Hampton offers a range of inspirational Electives for study in the Sixth Form.
Central to Hampton’s ethos is the belief that a Hamptonian’s education goes beyond simply acquiring knowledge and skills – it’s about developing a spirit of intellectual enquiry in a supportive, stimulating and enjoyable environment.
Our Electives programme provides pupils with an unrivalled opportunity to go beyond the confines of A Level specifications, allowing every pupil to take an individual journey of learning and exploration through the Sixth Form.
In addition to their three main A Levels (or four if studying Further Maths), all Hamptonians choose one of three Elective routes to take through their Lower Sixth year:
Elective Route 1: An International Language Diploma
Pupils selecting this route study for an internationally recognised diploma in French, Spanish, German or Mandarin providing them with the opportunity to develop greater fluency in a language they studied at GCSE but are not studying for A Level. Pupils will sit a national exam in the summer term of Lower Sixth, leading to an internationally recognised qualification, which not only enhances university applications but can be invaluable for future career prospects.
Elective Route 2: A Level Introduction and Short Courses
Pupils choosing this route will initially take an extra A Level until mid-November, at which point they will choose three A Levels to continue with (or four in the case of Further Maths). They will then also take two Short Courses, each lasting around eight weeks, from a diverse range of options. These courses are designed to extend pupils’ learning beyond the confines of the A Level syllabus, equipping them with valuable knowledge and skills for the future.
Elective Route 3: Further Physics and Chemistry
This route focuses on extension work in Physics and Chemistry and is designed for those wanting to develop an early undergraduate level of understanding in these subjects. Pupils on this route must study both Physics and Chemistry as two of their A Levels.
Each Elective is allocated the same weekly lesson time as a main A Level, enabling Hamptonians to reach a very high level of understanding in their chosen options. Some courses offer academic extension comparable to undergraduate study; others prioritise skill development, such as writing, coding, problem-solving, and communication. Above all, we hope Hamptonians have fun with their chosen Electives and find them both challenging and rewarding.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PUPILS
WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR ELECTRONIC OPTIONS FORM, YOU WILL BE ASKED TO:
Choose ONE route: Route 1, Route 2 or Route 3.
If you select Route 2 you will be asked to specify:
(i) the A Level you wish to study until midNovember (with the possibility of swapping it for one of your main A Levels at that time).
CHOOSE ONE ROUTE FROM:
(ii) five Route 2 short courses in order of preference. While the academic team will endeavour to accommodate your top preferences, it may not always be possible. Make sure you include at least two courses from Cycle A and at least two from Cycle B, and carefully check any prerequisites for course entry.
COURSE RUN BY... Cycle A Cycle B Prerequisites for entry?*
ROUTE 1 ELECTIVES: LANGUAGES DIPLOMA (SEPTEMBER TO JUNE)
DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française)
Goethe-Zertifikat
Modern Languages (French)
Modern Languages (German)
Course runs from September to June
DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera)
Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK)
Modern Languages (Spanish)
Modern Languages (Mandarin)
ROUTE 2 ELECTIVES: SHORT COURSES (CYCLE A RUNS FROM NOVEMBER TO JANUARY; CYCLE B RUNS FROM FEBRUARY TO APRIL)
Self-Expression in the Visual Arts
Anatomy and Physiology
Ancient Greek Art
Ancient Greek Theatre
Biochemistry
Greenpower Racing Challenge
Computing for STEM
Primary School Drama Workshops
Acting and Directing
Musical Theatre
Business and Finance
Art
Biology
Classics
Classics
Biology and Chemistry
Design and Engineering
Computer
Science
Drama
Drama
Drama
Economics
Essential Economics Economics
I am not a Robot
Talking it through: Texts, Films, and the Noise they create
Geography of Food and Health
Geopolitics and Conflict over Trade and Aid
Freedom Fighters throughout History
Music for the Screen (Film, TV and Video Games)
Music for the Stage
Debates in World Politics
English
English
Geography
Geography
History
Music
Music
Politics
Essential Psychology Psychology
Sport Performance
Medical Ethics and Law
Political and Social Philosophy
Russian Language and Culture
PE
RS & Philosophy
RS & Philosophy
Languages
ROUTE 3 ELECTIVE (SEPTEMBER TO APRIL)
Further Physics and Chemistry
Chemistry and Physics Course runs throughout the autumn and spring terms
*If ‘ ’. please consult course description.
Please note that for Elective Route 2:
(i) only Short Courses that attract enough demand from pupils will be timetabled in any given year. For this reason, we ask pupils on Route 2 to list their top five Short Courses choices in order of preference. We will endeavour to accommodate top choices wherever possible but in a small number of cases this may not be possible.
(ii) Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, French, German, Spanish and Mandarin cannot be listed as a pupil’s ‘A Level until November’ option. If a pupil wishes to study any of these subjects as an A Level, it must be listed as a main A Level on their options form.
DELF (DIPLÔME D’ETUDES
EN LANGUE FRANÇAISE)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Pupils work towards an international French qualification (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française): B1 or B2. Lessons focus on developing the four key language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Pupils will grow in confidence and ability as they aim to achieve an internationally recognised qualification in French that is valued by employers worldwide. Pupils interested in a more in-depth study of French history, politics, popular culture, cinematography and/or literature and those considering French at university should opt for the A Level French course rather than this Elective. However, if you enjoy learning the language and plan to use French in your career, this one-year DELF course might be the right option for you.
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Modern Languages (French)
CYCLE
Runs for the whole of the academic year until the public exam at the end of Lower Sixth.
PREREQUISITES
A pupil choosing this option should have a GCSE (or equivalent) level of French and must not be choosing French as a main A Level.
GOETHE ZERTIFIKAT
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Modern languages skills are a prerequisite in today’s professional job market, and we promote language confidence and skills for real-world purposes as well as academic ones. In German, we offer the internationally highly regarded Goethe-Zertifikat diplomas. There are six independent diplomas which correspond, respectively, to the six levels of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). The diplomas are valid for life and recognised globally, certifying the level of proficiency you will achieve after an additional year of German study. The Goethe-Zertifikat also enables you to work and live in a German speaking country.
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Modern Languages (German) CYCLE
Runs for the whole of the academic year until the public exam at the end of Lower Sixth.
The core of this course focuses on the B1 and B2 qualifications. Pupils interested in studying the various aspects of German history, politics, popular culture, film and/or literature in greater depth and/or those considering studying German at university, should pursue the German A Level course. However, if you enjoy learning the language and want to use German in your future career, this one-year Goethe-Zertifikat course may be the ideal choice for you.
PREREQUISITES
A pupil choosing this option should have a GCSE (or equivalent) level of German and must not be choosing German as a main A Level.
DELE (DIPLOMA DE ESPAÑOL COMO LENGUA EXTRANJERA)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In this course, Spanish lessons focus on developing the four key language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking, while working towards the B1 or B2 Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) qualification. Pupils will grow in confidence and proficiency as they aim to achieve an internationallyrecognised qualification in Spanish that is valued by employers worldwide. Pupils who wish to study in-depth aspects of Spanish history, politics, popular culture, cinema and literature, and those considering Modern Languages at university should opt for the Spanish A Level course rather than this qualification. However, if you enjoy learning the language and want to use Spanish in a future career, this one-year DELE course might be the right option for you.
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Modern Languages (Spanish)
CYCLE
Runs for the whole of the academic year until the public exam at the end of Lower Sixth.
PREREQUISITES
A pupil choosing this option should have a GCSE (or equivalent) level of Spanish and must not be choosing Spanish as a main A Level.
CHINESE PROFICIENCY TEST (HSK)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) is an international standardised exam that tests the Chinese language skills of non-native speakers in their everyday, academic and professional lives. Learners’ proficiency is graded into “three levels and nine bands” assessing three key areas: verbal communication abilities, topics and tasks, and quantitative criteria.
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Modern Languages (Mandarin)
CYCLE
Runs for the whole of the academic year until the public exam at the end of Lower Sixth.
The evaluation is based on four linguistic components - syllables (pronunciation), Chinese characters, vocabulary and grammar - and five language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing and translation. These standards aim to accurately determine the pupil’s Chinese proficiency. We encourage pupils to aim for Band IV and above.
PREREQUISITES
Pupils are encouraged to firstly contact the Mandarin department if they are interested in this course.
SELF-EXPRESSION
IN THE
VISUAL ARTS
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Develop your emotional intelligence through the study and creation of art. This dynamic and thought-provoking course allows you to explore various mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, photography, sculpture, exhibition curation, and digital art. By the end of the course, you will have created a portfolio of work that can enhance and support your UCAS application. Open-minded and creative pupils are encouraged to apply.
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Art
CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
Some art experience is preferred such as studying the subject at GCSE.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The key aims of this course are to study anatomy and physiology of a range of species and apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios. After a basic introduction, the course explores different body plans across diverse species, including humans, rats and birds. There will be opportunities to compare anatomy through the study of key organ systems across different organisms. Further topics will delve into the structure and function of the brain including the major regions, comparisons between different animal groups and evolution of the brain. The section on the skeleton and basic forms of locomotion focuses on how organisms move.
This hands-on course includes practical work and dissection, as well as video gait analysis and will appeal to those interested in their own anatomy and physiology as well as that of other organisms.
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Biology
CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
None
This course should appeal to those interested in studying sports science at university. .
ANCIENT GREEK ART
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The 6th–4th centuries BC were a period of great change in the ancient Greek world, and this is reflected in the art which was produced. Pupils will gain a thorough knowledge of the selected aspects of ancient Greek art as well as an understanding of, and insight into, the context in which it was created, particularly the religion, society, values and history/politics of this period. Pupils will have the opportunity to explore and engage with a range of the visual arts, including (i) freestanding sculpture, (ii) architectural sculpture and (iii) vase-painting. This subject will hone pupils’ visual and analytical skills, develop their ability to offer critical analyses, and enable them to articulate an informed personal response to the works under consideration.
PREREQUISITES
Classics
None RUN BY...
CYCLE
Cycle A only
ANCIENT GREEK THEATRE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The drama produced in the ancient Greek theatre forms some of the most powerful literature of the ancient world and has had a profound and widereaching influence on modern culture. To fully understand this cultural phenomenon requires study of not only the plays but the context in which their form and production developed. This study of the production of Greek drama is coupled with an in–depth study of three plays, all of which have proven to be enduring favourites: Sophocles’ Oedipus rex [or Antigone?], Euripides’ Bacchae [or Medea?] and Aristophanes’ Frogs.
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Classics
CYCLE
Cycle B only
PREREQUISITES
None
BIOCHEMISTRY
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
What is the molecular basis for life? This course goes beyond the Biology and Chemistry specifications to explore a range of key topics in Biochemistry, including protein structure and function, metabolic biochemistry, cell signalling, and DNA. It also examines how drugs are used to manipulate biological systems, including how new drugs and drug targets are discovered, and the mechanism of drug action in the body. This course is ideal for anyone considering studying Biochemistry or a related subject at university, or for those who would simply like to expand their knowledge of Biology and Chemistry.
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Biology and Chemistry
CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
A pupil choosing this option should be studying A Level Biology or Chemistry (or both).
COMPUTING FOR STEM
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course focuses on using Computing Science in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. The course explores Python modules such as Numpy, Scipy and Pandas that analyse and visualise data, and also using MS Office products.
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Computer Science
CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
Must have working knowledge of a computer language.
GREENPOWER RACING CHALLENGE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Greenpower Education Trust is a UK based charity which challenges young people to design, build and race an electric car. Pupils choosing this Elective will work with the Design and Engineering department on assembling a car, which will then be raced at motorsport venues in Greenpower organised events. This will develop pupils’ design and technical skills, with the opportunity to apply their STEM knowledge.
Greenpower’s IET Formula 24+ category enables 16–25-year-olds
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Design and Engineering
CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
to design, build and compete in electric, single seater racing cars. Teams take part in the design and building of the car, race days and the IET Formula 24+ Championship. Drivers from each team compete in 60-minute endurance races. The team that covers the greatest distance within the time limit wins.
As a well-known competition, participation is a great way to further your interest and enhance any UCAS application or interview.
PREREQUISITES
None
PRIMARY SCHOOL DRAMA WORKSHOPS
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course offers an exciting opportunity to learn how to plan and teach Drama lessons and workshops to pupils in Years 3 to 6 at a local primary school. The workshops take place every Friday, leaving School at 2.00pm and returning at approximately 3.30pm.
During other lessons, you will plan activities and learn about working with younger children, including how to use language, help develop literacy and
build their confidence. You will develop a short performance to share with the primary school children, in the style of Children’s Theatre.
This is an excellent course for anyone who is looking to make a difference in the community and develop and demonstrate leadership skills. Prior experience in Drama is helpful but the course is open to anyone who would like the opportunity and is willing to learn.
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Drama
CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
None
ACTING AND DIRECTING
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Participants of this course will learn the skills needed for both acting and directing at a high standard. You will study the work of successful theatre directors, including Marrianne Elliot and Jamie Lloyd, across a variety of styles and eras. You will understand and practice how to plan out and research a script, and how to run a rehearsal.
After mastering these skills, you will work with a group of actors and directors and direct at least one performance and perform in another piece enabling you to understand
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the process of directing from both perspectives. You will have ownership over your choice of casting and planning your rehearsals.
Alongside this practical work, you will create a log of your research, inspirations and process for your performances which will enable you to reflect on your work.
This course is open to those who would like to explore theatre from the perspective of a director. Prior experience in Drama is helpful, but not necessary.
Drama PREREQUISITES
None
CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
MUSICAL THEATRE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In this course you will research and explore the many different styles and evolution of musical theatre and composers from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Lin Manuel Miranda.
You will take part in singing and acting workshops, as well as dance if required, and develop your skills as a performer. You will explore different styles of musical theatre singing and acting and learn about phrasing in order to deliver a meaningful performance through song.
After mastering these key skills, you will develop two performances from
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Drama
CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
None
the musical theatre repertoire which must include singing, and either dancing or acting.
You will develop these pieces ready for performance and will document your research and process in a research and development log.
This course is open to those who would like to explore the genre of musical theatre. Prior experience in Drama and singing is helpful, but not necessary. The repertoire can be adapted based on experience and vocal ability.
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course involves:
• Three periods per week – Business (business organisation, business decisions and planning, business environment, marketing, financial control, human resources).
• Three periods per week – Finance (financial markets, issues with financial markets, financial careers, personal finances, personal investments, money at university).
• One period per week – Supervised Online Course (OpenLearn) chosen from: leadership, decision trees, operations management, project management, business models, bookkeeping and accounting introduction.
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Economics
CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
None
ESSENTIAL ECONOMICS
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The Essential Economics course is structured as follows:
• Three periods per week – Microeconomics: markets and prices, economic efficiency, profit maximising firms, environmental issues.
• Three periods per week – Macroeconomics: economic performance, government economic policy, GDP and welfare, trade and globalisation
• One period per week – Supervised Online Course (OpenLearn) chosen from: Europe, global development, housing, economics of t-shirts, additive manufacturing, discrimination in employment.
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Economics
CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
A pupil choosing this option should not be studying A Level Economics.
I AM NOT A ROBOT
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Have you ever thought about how much of what you think you take for granted? Many of us think we know the answers, are ahead of the game, can ‘see through’ the ‘fraud’ and the lies, and understand what this ‘world’ really is. But, do you? Do you really?
Are we guilty of trotting out narratives and overly simplified, knee-jerk responses or arguments because we have never been challenged, have never been presented with the counter-arguments, or – in all honesty – are being somewhat intellectually lazy or incurious.
For instance, what exactly is it that makes us happy? Does an education, a family, money make you happy automatically? Or, is there far more complexity and nuance to it?
How much does banal media – a documentary, a music video, an advert, a Hollywood film – shape how we perceive ourselves, treat others, and view gender?
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English CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
Have you ever considered how the language you use or is used shapes, even determines how you perceive others, society, and the world as a whole?
If you want to remain a robot, parroting the same old narrative that has been doled out to you via the media, at home, or in the echo-chamber of the online world, this course is not for you.
Equally, if you want to build a robot, this is also not the course for you; but, should you ever go on to build one, this Elective might influence how you program it.
This course is not about changing your mind; it is about giving you the tools to consider your own attitudes and beliefs in a meaningful and fully rounded way.
So, if you are curious, open-minded, and interested in new ideas and perspectives, we’ll see you in there.
PREREQUISITES
None
TALKING IT THROUGH: TEXTS, FILMS,
AND THE NOISE THEY CREATE.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Develop skills in analysing context, politics, history, and presenting your ideas in creative ways for a variety of audiences. This creative course will encourage you to explore podcasts, debates and slam poetry while taking the lead in the conversation.
You might explore: How did the Republican Right claim ‘Forrest Gump’ as a cultural icon? How did censorship impact ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’? How does slam poetry communicate powerful socio-political messages? How have scripts, such as ‘For Black Boys,’ diversified our conversations? And finally, IS the rest politics, as Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell say?
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English
CYCLE
Cycle A and B (course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
None
GEOGRAPHY OF FOOD AND HEALTH
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Why does the distribution of diseases differ so radically across the world? How do we measure a country’s nutritional choices and food consumption?
Why does economic development lead to a change in the types of diseases society suffers from? How does cholera spread and what are the potential impacts of an outbreak? Are we close to eradicating malaria?
This module aims to explore - and possibly answer – some of these increasingly important questions.
We will explore how the development of countries has led to a profound impact on the diet (nutrition transition) and prevalence of different diseases (diseases continuum) in communities. Heart disease and cancer are the two
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Geography
CYCLE
Cycle A only
biggest killers in the developed world, and we will unpick why this is true today and what the implications might be for a global ageing population. We will zoom in on two specific diseases to evaluate the geographic factors that influence their diffusion and impacts. Cholera, as an example of a bacterial disease, will be considered in the context of the recent outbreak in Haiti post-earthquake (2010). Malaria, as an example of a parasitic disease, will be considered in the context of Africa’s prolonged fight with mosquitos and malaria. There will be scope to discuss whether we have cause to be optimistic or pessimistic about the eradication of these two deadly killers.
PREREQUISITES
None
GEOPOLITICS AND
CONFLICT OVER TRADE AND AID
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
How do countries interact with one another? Why are some countries winning the ‘global race’? Have global institutions deliberately maintained the status quo? What role do Europe and USA have to play in a multi-polar world increasingly dominated by emerging superpowers? What role do aid, trade and good governance have in balancing the global development scales?
This module aims to explore - and possibly answer – some of these increasingly important questions.
We will explore a geopolitical world in which liberal democracy and globalisation have become increasingly threatened by the power of nationalism, popularism
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Geography
CYCLE
Cycle B only
and autocracy. For example, we will consider the implications of Russian militarisation of the Arctic and Chinese aggressive expansionism in the South China Sea. We will also address the rise of emerging superpowers, like India, China and Nigeria, and consider whether the supposed demise of the USA as a superpower is overstated.
In this landscape we will explore how governments, companies, global institutions and individuals continue to address the challenges of development. We will explore the arguments in favour and against the current global patterns of trade and aid and ask whether these are helping to address the development gap or widening global inequalities.
PREREQUISITES
None
FREEDOM FIGHTERS THROUGHOUT HISTORY
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
History is littered with figures who have been given the title of ‘freedom fighter’, but how much do we actually know about these people? In this course, you will study the lives of six notable freedom fighters. You will be able to place these people in the context of their time, understand what it is they were struggling for and gauge how accurate the title of
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History
CYCLE
Cycle A and B (course repeated)
PREREQUISITES
None
‘freedom fighter’ is. We may study some the following people: Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Che Guvara, Garibaldi, Aung San Suu Kyi and Simon Bolivar.
At the end of the course, you will have the choice of writing an essay, creating a podcast, presentation or video on one of the figures you have studied.
MUSIC FOR THE SCREEN:
(FILM, TV AND VIDEO GAMES)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides an opportunity to explore the work of recent film and video game composers. From Delia Derbyshire to Koji Kondo, from Hans Zimmer to Howard Shore, you will become familiar with the many ways in which music can enhance the experience of screen media.
Over the course of the elective, you will work towards one of the following goals:
1. Having learnt from the techniques of a range of screen composers, you will apply these to your own creative process. You will compose your own piece for a scene of your choice, and will complement this with a brief research portfolio on the composers who have influenced you and on your own compositional process.
2. Having explored a wide range of screen composers, you will choose a focus area on which to conduct an extended research project of your choice, whether focusing on a franchise, a composer, or a screen genre.
This course is open to all, whether you are already an experienced composer, a film buff, or a keen gamer – the only requirement is a passion for ‘Music for the Screen’!
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Music CYCLE
Cycle A only
PREREQUISITES
None
MUSIC FOR THE STAGE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In this course, you will explore the stylistic development of the music we hear in the theatre, from the mid-20th century up to the present day. From Larson to Lloyd Webber, Sondheim to Schwartz, you will delve into the compositional style of a range of hit musical theatre writers, getting to know the ins and outs of what makes their music so powerful.
By the end of the Elective, you will put forward one of the following:
• A performance of a song/scene of your choice (in conjunction with dramatists on the ‘Musical Theatre’ Elective), along with a brief complementary research portfolio on your chosen show/composer.
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Music CYCLE Cycle B only
• A composition of a song/scene (in conjunction with dramatists on the ‘Musical Theatre’ Elective) along with a brief complementary research portfolio on your chosen show/composer.
• An extended research portfolio on a composer/show of your choice, exploring in detail the stylistic features of your chosen subject.
This course is open to all, whether you are an experienced performer or an avid listener – all you must bring is an enthusiasm for all things Musical Theatre!
PREREQUISITES
None
DEBATES IN WORLD POLITICS
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will challenge participants to grapple with the defining contemporary debates of the political world – both within and beyond borders - and provide a broad introduction to international relations.
You will be introduced to the role and purpose of diplomacy and multinational organisations including the EU, UN and NATO. Each week will centre on a different contemporary debate in world politics, including:
• The rise of populism
• The politics of the climate crisis
• The UK’s place in the world today
• How safe is our world?
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CYCLE
Cycle A and B (course repeated)
• Are human rights under threat globally?
• Who are the global superpowers of today?
• The politics of financial crises You will be introduced to the key context and knowledge required for each debate, before being challenged to independently research (using academic sources) and prepare for structured class debate.
Lessons will be discursive and centred on an open-ended question which challenges you to develop your lateral thinking skills and problem-solve by drawing on multiple different perspectives before reaching nuanced conclusions.
None
ESSENTIAL PSYCHOLOGY
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. It is a multifaceted discipline that encompasses a wide range of subfields, from emergent neurological properties of the brain to more social aspects of behaviour. Psychologists look to understand the behaviour of individuals and groups through a range of research methods. This introductory course will explore these topics, including human memory, mental illness, neuroanatomy, sporting performance, motivation and the criminal mind.
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CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
Topics will include:
• What is Psychology?
• Outline of presentation requirements
• Sports Psychology (motivation and personality)
• Criminal Psychology (with escape room activity)
• Human memory (two/three practical replications of research)
• Mental illness (development and treatment of phobias)
• Pro-Social Psychology (the bystander effect)
• Brain plasticity and localisation of function
• Presentation preparation
PREREQUISITES
A pupil choosing this option should not be studying A Level Psychology.
MEDICAL ETHICS AND LAW
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will explore medical ethics and law and will appeal not only to those thinking of future studies in Medicine, Law, Philosophy or Sociology, but also to those wishing to develop debating and communication skills.
In summary the course includes:
Medical Ethics (three periods per week):
• An introduction to Medical Ethics, including veterinary ethics. The course aims to:
1. Explore some of the important concepts (e.g. ‘the four’: autonomy; non-maleficence; beneficence; justice);
2. Evaluate the fundamental ethical approaches (consequentialism, deontology, virtue theory, care ethics), debating their potential pros and cons (including slippery slope); and
Apply the theories to a variety of issues including: the doctorpatient relationship; bedside manners; disclosing errors; consent; capacity; mental health; confidentiality; resource allocation;
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Religious Studies and Philosophy
CYCLE
Cycle A only
disability; disease; children; reproductive medicine (including future persons); end of life; organ donation; neuroethics (e.g. addiction); genetics; information ethics (including AI); public health (including vaccination); veterinary ethics.
• Lessons will tend to include discussion of historic, as well as hypothetical, cases.
Medical Law (four periods per week):
• An introduction to Medical Law. During the course, we will aim to explore a range of topics: the philosophy of law; the legal system; various statutory provisions; Gillick competence; advance decisions; the tort of negligence; lost chances; death; act/omission distinction; double effect; human rights; key court cases; the legal aspects of reproductive medicine, end of life care, transplantation, embryo/genetic research, abortion, consent.
• Lessons will tend to include discussion of historic court cases.
PREREQUISITES
None
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An outline of this course is as follows:
Political Philosophy (four periods per week):
An introduction to Political Philosophy. During the course we aim to:
1. Explore the concepts of i) the state of nature; and ii) the state (including social contract theory), through the thought of e.g. Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau;
2. Explore and evaluate concepts such as liberty; private property; taxation; justice; and equality, through the thought of e.g. Mill, Berlin, Nozick, Rawls, and Marx;
3. Explore and evaluate ideological paradigms, namely: a. liberalism; and b. right (e.g. conservatism; libertarianism) and left (e.g. socialism; communism; anarchism);
4. Explore and evaluate the potential forms of government/authority, namely democratic (including direct, representative, constitutional monarchy) and non-democratic (including authoritarianism, totalitarianism, dictatorship), through the thoughts of Plato, Mill and others; and
5. Explore and evaluate issues regarding global politics and international relations.
Social Philosophy (three periods per week):
An introduction to Social Philosophy. During the course, we aim to:
1. Explore and evaluate philosophies such as, postmodernism (e.g. Lyotard, Foucault); critical theory (the Frankfurt School: Adorno, et al); existentialism (e.g. Sartre);
2. Explore and evaluate approaches to: i) gender and sexuality (including types of feminism), e.g. Butler; ii) class; iii) disability; iv) race, e.g. Bell; v) immigration and multiculturalism; vi) the market; vii) the environment, e.g. Naess; Rolston; Singer; Katz; and viii) media and technology, e.g. Baudrillard.
None RUN BY...
PREREQUISITES
Religious Studies and Philosophy
CYCLE
Cycle B only
POLITICAL AND SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY
RUSSIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This dynamic and engaging course combines an introduction to the Russian language (four lessons a week) with the opportunity to explore various cultural aspects of the Russian-speaking world (three lessons a week). The course begins with an introduction to the Cyrillic alphabet, core vocabulary and general phrases. Given the phonetic nature of the Russian alphabet, pupils typically make quick progress reading and writing. At the same time, a few principles of fundamental but basic Russian grammar will be introduced to enable learners to express themselves verbally. We will also cover practical vocabulary useful for travel to former USSR countries, where Russian is an official language in four countries and an unofficial lingua franca throughout countries in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. In addition to language skills, the course also delves into a variety of cultural aspects of the Russian-speaking
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Modern Languages (Russian)
CYCLE
Cycles A and B (course repeated)
world, exploring literature, arts and the national cuisine. Pupils will have the opportunity to attend cultural and educational events, both inside and outside School and, depending on interest, there may also be a short trip to an Eastern European country, providing first-hand experience of some of the cultural aspects studied in class.
The course is open to anyone who is completely new to Russian but will also be suitable for those who learned Russian as an option in the Third Year.
Everyone who is familiar or speaks another Slavic language outside of Hampton is also encouraged to consider this elective to expand their linguistic horizon further. You should also consider choosing this elective if you are interested to apply for a university outside of the UK or thinking of applying to study Russian or another Slavic language ab initio.
PREREQUISITES
None
SPORT PERFORMANCE
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed for those already competing and performing at a high level and will greatly assist those wanting to continue their sport at university and/or explore the world of sport for future employment.
The Sport Performance course includes:
• Personal exercise programme – considerations and implications when designing one.
• Sports Psychology – the importance of motivation, goal setting, anxiety
• Nutrition – creating a food diary and understanding the importance of food and its impact on performance.
• Sports Coaching and Analysis – the importance of feedback, different methods of practice and implementation of different coaching methods.
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PE
CYCLE
Cycle A and B (repeated). There is also the possibility for taking this option for both Cycle A and B.
PREREQUISITES
Pupils choosing this option must have a minimum of A team sport representation for Hampton at U16 level and participation in another sport for the School.
FURTHER PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course aims to:
• Develop a deep knowledge and understanding of different areas of Chemistry and Physics that are not covered as part of the A Level syllabus.
• Build conceptual links and understand how the two sciences complement and support each other.
• Develop a deeper interest in courses in the Physical Sciences and related disciplines (Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Natural Sciences).
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Chemistry and Physics
CYCLE
Runs for the entirety of the autumn and spring terms.
Course overview:
Further Chemistry:
• Solid state chemistry
• Molecular orbitals
• Functional group level (FGL) in organic chemistry
