Electives

The Electives programme is an innovative and exciting feature of the Sixth Form provision. The electives sit alongside the established Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and are variously designed to:

  • support learning,
  • secure UCAS tariff points,
  • develop new skills and competencies,
  • extend pupils’ thinking.

Two 60-minute periods a week are dedicated to the programme and pupils will be expected to complete TWO from the following:

  • Extended Project Qualification;
  • A long-course (24-week) elective;
  • A series of short-course (eight-week) electives.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Designed to be fully driven by the students themselves, the EPQ study facilitates a more mature approach to learning, in which the students can choose the topic of study and carry out independent research to support their final submission.

The final submission can be a 5000-word written report or an artefact, such as a film, play script, lecture, exhibition or a piece of art.

Once the EPQ has been completed, the respective projects are presented to their peers and pupils complete a reflection on their learning.

The EPQ is well-regarded by pupils, consolidating research and presentational skills and it enhances Sixth Form students’ UCAS applications and in some cases it can result in reduced offers. The EPQ sets students apart from their peers, giving them a better preparation for study at university and enhancing their prospects of gaining a higher award in their undergraduate degree.

Long-Course Electives (24 lessons):

Currently pupils may choose from courses designed to support A-Level scientists and psychologists, focussing on the mathematical skills and statistical skills required in these disciplines, or they may undertake a LAMDA Public Speaking course.

Participants in the LAMDA course learn how to structure speeches and how to speak clearly, project their voice and engage an audience. Grades 6, 7 and 8 earn UCAS tariff points.

Short-Course Electives (8 lessons):

• The Banned Book

This course looks at the concept of censorship, examining the ethics around literature and authority. We will explore why books have been seized from shelves and removed from public libraries and whether this is ever justifiable. Among the texts we will consider are Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” (1954), Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” (1969) and Bret Easton Ellis’s “American Psycho” (1991).

Pupils will be exposed to the provocative and controversial, discussing issues surrounding, homosexuality, race, antisemitism and feminism.

• Beginners’ Mandarin

Consideration is given to the language and culture of the world’s most populous country.

• Sustainability: Five Ways to Save the Planet

This course will develop pupils’ understanding of the issues surrounding Earth’s planetary health and the need for us to build a sustainable future. Pupils will work in groups to explore five major challenges facing our planet right now, establishing the problem, exploring current research ideas and developing innovative solutions to each of the issues.

• The evolution of Popular Music

This elective looks at iconic songs, developing critical listening skills, considering contemporary trends and the relationship of these songs with society, examining issues such as gender and race.

SIXTH FORM