Haywards Heath CUPP Booklet

cupp

Competitive University Preparation Programme

CUPP

Competitive University Preparation Programme When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2020.

In the second term, students will receive guidance on starting an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

For how long will I study?

For one year. Those applying to a competitive university as an early applicant will receive one hour support a week in their second year from September to December.

Taking this subject is likely to improve your performance in the other subjects you take and make you a better candidate for the most competitive university courses.

What is this course about?

This is a mentoring programme to help academically gifted students prepare for the challenge of competitive university places. In the first term of this course, students will develop new ways of thinking, expand their critical thinking skills, and increase academic literacy and confidence in discussion. There are debates and discussions in most lessons. Students work individually, in pairs, small groups and large teams to research information, evaluate the sources, deconstruct arguments and reach balanced conclusion on a wide variety of subjects. They also benefit from encouragement and intellectual stimulation from like-minded students.

Most work is presented verbally in the first term, focusing on developing the ability to think critically, to identify flaws in arguments and to consider the reliability of evidence plus the bias or vested interest an author might have.

What topics will I study?

In the first term CUPP sessions will cover a variety of topics/activities.

These include lessons that focus on: debates, teamwork, leadership, studentship skills and BABBLE! BABBLE can be used in debates and to assess academic research, it stands for: Bias, Ability to see, Balance, Back-up, Language & Expertise. There are lessons where the students select the focus of the sessions, as much as we can, we link topics to current affairs.

How will my EPQ work be assessed?

The EPQ will commence in January of Year 12 and will be completed early October of Year 13. You will choose between a dissertation, investigation, artefact or performance and you will be assessed on your ability to plan, organise, research, document, present and evaluate your performance as well as on the project itself.

Successful completion of the EPQ is equivalent to half an A Level, which provides UCAS points or reduced university offers in some cases.

What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this programme?

• A love of academic enquiry.

• A willingness to challenge yourself.

• Prepared to ‘think outside the box’ • Able to consider a range of views and prepared to change your mind.

• Ready to tackle demanding materials and difficult ideas.

What skills will I need to develop during the programme to succeed?

You need to become a very effective independent leaner and ready to tackle demanding and difficult material, You will need to develop your preparation for the next step by focusing on your own specific personal development.

Through this programme students will become: • Confident in working with information and ideas- their own and those of others.

• Responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others.

• Innovative and equipped for new and future challenges.

• Engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

If you are interested, you may nominate yourself but students will be invited to take part in the CUPP programme, Those who know they are going to apply for Oxbridge, medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine are encouraged to put themselves forward for this course.

CUPP students will have gained grades of GCSE 7, 8 and 9’s including Maths and English in the majority of their GCSEs. What do students say about this programme?

“This programme makes you stand out from other students, so it’s very useful for uni applications, but it also helps you broaden your horizons and enables you to think about issues in a much deeper and more empathetic sense.”

“Unlike many other subjects, CUPP offers the chance to challenge your own way of thinking and consider new ideas on a lesson to lesson basis.

Excellent to stretch yourself and be around like-minded people.”

“It has given me key skills which will undoubtedly be useful in further education and later in my life.

Most of all, it’s fun, you’re with likeminded people in an exciting and energetic atmosphere!”

What have I got to do in order to do well?

• Take responsibility for your own learning.

• Take an interest in world affairs.

• Be prepared to study demanding and difficult material.

• Be open minded but also prepared to put forward your own point of view.

• Engage fully in debates on topics you study.

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

Not really, this is designed to sit alongside three other A Level subjects rather than be one of your main subjects. You must consider the implications of your total workload and decide on your priorities. This programme will combine well with all academic courses.

CUPP is part of the Aspire Programme. All students are invited to Aspire events and activities. Please see the Aspire Programme Guide for more information.

What do people study with CUPP and EPQ? Former students have gone on to read; Chemistry at Bristol, Theology at Durham, Veterinary Science at Royal Veterinary College, Mathematics at Cambridge, Philosophy at Bournemouth, Biology at Imperial, History at Oxford, Medicine at University College

London, Astrophysics at Sussex and many more.

If you are determined to go to a top university to study a challenging degree subject this programme provides you with the experiences and skills required to succeed at the rigorous university selection process.

It enables you to discover what you think about the most important topics of the day, to present arguments clearly, to refine your debating skills and to write persuasively and coherently about complex ideas.

Many CUPP students fully embrace college life and become student reps, ambassadors, and run clubs and academies.

Top universities welcome students with these abilities and our students have enjoyed discussing their experience of CUPP, their EPQ and Aspire activities on UCAS personal statements and during university admissions interviews.

Changing Lives Through learning.

@HH_College

@ haywardsheath.ac.uk

@HHCollege

01444 711 900

@HHCollege

Harlands Road Haywards Heath RH16 1LT

Come see what we can offer you.

Visit us at one of our Open Events.

2019

2020

Tuesday 24th Oct 2019 4:30 - 7:00pm

Tuesday 11th Feb 2020 4:30 - 7:00pm

Saturday 16th Nov 2019 10:00am - 1:00 pm

Tuesday 23rd June 2020 10:00am - 1:00pm

All info correct at date of issue.

Please check haywardsheath.ac.uk for updates.