F6rm

Archaeology

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A Level Archaeology gives you the opportunity to explore the study of material culture and the earliest civilisations known to us today. The processes used  by field archaeologists to record data and the interpretation of the material will allow you to develop your own ideas of ancient Egyptian burial customs and one of the more well know ancient religions. Did slaves build the pyramids and were then sacrificed to the gods? Or were they well trained trademen in a union who went on strike when they were not paid.

What is the course content?

The F6rm Archaeology course follows the AQA A-Level specification. In the first year (AS) you will study two units based around developing your understanding of ancient cultures and how archaeologists excavate, process the data and interpret the results. In Unit ARCH1, you will develop your understanding of how archaeologists conduct fieldwork, record the results and interpret them to produce ideas and theories about the places and people they are studying. Using archaeological sources and your own ideas in ARCH2 you will develop your own theories and principles to explain ancient Egyptian burial practices and the religion that drove them to build elaborate tombs and temples. In the second year you will explore key themes that drive culture and civilisation, and the evidence we have for them in the archaeological record (ARCH3). ARCH4 will give you the opportunity to explore your own archaeological project.

How will you be assessed?

Assessment of understanding will be conducted throughout the course and will reflect the dynamic variation used in the examination process. The first three modules are all assessed by examination, with a combination of essay and archaeological data response questions in all of the modules. ARCH4 will allow you to produce your own archaeological report (4000 words approx.) based on a subject agreed between you and your teacher.

What skills will you learn?

Archaeology allows you to draw on both physical and written sources that will allow you to acquire a host of transferable skills that will be invaluable in your future studies or career, including how to conduct independent and group exercises, evaluate sources of information and interpret written and physical resources. There are some basic scientific elements to the course and a willingness to use science is required.

What are the opportunities for progression?

Archaeology A-Level is useful for anyone considering a degree course in the Humanities, including Classical Civilisation, Ancient History and Archaeology, as well as History, English and Philosophy. Many archaeology students also go on to science based courses, especially in the geosciences and chemistry. The knowledge and skills that you acquire will also be relevant for careers in heritage, journalism, museum management and field archaeology, as well as careers in geology and physics.

What are the entry requirements?

We usually require candidates to have the standard F6rm A-level entry criteria. A GCSE grade B in science is also usually required. You must be willing to undertake fieldwork and have the commitment to complete the associated field reports successfully.

What are the costs?

Students will have the opportunity to conduct fieldwork locally and would be expected to equip themselves with the appropriate clothing and equipment.

Educational visits/enrichment opportunities

A trip to the British Museum is planned in the first term to enable students the opportunity to experience the cultures they are studying firsthand. A trip to Egypt is also planned in the February half-term.

Where can I find further information?

Currently awaiting new syllabus.

Tags : Archaeology · Earth Sciences

Posted in : A Levels