Foreword
Whilst as a school we are rightly very proud of the enviable public examination results that our students receive, we also recognise that knowledge does not begin and end here. Coined by the University of Cambridge, the term ‘super-curriculum’ describes academic and scholarly opportunities that lie beyond the curriculum and are not directly related to examination preparation. This might include, for example, essay competitions, study trips, debate, lectures, poetry reading groups or science societies. The benefits to building a vigorous super-curriculum are multiple, not least expanding and enriching the core curriculum by allowing students to pursue new and exciting avenues of study that they otherwise might not have encountered. This is something about which we care greatly.
In order to continue developing our already extensive super-curriculum, we are proud to introduce to you the Elective Programme. This is a collection of six-week modules, or Electives, which are offered by certain members of staff according to their specialist academic interests.
Occupying a double lesson per week, crucially these Electives will take the participant well beyond the curriculum and introduce them to new and exciting ideas. With multiple Electives running at any one time, the girls themselves will select the Elective on which they would like to enrol. Spanning three year groups, Electives will run twice in Michaelmas term and once in Lent for LV and then again in the first half of Michaelmas for UV. For the LVI, Electives will run twice in Summer term.
As well as cultivating a love of learning for its own sake and intellectually challenging the most able, each Elective has been carefully crafted in order to develop and finesse certain highly desirable learning behaviours and skills. These might include lateral thinking, scholarly independence and intellectual flexibility, alongside the ability to forge interdisciplinary connections, discuss complex ideas in an articulate manner and think critically. These are all skills that will last a lifetime and are highly valued by any university, including those that are the most competitive. Indeed, if it is true, as educational researcher Daniel Willingham has claimed, that one cannot teach these skills in a decontextualised vacuum then the Elective Programme becomes a way to instil these traits by anchoring them to specific and defined areas of study or knowledge domains.
It is our overriding aim that the girls who enrol will leave the programme a richer person, that they will discover a new appreciation of the pleasure that learning for its own sake can bring, and that they will acquire the specific skills to continue this well beyond Downe House.
Mr
Tim Breeze Head of the Elective Programme
the three pathways
In order to help with the selection of Electives, we have created three disciplinary pathways, each named after a Downe House alumna who has been recognised for scholarly excellence.
These are all people to whom our girls can aspire and, in their own turn, perhaps they too will inspire academic excellence in the next generation of Downe House students.
Students can select any Elective from any of the three pathways, although they might also think about the benefits of deepening their knowledge and honing disciplinaryspecific skills by specialising in one particular pathway.
Whilst this structure has its logistical benefits, we also believe that our chosen figureheads, and the many others we could have selected, capture the ethos of the Elective Programme. They each represent outstanding scholarly excellence in their respective disciplines and each, in their own way, must have had a keen awareness of the limitless joy intellectual enrichment and discovery can bring.
Choose your own path
MICHAELMAS I (FRIDAY)
MICHAELMAS II (FRIDAY)
LENT (FRIDAY)
UPPER FIFTH ELECTIVES
I
LOWER SIXTH ELECTIVES
SUMMER (MONDAY)
SUMMER (FRIDAY)
Girls are not confined to one pathway and can select Electives from any pathway
Miss Ana Serrano Baena
MICHAELMAS
Mrs Katharine Henson
Ms Diane Slocombe
Miss Ruth Prentice
Mr Graham Bradshaw
Miss Eleanor Washington
Mr Joshua Kersley
Mr Alastair Reynolds and Miss Hannah Tomlin
Ms Marya Akhtar
Mr Roy Raby
MrJosh Kersley
Miss Hannah Tomlin
Mr Tim Breeze
Mr Rick Hollingworth
Miss Hannah Tomlin
Mr Matthew Rivers and
Mrs Katharine Henson
Miss Georgie Taylor
Aston
THE ASTON PATHWAY
Named after Historian, Margaret Aston (DH 1944–1950), the Aston pathway collates Electives related to the Humanities.
Margaret Aston spent a lifetime researching Medieval History and published many books and articles on the subject, eventually being awarded a CBE for her services to Historical Scholarship, as well as being made a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a Fellow of the British Academy.
THE MUIR PATHWAY Muir
Named after Biochemist, Helen Muir (DH 1934–1938), the Muir pathway collates Electives related to STEM.
Helen Muir is best known for her pioneering work into osteoarthritis and was the first woman to serve on the Medical Research Council. She spent much of her career working at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, where she served as its Director from 1977 to 1999.
THE RICHARDS PATHWAY Richards
Named after Anthropologist, Audrey Richards (DH 1913–1917), the Richards pathway collates Electives related to the Social Sciences.
Audrey Richards studied Natural Sciences at Newnham College, Cambridge, before working at both Cambridge and LSE, publishing a multitude of peer-reviewed papers. Specialising in Sub-Saharan Africa, she would become the director of the African Studies Centre at the University of Cambridge and also the first woman President of the Royal Anthropological Institute.
learning journeys
An underlying ethos of the Elective Programme is the importance it places on each girl being able to pursue an entirely bespoke programme of study, where they are given the opportunity to select the topics and areas that most interest them.
This might involve, for instance, following a single disciplinary pathway, which would enable the student to hone and refine subject-specific skills. However, an alternative strategy, equally valuable, would be to pursue Electives from multiple pathways, allowing the student to expose herself to multiple avenues of thought and helping to forge interdisciplinary connections. The former follows a vertical line of enquiry, with the aim being to drill deeply into specific areas of disciplinary knowledge whilst the latter is horizontal in nature, facilitating an exploration of multiple, and perhaps very different, subjects. Both strategies are entirely worthwhile and valuable.
On the next page you will find the specific pathways taken by a member of the LV and UVI during the 2022-2023 and 2021-2022 cycles of the Elective Programme, Becky and Katie.*
BECKY (MULTIPLE PATHWAYS)
The Power of China
The Science of Happiness
The Power of Photography
Richards
Muir
Aston
Having a broad range of interests, Becky started her Elective journey by exploring the society and politics of China in The Power of China on the Richards pathway. She then chose to study The Science of Happiness on the Muir pathway before moving to the Aston pathway to explore The Power of Photography.
“KATIE (MULTIPLE PATHWAYS)
The Power of China
Mathematics: Discovery or Invention
British Empire
Richards
Muir
Aston
Interested in many areas of study, Katie began her Elective journey in the Upper School exploring the society and politics of China as well as choosing Electives relating to STEM such as Mathematics: Discovery or Invention? In her LVI year, Katie continued her Elective journey with the British Empire Elective. As Katie is hoping to study Science at University, her path through the Elective Programme has helped prepare her for this ambition.
The range of electives offered is amazing. From rocket science to crytography, there’s something for everyone. It’s fascinating to dive into such diverse subjects and learn something new.
Becky
*The listed Electives were taken in previous cycles and may not be available in this cycle.
lower fifth electives
The Power of China It is Rocket Science
With many experts predicting the 21st century to be the ‘Chinese Century’, acquiring a knowledge of China has never been more important. This Elective will give you just that - an insight into what makes China such a fascinating, unique and mysterious country. We start by exploring some of the milestone events which occurred in China in the 21st century, such as invasions by foreign powers, the shocking policies of Chairman Mao and the way in which China’s rapid economic transformation began. We will then cover a wide variety of contemporary topics exploring Chinese culture, ranging from politics and economics to environment and social issues, including a discussion of Chinese/USA relations and how China is poised to become the global superpower of the 21st century.
Course convener: Mr Breeze
In this elective we will learn about the history of rocketry, from 10th Century China to the modern era. We will study the Physics and Chemistry of rocket science and will discuss the merits and feasibility of propulsion systems mooted in science fiction. We will go on to carry out practical investigations to determine the most effective propulsion systems, how aerodynamics can be used to control direction of travel, and will culminate in the design, construction and testing of your own rockets.
Course convener: Mr Hollingworth
Virtual Curatorship Richards
Art galleries are full of beautiful things, and some not so beautiful but full of meaning. These meanings stand alone but can also be woven together into collections of stories that form narratives telling us about the way we think and live our lives or about the past. It is the job of the curator to tell these stories and, in this Elective, we will curate our own virtual exhibitions. Using a combination of visual analysis, historical context, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and maybe even some geography for good measure, we will consider themes ranging from gender representation and love to humanity’s relationship with nature and religion. We will carefully research and select works of art to tell our stories before using SharePoint Spaces to ‘hang’ our exhibition, complete with audio guide. Finally, we will hone our AI prompting skills to produce a final piece of original digital artwork to highlight the importance of our chosen theme in the world today.
*this course will run for the whole of the Michaelmas Term
Course convener: Miss Tomlin
“The ability to explore interesting topics in creative ways and share that excitment with my students makes teaching the electives an absolute pleasure.
Mr Breeze
MICHAELMAS II (FRIDAY)
lower fifth electives
Virtual Curatorship Richards
Musical Perspectives: Creativity, Culture, and Interpretation
Art galleries are full of beautiful things, and some not so beautiful but full of meaning. These meanings stand alone but can also be woven together into collections of stories that form narratives telling us about the way we think and live our lives or about the past. It is the job of the curator to tell these stories and, in this Elective, we will curate our own virtual exhibitions. Using a combination of visual analysis, historical context, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and maybe even some geography for good measure, we will consider themes ranging from gender representation and love to humanity’s relationship with nature and religion. We will carefully research and select works of art to tell our stories before using SharePoint Spaces to ‘hang’ our exhibition, complete with audio guide. Finally, we will hone our AI prompting skills to produce a final piece of original digital artwork to highlight the importance of our chosen theme in the world today.
*this course will run for the whole of the Michaelmas Term
Course convener: Miss Tomlin
This elective will delve into a variety of interrelated questions, examining how both internal creative dynamics and external cultural influences shape the creation, interpretation, and experience of music, using the following prompts:
1. To what extent does knowledge of creative process have an impact on one’s perception of a piece of music?
2. To what extent should there be variations in interpretation of a piece of music?
3. How can music evoke an emotional response from the listener?
4. To what extent does music reflect the values, beliefs and attitudes of the time and place in which it is made?
5. Is there a clear distinction between borrowing others’ ideas and plagiarism in a piece of artwork?
Course convener: Mr Raby
Aston
The Science of Nutrition: Understanding the complexities
Take a critical perspective on health studies, shedding light on the complexities and potential pitfalls in nutritional research. You will explore the challenges associated with study design, sample size, and methodology in nutritionrelated studies, fostering a discerning approach to interpreting scientific literature. The course also delves into the controversial topic of dietary supplements, examining their potential benefits and risks. Through rigorous analysis of current research findings, students will gain insights into the nuanced effects of supplements on health outcomes. Furthermore, the module investigates the profound impact of nutrition on athletic performance. Students will explore how various dietary strategies, nutrient timing, and hydration can influence energy levels, recovery, and overall athletic ability.
Course convener: Mr Kersley
“One of the most gratifying aspects of teaching electives is witnessing the enthusiasm and energy students bring to the classroom. Their genuine interest and excitment makes every lesson a joy to teach.
Mr Kersely
Python for Data Science
Are you ready to unlock the power of data and transform raw information into actionable insights? This hands-on course will not only teach you how to code in Python but also how to apply these skills to real-life scenarios, making you a valuable asset in any field that leverages data, understanding variables, data types, loops, and functions, equipping you with the tools needed to write efficient and effective code. By the end, you’ll not only be proficient in Python but also capable of applying these skills to solve real-world problems, making you a standout candidate for universities and future employers alike, providing you with a comprehensive skill set that is highly sought after in today’s datacentric world.
Course convener: Mr Bradshaw
Cryptography
Unlock the mysteries of secret codes and digital security in our elective on cryptography. From ancient ciphers to modern encryption, you’ll get hands-on experience encrypting and decrypting messages, work together to solve cryptographic puzzles, and explore real-world applications and the future of digital security, including quantum encryption!
Course convener: Miss Washington
Muir Richards
The Quest for the Historical Jesus: Rabbi, Rebel or Resurrected Massiah
Dive into the captivating world of “The Historical Jesus,” for an academically stimulating exploration of one of history’s most enigmatic and influential figures. Through this in-depth series of lectures, you will gain a radically different perspective on the Jesus you may have come to know; unravelling the complex interplay of historical, cultural, and theological contexts that shaped his life and legacy. This course offers valuable transferable skills in critical analysis, historical research, and textual interpretation, making it ideal for students specialising in history, theology, sociology, or English literature. Join us for an intellectual journey that challenges preconceived notions and enhances your understanding of a figure who has left an indelible mark on world history.
Course convener: Miss Prentice
“It’s rewarding to know that I am helping to instill a sense of curiosity and a desire for knowledge that students will carry with them throughout their lives.
Ms Slocombe
MICHAELMAS I upper fifth electives
Modern Masterpieces and Meta-narratives
What is the purpose of art? What does it mean, and why does it matter? For millenia art has been associated with religion, but since the Renaissance the focus of art has developed and today there seems to be a bewildering multiplicity of ideas conveyed by artists. In this Elective, we will study and analyse how some traditional genres and subjects of art have been manipulated in the Postmodern age to engage, delight and sometimes bewilder the spectator. We will consider how psychology, philosophy and ideology can affect our interpretation of what we see and assess how the meaning of art can be a reflection of the culture and society in which it is made, but also the way in which it is experienced by the viewer.
Course convener: Ms Slocombe
Mathematics: Discovery or Invention?
How do you build a pyramid? How do you navigate the globe? What is beauty? What do Victorian parlour games have to do with Sat Nav? In this Elective, we will explore how mathematics has developed to solve the problems faced by different generations. From the earliest examples of human record-keeping to the computers that underpin our modern society, mathematics plays an important role. This Elective will provide you with a deeper understanding of the role mathematics plays in our own society and those of the past.
Course convener: Mrs Henson
Muir Richards
Spanish Film
Welcome to “Pedro Almodóvar: Visionary or Radical?” — a captivating exploration of one of contemporary cinema’s most influential figures. This course invites you to delve into the life and work of Pedro Almodóvar, the iconic Spanish filmmaker whose bold storytelling and vivid symbolism have left an indelible mark on global cinema. We will traverse the vibrant social landscape of post-Franco Spain, examining how Almodóvar’s films not only mirrored the dramatic societal shifts but also challenged and reshaped cultural norms. Through in-depth analysis of his filmography, you’ll discover the ways in which Almodóvar’s unique vision has sparked debates, inspired movements, and carved out a legacy that transcends the screen. Join us as we uncover whether Almodóvar should be hailed as a visionary, a radical, or perhaps both, in this journey through the heart of modern Spanish culture.
Course convener: Miss Serrano Baena
Dreams, Mythology and the Unconscious Mind
Do the images found in dreams and the stories told in mythology conceal eternal truths that predate our own existence? Carl Jung –arguably one of the greatest psychoanalysts of the 20th century – believed they did and dedicated much of his life’s work to explaining why he thought this. In this Elective, we will explore a few of Jung’s ideas by examining some ancient myths and dreams with a view to gaining a deeper understanding of the human psyche. Through this study and analysis, we will discover the concept of the ‘unconscious mind’ which, according to Jung, contains a repository of ‘primordial images’ (or archetypes) that if examined closely may hold answers to many of life’s unanswered questions.
Course convener: Mr Reynolds
The Science of Nutrition: Understanding the complexities
This Elective takes a critical perspective on health studies, shedding light on the complexities and potential pitfalls in nutritional research. You will explore the challenges associated with study design, sample size, and methodology in nutrition-related studies, fostering a discerning approach to interpreting scientific literature. The course also delves into the controversial topic of dietary supplements, examining their potential benefits and risks. Through rigorous analysis of current research findings, students will gain insights into the nuanced effects of supplements on health outcomes. Furthermore, the module investigates the profound impact of nutrition on athletic performance. Students will explore how various dietary strategies, nutrient timing, and hydration can influence energy levels, recovery, and overall athletic ability.
Course convener: Mr Kersley
lower sixth electives
Geopolitics of Film
Global politics is shaped by so much more than the people and the democratic process. The political landscapes we see today, and have witnessed in history, have been influenced by the physical environment too. Almost every political evolution has been shaped in some way by geographical considerations. In this Elective we will explore the link between the natural world and politics, quite literally the ‘geography of politics’. We are more aware of this than we think, as we are taught about it through the media, and so these sessions will delve into the representations of geopolitics through film. Course convener: Miss Taylor
We shall start with placing Einstein’s special theory (1905) in its context as the successor to Galilean relativity, but allowing for Clerk Maxwell’s work on electromagnetic waves. Then we will go on to see how its postulates lead to the bizarre and challenging concepts of time dilation, length contraction and mass-energy equivalence. We shall then introduce the notion of four-dimensional space-time as providing an invariant interval for measuring the separation of events, independent of relative motion of observers.
The second part will deal with the generalisation of special relativity to include accelerated reference frames, making general relativity (1915/1916). We shall explore his insight into the fundamental equivalence of gravitation and acceleration and then appreciate how this can then be expressed through geometrical transformations of space-time. We will then see how this geometry leads to a dynamical universe, the idea of a Big Bang and the possible formation of black holes and gravitational waves. Finally, we shall see the application of both special and general relativity in modern technology, such as the accurate functioning of GPS systems, and how gravitational wave astronomy has opened a new window for exploring the universe.
Course convener: Mr Rivers
Gender Economics: Period Poverty Richards An Introduction to Einstein’s Theories of Relativity
Let’s examine links between gender and poverty with particular emphasis on period poverty through the lens of Nobel Laureates and Bollywood films alike! To what extent does lack of access to sanitary products, wash facilities, dignity and information about menstruation impact on the economic empowerment of women? From a rural village in Africa to a council estate in Aberdeen or a slum in Boston, period poverty is a widespread issue concerning young women and girls worldwide. From being banished into huts in Nepal to tampon tax in the western world, women are being stopped from reaching their full potential at school, in the home and at work. It is only once we have access to affordable sanitary products, accurate information on our menstrual health and absolutely zero feelings of shame and stigma attached to this issue, can we bring this injustice of period poverty to an end.
Course convener: Ms Akhtar
ELECTI E Plus
From Sorting to Sat Nav Introduction to Law
Mathematics does not have to be complicated to be useful. Many of the most practical problems require little more than the ability to count and add up. The challenge is the number of calculations that need to be done, which is where computers come in. This Elective will introduce some of the concepts from Decision Mathematics, investigating topics such as algorithms, networks and scheduling. We will be looking at how some of the methods work and if you want a challange, you could even write some code (coding is optional).
Course convener: Mrs Henson
This course will appeal to anyone who is considering law as a degree and/or a career. It has been tailored exclusively for students at Downe by an external tutoring company, Keystone Tutors and comprises a series of five interactive, on-line tutorials.
The course will introduce the topics covered in a qualifying law degree. This includes the different academic fields, such as constitutional law, land law, contract law and criminal law, the methods of questioning that will be faced and the skills required; both in terms of written work and oral communication and argumentation.
In terms of legal careers, you will be introduced to the routes into careers as a solicitor, barrister, paralegal, or chartered legal executive - as well as other careers that could benefit from the transferable skills gained through the study of law.
INFORMATION:
Assuming at least ten students sign up, the expected cost for each student will be £125 (inclusive of VAT), which will be added to the student’s school bill.
The six sessions of the course will be run virtually on MS Teams.
In association with
How to get the most out of the programme
In order to make the most of your Electives, it is important that you approach everything that you do with intellectual curiosity and determination. Here are four practical tips that, if implemented, will ensure you make the most of this opportunity. These are also tips that you can then take into your other lessons.
Be an active learner. This is essential. It is so important that you actively engage with the discussed material rather than being passive. Take notes during the sessions, ask for clarification, engage in debate, ask questions of other students and make connections with other topics you have studied.
Don’t put learning in boxes. Don’t think of the material covered in your Elective as separate to everything else that you learn. Rather, if relevant, bring the knowledge you have gained into your curriculum lessons and forge connections between what is studied in one area and what is studied in another.
Go beyond the Elective. Think of each session as a springboard that will allow you to explore new avenues of thought. After the session has finished and if there is an idea that you found especially interesting, do research it more. This might mean going to the library, reading an article online, or asking a teacher. You can then deepen your understanding of the discussed topics. Don’t let the classroom become the end of your learning.
Reflect on what you have learned. Once the Elective has concluded or even after each session, depending on how much time you have available, make a conscious effort to reflect on what you have discussed. This could be anything from thinking about the material in a critical way to making notes or even writing an essay. This returns us to the need to be an active learner.
Elective overview 2024-2025
LOWER FIFTH Elective 1
Michaelmas I (Friday) The Power of China
Convener: Mr Breeze
Michaelmas II (Friday) Virtual Curatorship
Convener: Miss Tomlin
Lent (Friday) Python for Data Science
Convener: Mr Bradshaw
UPPER FIFTH Elective 1
Michaelmas I (Friday) Modern Masterpieces and Meta-narratives
Convener: Ms Slocombe
LOWER SIXTH
Elective 1
Summer I (Monday) Virtual Curatorship
Convener: Miss Tomlin
Summer II (Friday) Geopolitics in Flim
Convener: Miss Taylor
Elective 2
It is Rocket Science
Convener: Mr Hollingworth
Musical Perspectives
Convener: Mr Raby
Cryptography
Convener: Miss Washington
Elective 2
Mathematics: Discovery or Invention?
Convener: Mrs Henson
Elective 2
The Science of Nutrition
Convener: Mr Kersley
From Sorting to Sat Nav
Convener: Mrs Henson
Elective 3
Virtual Curatorship
Convener: Miss Tomlin
The Science of Nutrition
Convener: Mr Kersley
The Quest for the Historical Jesus Convener: Miss Prentice
Elective 3
Spanish Film
Convener: Miss Serrano Beana
Elective 3
Dreams, Mythology and the Unconscious Mind
Convener: Mr Reynolds
Gender Economics: Period Poverty
Convener: Ms Akhtar
Elective 4
Introduction to Einstein’s Theories of Relativity
Convener: Mr Rivers
Introduction to Law
Elective Plus: Keystone Elective
“Learning for the sake of learning is something that is often forgotten in the midst of GCSEs and UCAS applications. The Elective Programme reminds us that there is knowledge outside of the curriculum which is just as useful as the required work. It taught me to be more curious about the world around me.
Participant in Elective Programme
