greater importance than ever in our constantly changing society. During the course of their studies, pupils are taught many skills that are of use in a wider field than simply the study of history. Examining sources, detecting bias, discussing historical controversies, such as the Gunpowder Plot, helps pupils develop analytical skills which are essential in many walks of life.

    The Curriculum
    At St Michael’s School we follow the broad outline of the National Curriculum with regard to subject content, but we do not follow it rigidly, but we do not participate in the SATs tests, as their requirements tend to be rather restrictive. The aim of the department’s approach to the subject in the first three years in the senior school is to give pupils a broad outline knowledge of mainly British history from 1066-1990, so that those who do not choose to study the subject at GCSE will, nevertheless, have a sound knowledge of history.
    The programme of study for forms 1-3 is as follows:

    Form 1 – Britain in the Medieval World 1066-1485

    Form 2 – Britain in the Early Modern World 1485-1750

    Form 3 – Colonisation and Conflict – British History 1750-1914 & British and World History 1914-1990

    History Staff Information
    Mr. Nick Burree BA (Hons), PGCE
    He is a history graduate of St David’s University College, Lampeter who completed his PGCE at Aberystwyth University. He teaches GCSE and A level classes.

    Mr. Mike Williams BA (Hons), PGCE
    He is a recent addition to the department. He is a history graduate of Cardiff University and teaches forms 2 and 3, along with some GCSE classes.
    GCSE Level:
    At GCSE level we follow the WJEC History Syllabus A, which covers the study of British and American history. Coursework assignments are based on nineteenth century Welsh history and account for 25% of the total marks. It also involves field trip to the Museum of Welsh Life at St Fagans. The examination course covers two periods of British history (1902-1918 and 1929-1951) and one period of American history (1929-1990).We aim to finish the syllabus early in order to allow plenty of time for revision. This has been a successful strategy and we have achieved excellent results over the past few years (e.g. in 2005, 100% of our candidates gained a grade of A* to B).
    AS & A2 Level:
    In the sixth form, classes tend to be fairly small (averaging around 6 in recent years), which works to the students’ advantage. Once again, we follow one of the WJEC specifications, studying a combination of British history 1815-1914 and Nazi Germany 1933-45. At AS level students take 3 papers (Two on British history and one on Nazi Germany) at the end of the lower sixth. At A2 level, there is one British paper (usually sat in the January of the upper sixth) , one open-book Nazi Germany paper and a synoptic paper which tests both periods (sat at the end of the upper sixth). Again, excellent results have been achieved in recent years (In 2005, our seven students achieved 4 A grades and 2 B grades at A Level, along with one A grade at AS level). One student from 2005, Simon Bartle, went on to study history at Cambridge.