EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION

WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) offers the opportunity to extend your love of learning even further with the chance to study an area of your choice, beyond the scope of your A-Levels. It allows you to prepare yourself for university or your future career, as well as gaining up to a possible 28 UCAS points (A*). It is a Level 3 qualification and constitutes half an A-Level.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

Students can tailor their EPQ project to fit their individual needs, choices and aspirations. The outcome of the project can be a design, performance, report, dissertation or artefact. HCS students have completed a wide range of EPQs including the creation of an Appbased game and organising and running a fashion show. You will need to produce either a research-based report of 5,000 words or a project, product or artefact combined with a written report of at least 1,000 words, in addition to the final presentation.

WHAT SUPPORT WILL YOU RECEIVE?

You will receive 30 hours of taught skills which prepares you for the rigorous research and planning you must independently undertake. This typically takes place outside of lesson times (at lunchtimes or after school).

WHAT AN EPQ MIGHT LEAD TO:

The EPQ is highly respected by top universities and is taken by around 30,000 students each year. The University of Cambridge, for example, encourages applicants to study for an EPQ as it helps “to develop independent study and research skills valuable for higher education.”

Studying for an EPQ helps students develop and demonstrate project management skills and provides opportunities for extended writing, both of which are highly valued for progression to higher education and employment.

A further 90 hours of independent reading, research, planning, report writing and a presentation must also be completed in order to fulfil the qualification.

You will be supported throughout each stage by an EPQ supervisor and centre co-ordinator who are members of our teaching staff.

Suggested Entrance Requirement

There are no specific entry requirements, but the process for producing an EPQ is a detailed and lengthy one and as such is not to be undertaken lightly. Students should be enthusiastic, passionate about their subject and willing to work hard.

Geography

WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

“Geography students hold the key to the world’s problems.” (Michael Palin)

Geography is the dynamic study of current and globally important issues. It will open your eyes to the world around you, enrich your life and encourage you to go on a journey. Geography will teach you many skills and includes fieldwork research which also helps to prepare you for university.

So, if you wish to understand more about what makes a great place to live and how places can ‘brand’ themselves, to learn about the forces that have contributed to a globalised world, learn about the consequences of enhanced global warming, understand the management of Antarctica, learn the difference between periglacial and glacial environments, or develop a knowledge of future natural hazard mitigation, then this subject is for you.

WHAT THIS SUBJECT MIGHT LEAD TO:

Geography graduates have one of the highest employment rates after university, leading to careers including Tourism, Agriculture, Law, Civil engineering, International Politics, Charity, Meteorological/Climate Science, Community Development, Environmental Management, Petro-chemical Industry, Urban Planning, National Park/Estate Management, Water Supply Distribution, Flood Management and Real Estate Appraisal.

TOPICS OF STUDY AT A-LEVEL

Water and Carbon Cycles, Cold Environments, Hazards, Global Systems and Governance, Changing Places and Contemporary Urban Environments.

Opportunities Beyond The Classroom

Fieldwork in Cardiff, Snowdonia residential and Herefordshire glacial features walk. Individual research with teacher support.

Suggested Entrance Requirement

Grade 6 at GCSE desirable to ensure a good foundation of locational knowledge, basic geographical processes and subject specific terminology.

GREEK (GCSE)

WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

A fast track course for high flyers, offering a formal study of grammar and syntax. The learning and application of its rules is seen by many pupils to be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the language, because of its pure regularity and its training in mental adaptability.

Topics Of Study

Language and some of the greatest literature ever written (Herodotus and Homer).

Opportunities Beyond The Classroom

There is an active extra-curricular programme of trips to lectures and theatres, which pupils attend on a voluntary basis, although any attendance at performances of set texts is strongly advised. There is also the opportunity to become involved in departmental productions, as well as informal workshops in Greek drama.

Suggested Entrance Requirement

An aptitude for language and a capacity for hard work. Prospective pupils who wish to take Greek should discuss the possibility with the Classics Department. Previous experience of the language (e.g. Greek Club) is useful, but not essential.

WHAT THIS SUBJECT MIGHT LEAD TO:

A Greek GCSE is evidence of clarity of mind. Employers hold classicists in high regard because of their ability to think logically, and their welldeveloped communications skills. Students who study Greek may go on to study Law, Medicine, History, Politics, Modern Languages, Archaeology, Theology, English or Classics at university.

STUDYING GREEK IS A LOT OF

FUN AND IT HELPS WITH MY UNDERSTANDING OF ENGLISH AND OTHER LANGUAGES. IT IS

GREAT TO LEARN A SUBJECT

WHICH IS QUITE RARE AND THIS EXTRA QUALIFICATION SHOULD

GIVE ME AN EDGE WHEN APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY. Lola P Sixth Form

History

WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

“History gives answers only to those who know how to ask questions.” – Hajo Holborn

Knowledge of the past is fundamental in understanding the present. The way that individuals, institutions and countries react is almost always as a result of events in the past, and thus if you know and appreciate this past, then you can better deal with them in the present. This is why many lawyers, journalists and politicians have studied History. The investigative skills required to study History at A-Level teach us how to approach any piece of information, be it newspaper articles, crime scenes or political viewpoints, and look for the truth, if there is one.

TOPICS OF STUDY AT A-LEVEL

Three components including:

• Britain: Challenge & Transformation, c.1851 – 1964

• France in Revolution, 1774–1815

• Coursework (independent topic of choice)

Opportunities Beyond The Classroom

HCS Historical Society trips (both abroad and in Britain), History Society extension seminars, and visits from leading speakers.

What

THIS

SUBJECT MIGHT LEAD TO:

History is regarded as a core qualification. Students with History have gone on to be lawyers, politicians, journalists, social workers, police officers and TV presenters.

Suggested Entrance Requirement

It would be advisable to have at least a 6 in History, but a healthy interest in the subject is far more important.

STUDYING A-LEVEL HISTORY

GIVES YOU A REALLY INTERESTING VIEW OF HOW MODERN-DAY INSTITUTIONS CAME ABOUT.

Michael B Sixth Form History Student

I LOVE LEARNING NEW THINGS

WITH OUR HISTORY COURSEWORK!

Paloma M Sixth Form History Student