THE HCS DIPLOMA

ACCREDITED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF BUCKINGHAM

THE HCS DIPLOMA SITS ALONGSIDE OUR STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC STUDIES TO DEVELOP CHARACTER AND SKILLS BOTH IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM, HELPING THEM TO BECOME FULFILLED AND VALUED CITIZENS.

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Academic achievement forms just one part of the Sixth Form experience at HCS. To ensure our students leave us real-world ready, each will embark upon a two-year HCS Diploma course that is made up of the four areas below. The Diploma is a formally recognised qualification, accredited by the University of Buckingham and forms part of the ‘drop down’ menu option for our students to include in their UCAS applications.

1 Electives

These short courses are designed to equip our students with the skills, aptitudes and experiences they will need to thrive in the real world. Modules are led by external speakers and HCS staff, covering everything from coding to cooking, and managing personal finances to interview and presentation skills.

2 Project

Students undertake a project in an area of their choosing. They might learn a new language on Duo-Lingo, become a referee, set up a club for younger pupils or run a large-scale event.

Pupils can also use existing commitments such as the EPQ and Duke of Edinburgh Award as the project for their Diploma.

3 CULTURAL & PERSONAL GROWTH

To broaden horizons and support their cultural and personal growth, students enjoy the opportunity to read around and beyond their subject areas, or study for music and drama examinations.

4 COMMUNITY & EXPERIENCE

The final strand of the Diploma allows students to give back to the local community, gaining skills in leadership and service through work experience, paid or voluntary work.

Pshe

The Year 12 PSHE programme is largely delivered by invited expert speakers and covers issues such as:

• Values

• Eating Disorders

• Role of Magistrates

• Rape and Consent

• Sexual Health

• Homelessness

• Careers Advice

• Organ and Blood Donation

• Teenage Driving

• Revision Skills

• University Finance

• Binge Drinking

• Mental Well-being

• University Admissions

Extended Project Qualification

A number of students choose to take the EPQ - a research project, where students plan, research and deliver an independent project. It is worth half of the UCAS points of a full A-Level. It allows students to develop invaluable independent study skills while developing their knowledge of a subject about which they are passionate.

Positions Of Responsibility

In addition to the roles of Head and Deputy Head of School, many of our senior students become form mentors and monitors.

Through these positions of responsibility and roles within CCF and sports teams, students develop their leadership, communication and organisational skills. Working with and supporting our younger pupils allows students to grow in maturity and develop empathy. While working closely with teachers and representing the school with prospective parents, our students learn to be highly effective communicators.

A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION IS ABOUT MORE THAN WHAT HAPPENS IN THE CLASSROOM.

THAT’S WHY WE ENCOURAGE ALL OUR STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN A WIDE VARIETY OF OUTSTANDING SPORTS AND EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES.